My custom strategic planning workshops prepare Free and Charitable Clinics, Charitable Pharmacies, and their allies to develop data-informed, high-quality, and living strategic plans that support increased access to healthcare for the underserved. Content is developed from my 10 years of experience working with Free and Charitable Clinics at different stages of development.
Slides: Bold Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times
Click the image to download my presentation for the 2026 Annual Conference of the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.
Strategic Planning Readiness Considerations
Many factors can contribute to an organization's readiness for strategic planning. This list provides a summary of selected key indicators.
Absence of Crises
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Organizational finances are stable.
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A plan is in place to manage any disruptions in finances or leadership that occur during the strategic planning process.
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Alternates have been identified to complete the strategic plan if the primary person responsible for key roles (e.g., executive, board chair) becomes unavailable.
Expectations
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A professional outside the organization will be leading the strategic planning process.
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Adequate funding has been allocated to support the strategic planning process.
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Board, staff, volunteers, and partners share an understanding of how the strategic planning process will work.
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Leadership is committed to providing the resources needed to implement the strategic plan once it is agreed upon.
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Staff workloads are managed to support their time to participate in the strategic planning process.
Assessment
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​Leadership is committed to a well-rounded and critical review of current programs and need.
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Qualitative and quantitative data will be gathered from a variety of sources to inform priorities and goal- and objective-setting.
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Perspectives from partners, volunteers, patients, staff, and board members will be incorporated into the assessment.
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Key health indicators from the community and clinic (e.g., Roadmap to Health Equity) are used to develop baselines and targets for objectives.
Engagement
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The Strategic Planning Team represents a mix of perspectives, such as big picture thinking, partnerships, finance, staff and volunteer management, and patient advocacy.
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Those involved in the strategic planning process understand their roles, tasks, and how decisions will be made regarding prioritization.​
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Key results or findings from the strategic planning process are shared with those who participated.
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Key results or findings are communicated to funders, donors, and other key stakeholders.