Program Description

New for 2026!

It can feel overwhelming to begin the strategic planning process. But strategic planning is one of the most powerful tools your organization can utilize.

This hands-on professional development course equips participants with the tools and knowledge to create, refine, and implement a strategic plan that aligns organizational goals.   Through practical lessons and real-world examples, participants will gain clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies to lead their organization to a sustainable future.

Program Benefits

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Articulate the importance of a strategic plan
• Distinguish between strategic plans and other planning documents (e.g., business plans, staffing plans).
• Understand how a strategic plan improves marketing, communications, fundraising, general operations, and workplace culture.
• Define and articulate mission, vision, and values.
• Assess organizational readiness using an infrastructure checklist.
• Engage stakeholders—especially donors and program participants—in the planning process.
• Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify internal and external factors that impact strategic priorities.
• Set clear goals, objectives, and outcomes using the SMART framework.
• Select and track performance metrics (KPIs).
• Develop timelines, assign responsibilities, and create accountability systems.
• Explore alternative templates to find a planning format that fits your organizational needs.
• Create a strategic plan
• Integrate the strategic plan into everyday operations for long-term success.

Topics Covered

• Strategic thinking & organizational alignment
• Stakeholder engagement & facilitation
• SWOT analysis & problem-solving
• Goal setting & outcome measurement
• Project management & task delegation
• Internal communication & implementation planning

Who Should Enroll

This course is ideal for nonprofit leaders, program managers, development professionals, and anyone involved in organizational planning.

This program is 100% online and can be taken from anywhere! The course is offered synchronously, on Eastern Time.

All of our professional development and continuing education programs are open to the public. You do not need to be a UMaine student, staff member or faculty in order to participate.

Program details

Instructor

Elizabeth Haffey is a Maine-based consultant and professional grant writer who has raised over $2.5 million in grant funding. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and a Certificate in French from The George Washington University, as well as a Certificate in Grant Writing from the University of Maine Hutchinson Center. Elizabeth specializes in supporting nonprofit organizations, but has also worked with municipalities, hospital systems, school systems, small businesses, and Chambers of Commerce.

Dates and Times

September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
Register by July 24

Pre-class work will be sent a week before the start of the program.

Modality

This dynamic program will be offered synchronously via Zoom—you’ll need access to a stable internet connection. There will be assignments between classes (as well as time during sessions to work on your proposals). Breakout sessions with other participants as well as one on one time with the instructor are built into the program.

Program Fee

$895

Maine Community Foundation Scholarship Resources

Class Capacity

14 participants

evidence of Learning

Accommodations

For more information or to request an accommodation contact um.continuinged@maine.edu, 207.581.3167.