The Manual of Strategic Planning for Cultural Organizations adopts a hollistic approach to the creative world of cultural institutions. By encompassing museums, art galleries, gardens, zoos, science centers, historic sites, cultural centers, festivals, and performing arts, this book responds to the reality that boundaries are being blurred among institutional types—with many gardens incorporating exhibitions, many museums part of multidisciplinary cultural centers and festivals.. As cultural leaders transform the arts in the twenty-first century, this “whole career” manual will prepare readers for every stage. Three key areas covered are: Leadership change. This chapter explains the role of strategic planning when an institution is going through the process of hiring a new director. A question we are frequently asked is “Should the strategic plan precede the search process or should it wait until the new director takes up the position?” Institutional change. Increasingly, cultural organizations are going through major change: from public-sector agencies to nonprofit corporations; from private ownership to non-profit status; from nonprofit status to a foundation, and many other variations. This book addresses the role of strategic planning during these transitions. Staff empowerment. This manual addresses the opportunities for staff at all levelsto grow by participating in strategic planning. This edition focuses on how to engage and empower staff. A Guide for Museums, Performing Arts, Science Centers, Public Gardens, Heritage Sites, Libraries, Archives, and Zoos is a game-changing book with broad reach into the cultural sector, while still serving the museum community.

While some view strategic planning with trepidation, it is one of a museum's strongest tools for improving quality, motivating staff and board members, adapting to environmental changes, and preparing the groundwork for future initiatives. The Manual of Strategic Planning for Museums offers proven methods for successful strategic planning in museums from two experienced leaders in the field.

Going beyond the traditional application of strategic planning, this book also addresses issues for the nonprofit sector and global aspects of strategic planning.

"A guide for strategic planning in the arts, based on the current ecology of arts organizations and the culture surrounding them"--

The bestselling guide to nonprofit planning, with proven,practical advice Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations describesa proven method for creating an effective, organized, actionablestrategy, tailored to the unique needs of the nonprofitorganization. Now in its third edition, this bestselling manualcontains new information about the value of plans, specificguidance toward business planning, and additional information aboutthe strategic plan document itself. Real-world case studiesillustrate different planning and implementation scenarios andtechniques, and the companion website offers templates, tools, andworksheets that streamline the process. The book provides expertinsight, describing common misperceptions and pitfalls to avoid,helping readers craft a strategic plan that adheres to the corevalues of the organization. A well-honed strategic plan helps nonprofit managers setpriorities, and acquire and allocate the resources necessary toachieve their goals. It also provides a framework for handlingchallenges, and keeps the focus on the organization's priorities.Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations is anexcellent source of guidance for managers at nonprofits of everysize and budget, helping readers to: Identify the reasons for planning, and gather information frominternal and external stakeholders Assess the current situation accurately, and agree onpriorities, mission, values, and vision Prioritize goals and objectives for the plan, and develop adetailed implementation strategy Evaluate and monitor a changing environment, updating roles,goals, and parameters as needed Different organizations have different needs, processes,resources, and priorities. The one thing they have in common is theneed for a no-nonsense approach to planning with practical guidanceand a customizable framework. Strategic Planning for NonprofitOrganizations takes the fear out of planning, with expertguidance on the nonprofit's most vital management activity.

This book and the accompanying templates will model the kind of thinking that is required not only to create a strategic plan that is tailored to each institution, but also to stay focused on the strategic aspects of governance while implementing that plan.