Created: July 23, 2013 at 1:06 PM | Updated: September 28, 2018 | By Community Resource Kit
A plan is like a recipe, it gives you the ingredients and their quantities, how to put it all together and in what order so that you get what you envisioned. Planning can be simple or detailed, depending on the size and purpose of your group. Good planning enables you to clearly describe to people outside the group your intentions, goals and progress.
A plan enables your group to:
There are different types of plans and each is dealt with below or elsewhere in this information. It depends on the size of your group, or project, whether you use them all or just some of them.
Type of plan |
Description |
Timeframe |
Responsibility |
Strategic plan |
|
|
Governing body (the committee/ board) |
Operational plan/business plan (also called annual plan) |
|
Annual
|
Management (with people nominated for each of the action steps) |
Project plan (or action plan) |
A detailed plan - event management or project management. |
One-off, as required
|
Management (usually with a project manager) |
Financial plan
|
Includes a budget and forecast (see Financial planning). |
Usually annual
|
Treasurer (with other people in the organisation) |
Communications plan
|
For the communication activity of the group, or for a specific project or programme (see Your communications plan). |
For the group as a whole and for specific projects
|
Management
|
Marketing plan
|
Linked to the operational plan - focus on how your group reaches its market(s), including current and potential members as well as the wider community/clients. |
Annual links to operational plan and communication plan
|
Management
|
Feasibility study
|
An initial planning process to check on whether the idea for a community project/organisation is realistic (feasible).
|
Before setting up your group and/or before starting a major project |
Management
|
Risk management plan
|
A plan that documents how you identify and reduce potential risks.
|
Often associated with specific projects |
Management
|
Any plan is a living document that is developed and regularly reviewed and modified. As your organisation changes and grows, your group must continue to meet the changing needs of your community.
SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and with a Timeframe.
The planning and evaluation processes are basically the same regardless of the type of plan you're developing.