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Ep 17 - Unlocking Success: Strategies for Effective Nonprofit Strategic Planning with Andrea Ortega

In this episode of The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, May Harris, Esq., MA, sits down with Andrea Ortega, MNM, CNP, the Founder and CEO of Palante Nonprofits, LLC, to delve into the intricate world of strategic planning for nonprofits. Andrea brings a wealth of experience and insight into guiding nonprofits through strategic growth and sustainability.

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, May Harris, Esq., MA, sits down with Andrea Ortega, MNM, CNP, the Founder and CEO of Palante Nonprofits, LLC, to delve into the intricate world of strategic planning for nonprofits. Andrea brings a wealth of experience and insight into guiding nonprofits through strategic growth and sustainability.

Meet Andrea Ortega


Andrea Ortega's journey into the nonprofit sector is as unique as it is inspiring. With a background in Engineering, Andrea stumbled into the nonprofit world when she was handed a flyer for an organization in need of new board members. What started as a volunteer opportunity quickly evolved into a passion for driving change and making a meaningful impact. Today, as the founder of Palante Nonprofits, Andrea is dedicated to empowering nonprofits through strategic planning, implementation guidance, and specialized training programs, with a focus on scalability and sustainability.

What Kind of People Need Nonprofit Consultants?

Many of Andrea's clients find themselves in the grassroots phase, seeking to expand their reach and impact. They often come to her seeking guidance on navigating the complexities of growth while maintaining their core mission and values. Andrea's “sweet spot” lies in working with smaller organizations on the cusp of growth, helping them transition from managing everything themselves to building a solid foundation for future astronomical success.

Navigating the Challenges of Growth

As nonprofits scale, they inevitably encounter new challenges and responsibilities. Andrea aptly describes this transition with the phrase "More Money More Problems" and May chimes in with her version, "New Level New Devil." With increased funding and resources come heightened expectations and complexities. So, seeking out the help you need, whether in online nonprofit forums or by contacting a nonprofit professional, can be crucial to the success of your organization.

Overcoming Obstacles

During periods of growth and transition, organizations often struggle with maintaining sustainability and staying aligned with their strategic goals. Andrea emphasizes the importance of investing in sustainability, keeping strategic plans as living documents, and keeping track of KPI’s to observe successes and failures. May suggests also setting both long-term and short-term goals to track progress effectively, without getting discouraged, as well as striving to possess a growth mindset in this age of constant change. When an employee or volunteer has an idea to implement a new program or software, be willing to listen to truly consider the potential opportunities.

Sharing Keys to Success

In the spirit of nonprofit collaboration, May and Andrea discuss the culture of generosity within the nonprofit community. Nonprofit leaders are often eager to share their insights and best practices through online forums and networking events. However, May stresses the importance of tailoring these insights to fit the unique needs and circumstances of each organization. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to strategic planning and governance.

Conclusion

Strategic planning is not just a roadmap; it's a compass that guides nonprofits through the ever-changing landscape of social impact. With the expertise and guidance of professionals like Andrea and May, nonprofits can navigate the challenges of growth with confidence and clarity. By investing in sustainability, fostering a growth mindset, and leveraging the collective wisdom of the nonprofit community, organizations can unlock their full potential and create lasting change in the world.

Subscribe to the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast today to stay on top of the latest insights and strategies about improving your nonprofit organization’s financial wellness and reinforcing long-term success and impact. For even more updates and valuable content, be sure to follow Nonprofit Counsel on LinkedIn and Instagram.