Strategic Planning for Nonprofits

Why Do Strategies Fail?

Build a Better Strategic Plan

Research shows that anywhere from 50% to 90% of strategic plans fail to deliver meaningful results — not exactly a glowing endorsement for strategic planning.

Is it that the wrong solutions get chosen? Or that the plans aren’t implemented well? Both can be true, but in our experience, the real problem starts earlier: the leaders never agreed on the core issues to address.

Sometimes, everyone assumes they see the situation the same way. Sometimes they don’t take the time to agree. Sometimes, it isn’t safe to share conflicting views, so differences are explained away. The result is a mishmash of “imperatives” and “initiatives” that add to everyone’s workload but don’t connect to growth.

Sound familiar? When everyone wants to create something better but nothing changes, it’s time for a different approach.

The Ariadne Strategy Framework

Most strategic plans fail because they fall into one of two traps.

Some are too fluffy, heavy on vision and values, but light on clear choices. Everyone feels inspired, but no one knows what to do differently on Monday.

Others are too tactical—lists of operational imperatives masquerading as strategy. "Do more do better, do it quicker." Without differentiation or deliberate trade-offs, they're just work plans with a nicer cover.

The Ariadne Strategy Framework fixes that by weaving together three layers of Identity, Focus, and Execution so every choice connects back to who you are and where you're going.

Learn the Framework Download the Guide

MFM Ariadne Strategy Framework - December 2025 v20-Final-White-Sm

Strategic Planning & Prioritization

Write your organization’s next chapter with a plan that inspires agreement and action.

How do we understand our landscape and adapt to what is changing?
How do we create a strategy that works–and that everyone believes in?

Revenue Growth & Fundraising Strategy

Grow your impact with donor and customer-centered strategies that work.

Where can we get the funding we need, and how do we grow it?
What partners, programs, and structure will best amplify our mission and brand?

Movement & Audience Growth

Find your tribe and invite them into something that matters.

Who are our core audiences, and what do they need?
How can we inspire our audiences to spread the word?

Building Shared Focus

Rally your board and team around shared priorities and a clear path forward.

Who do we need to involve to build a strategy we’ll stick to?
How do we surface disconnects, talk about what matters, and get on the same page?

Strategy

Preserving Your Inspiration

Over the holidays, I re-read The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. It's a wonderful book,…

2 min read

Fundraising

The Community You'll Need in Five Years

Strategy isn't just about what you'll do. It's about who you'll need to do it with.

6 min read

Strategy

The Free Guide to the Ariadne Strategy Framework Is Here

Over the last few months, we've been writing about the gap between where most nonpr…

2 min read

“My team and I have worked with Jeff and More For Many when we’ve needed intelligent advice paired with thoughtful wisdom. A high-performing team needs high-performing input, and Jeff brings a rare blend of strategic thinking coupled with a perceptive ear. Highly recommended.”

Liam Killeen

CEO, Wells Enterprises

“Working with Jeff at More For Many was truly one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. His approach helped our leaders discover the foundation for our entire strategy. Our work together made Horton Group a better, more purposeful organization.”

Dan Horton

CEO, the Horton Group

"Working with Jeff at More For Many is such a gratifying experience. His thoughtful counsel has enabled me to advance our mission far beyond our wildest expectations. He listens intently, works rigorously, and possesses a remarkable skill set."