Aspen Impact helps nonprofit executives and boards plan new services, community outreach, and operating models. The approach includes:

• Brainstorming options for the future
• Evaluating the potential for each program area
• Determining the fit between the opportunity and the organization's staff and brand
• Weighing the needs of community members, funders, and other constituents
• Determining whether to launch for-profit ventures
• Choosing the best options for the future
• Specifying the steps necessary for the plan to succeed

The strategic planning process engages a team of representatives from the nonprofit organization's board and staff. To ensure the strategic plan will be ambitious and feasible, Aspen Impact guides the team beyond the "mission statement and SWOT flipcharts" approach found in basic strategic planning retreats. The Aspen Impact approach gets to the specifics about the vision, resources, tradeoffs, and positioning to serve a community better and run a smooth operation. Even after the planning, Aspen Impact guides the executive director and planning team for a defined period to ensure the plan works.