Sheryl Foster
@getimpact.bsky.social
Helping nonprofits turn big visions into real results through strategy, research & evaluation. And maybe snacks. No mission drift here. Substack: esherylaccount.substack.com
If your board book could double as a doorstop, it’s not a tool. It’s a prop.
Boards exist to govern, not admire dashboards.
👉 Focus beats volume: https://esherylaccount.substack.com/p/focus-beats-volume?r=5rxpmj
Boards exist to govern, not admire dashboards.
👉 Focus beats volume: https://esherylaccount.substack.com/p/focus-beats-volume?r=5rxpmj
August 28, 2025 at 3:36 PM
If your board book could double as a doorstop, it’s not a tool. It’s a prop.
Boards exist to govern, not admire dashboards.
👉 Focus beats volume: https://esherylaccount.substack.com/p/focus-beats-volume?r=5rxpmj
Boards exist to govern, not admire dashboards.
👉 Focus beats volume: https://esherylaccount.substack.com/p/focus-beats-volume?r=5rxpmj
Glossy reports. Perfect charts. No real learning.
That’s not evaluation. That’s theater.
Here’s how to make it useful again → https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/when-evaluation-is-a-performance?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
That’s not evaluation. That’s theater.
Here’s how to make it useful again → https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/when-evaluation-is-a-performance?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
August 12, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Glossy reports. Perfect charts. No real learning.
That’s not evaluation. That’s theater.
Here’s how to make it useful again → https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/when-evaluation-is-a-performance?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
That’s not evaluation. That’s theater.
Here’s how to make it useful again → https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/when-evaluation-is-a-performance?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Not all data is good data.
Especially when no one’s using it.
Here are 3 ways to measure what matters—without burying your team in busywork:
🔗 https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/3-ways-to-measure-what-really-matters?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
#No
Especially when no one’s using it.
Here are 3 ways to measure what matters—without burying your team in busywork:
🔗 https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/3-ways-to-measure-what-really-matters?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
#No
August 4, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Not all data is good data.
Especially when no one’s using it.
Here are 3 ways to measure what matters—without burying your team in busywork:
🔗 https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/3-ways-to-measure-what-really-matters?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
#No
Especially when no one’s using it.
Here are 3 ways to measure what matters—without burying your team in busywork:
🔗 https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/3-ways-to-measure-what-really-matters?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
#No
H.R. 1 isn’t just a policy shift. It’s a strategy stress test.
Higher demand. Fewer resources. More compliance risk.
Nonprofits need to be ready. Now.
📝https://substack.com/home/post/p-168424168
#NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion #HR1
Higher demand. Fewer resources. More compliance risk.
Nonprofits need to be ready. Now.
📝https://substack.com/home/post/p-168424168
#NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion #HR1
July 21, 2025 at 8:24 PM
H.R. 1 isn’t just a policy shift. It’s a strategy stress test.
Higher demand. Fewer resources. More compliance risk.
Nonprofits need to be ready. Now.
📝https://substack.com/home/post/p-168424168
#NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion #HR1
Higher demand. Fewer resources. More compliance risk.
Nonprofits need to be ready. Now.
📝https://substack.com/home/post/p-168424168
#NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion #HR1
Evaluation doesn’t have to be 100 pages.
Sometimes it's a conversation with the right people, asking the right questions.
Keep it useful.
Sometimes it's a conversation with the right people, asking the right questions.
Keep it useful.
July 9, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Evaluation doesn’t have to be 100 pages.
Sometimes it's a conversation with the right people, asking the right questions.
Keep it useful.
Sometimes it's a conversation with the right people, asking the right questions.
Keep it useful.
What nonprofits miss when they skip evaluation:
– Lessons from failure
– Momentum from progress
– A story funders want to hear
#NonprofitImpact #LearningOrganizations
– Lessons from failure
– Momentum from progress
– A story funders want to hear
#NonprofitImpact #LearningOrganizations
July 6, 2025 at 9:04 PM
What nonprofits miss when they skip evaluation:
– Lessons from failure
– Momentum from progress
– A story funders want to hear
#NonprofitImpact #LearningOrganizations
– Lessons from failure
– Momentum from progress
– A story funders want to hear
#NonprofitImpact #LearningOrganizations
If your evaluation ends with a report that no one reads, it's not evaluation, it's paperwork.
#NonprofitLeadership #EvaluationMatters
#NonprofitLeadership #EvaluationMatters
July 3, 2025 at 8:16 PM
If your evaluation ends with a report that no one reads, it's not evaluation, it's paperwork.
#NonprofitLeadership #EvaluationMatters
#NonprofitLeadership #EvaluationMatters
Your strategic plan shouldn’t sit on a shelf.
It should live in your meetings, your budget, and your decisions.
If it’s collecting dust, it’s time to refresh. #StrategyInAction #NonprofitLeadership
It should live in your meetings, your budget, and your decisions.
If it’s collecting dust, it’s time to refresh. #StrategyInAction #NonprofitLeadership
June 30, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Your strategic plan shouldn’t sit on a shelf.
It should live in your meetings, your budget, and your decisions.
If it’s collecting dust, it’s time to refresh. #StrategyInAction #NonprofitLeadership
It should live in your meetings, your budget, and your decisions.
If it’s collecting dust, it’s time to refresh. #StrategyInAction #NonprofitLeadership
Strategic planning = investing time today to save time tomorrow.
It keeps your nonprofit from chasing distractions and aligns everyone behind what truly matters. #PlanWithPurpose
It keeps your nonprofit from chasing distractions and aligns everyone behind what truly matters. #PlanWithPurpose
June 26, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Strategic planning = investing time today to save time tomorrow.
It keeps your nonprofit from chasing distractions and aligns everyone behind what truly matters. #PlanWithPurpose
It keeps your nonprofit from chasing distractions and aligns everyone behind what truly matters. #PlanWithPurpose
A clear mission is the heartbeat of every solid strategic plan.
If your mission is fuzzy, your plan will be too.
Start with clarity.
#VisionDrivenResults #NonprofitPlanning
If your mission is fuzzy, your plan will be too.
Start with clarity.
#VisionDrivenResults #NonprofitPlanning
June 23, 2025 at 7:23 PM
A clear mission is the heartbeat of every solid strategic plan.
If your mission is fuzzy, your plan will be too.
Start with clarity.
#VisionDrivenResults #NonprofitPlanning
If your mission is fuzzy, your plan will be too.
Start with clarity.
#VisionDrivenResults #NonprofitPlanning
11/ Ready to refresh your plan?
✅ Download the Readiness Checklist
tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
Your mission deserves a plan that stays in motion. Let’s make it happen. #NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion
✅ Download the Readiness Checklist
tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
Your mission deserves a plan that stays in motion. Let’s make it happen. #NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion
Strategic Planning Readiness Checklist.pdf
tinyurl.com
June 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
11/ Ready to refresh your plan?
✅ Download the Readiness Checklist
tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
Your mission deserves a plan that stays in motion. Let’s make it happen. #NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion
✅ Download the Readiness Checklist
tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
Your mission deserves a plan that stays in motion. Let’s make it happen. #NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion
10/ Adaptive strategy is smart strategy.
As @LaPianaConsulting says, today’s plans must move with your mission—not lag behind it.
As @LaPianaConsulting says, today’s plans must move with your mission—not lag behind it.
June 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
10/ Adaptive strategy is smart strategy.
As @LaPianaConsulting says, today’s plans must move with your mission—not lag behind it.
As @LaPianaConsulting says, today’s plans must move with your mission—not lag behind it.
9/ A strategy that’s lived—not shelved—helps your org:
• Make better decisions
• Stay aligned with mission
• Respond to change
• Avoid mission drift
Celebrate progress. Adapt what’s not working. Keep learning.
• Make better decisions
• Stay aligned with mission
• Respond to change
• Avoid mission drift
Celebrate progress. Adapt what’s not working. Keep learning.
June 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
9/ A strategy that’s lived—not shelved—helps your org:
• Make better decisions
• Stay aligned with mission
• Respond to change
• Avoid mission drift
Celebrate progress. Adapt what’s not working. Keep learning.
• Make better decisions
• Stay aligned with mission
• Respond to change
• Avoid mission drift
Celebrate progress. Adapt what’s not working. Keep learning.
8/ rategic plan should shape:
• Staff + board meetings
• Budget priorities
• New initiatives
Build habits:
📆 Quarterly reviews
🗣 Regular discussions
🎯 Tie goals to funding + action
• Staff + board meetings
• Budget priorities
• New initiatives
Build habits:
📆 Quarterly reviews
🗣 Regular discussions
🎯 Tie goals to funding + action
June 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
8/ rategic plan should shape:
• Staff + board meetings
• Budget priorities
• New initiatives
Build habits:
📆 Quarterly reviews
🗣 Regular discussions
🎯 Tie goals to funding + action
• Staff + board meetings
• Budget priorities
• New initiatives
Build habits:
📆 Quarterly reviews
🗣 Regular discussions
🎯 Tie goals to funding + action
7/ According to Board Source, orgs that revisit strategy regularly are better equipped for change.
Strategy isn’t a one-time event—it’s a leadership habit.
Strategy isn’t a one-time event—it’s a leadership habit.
June 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
7/ According to Board Source, orgs that revisit strategy regularly are better equipped for change.
Strategy isn’t a one-time event—it’s a leadership habit.
Strategy isn’t a one-time event—it’s a leadership habit.
6/ Step 2: Reground in Mission and Reality
Dust off the plan. Ask:
• Does it reflect who we are today?
• Has our environment changed?
• What’s working—and what’s not?
Strategy should evolve with your programs, community, and partners.
Dust off the plan. Ask:
• Does it reflect who we are today?
• Has our environment changed?
• What’s working—and what’s not?
Strategy should evolve with your programs, community, and partners.
June 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
6/ Step 2: Reground in Mission and Reality
Dust off the plan. Ask:
• Does it reflect who we are today?
• Has our environment changed?
• What’s working—and what’s not?
Strategy should evolve with your programs, community, and partners.
Dust off the plan. Ask:
• Does it reflect who we are today?
• Has our environment changed?
• What’s working—and what’s not?
Strategy should evolve with your programs, community, and partners.
5/ Step 1: Start with a Readiness Check
Before diving in, ask:
• Is leadership aligned?
• Do we have time & energy to engage?
• Are we committed to using the plan?
👉 Use this checklist to assess: tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
Before diving in, ask:
• Is leadership aligned?
• Do we have time & energy to engage?
• Are we committed to using the plan?
👉 Use this checklist to assess: tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
Strategic Planning Readiness Checklist.pdf
tinyurl.com
June 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
5/ Step 1: Start with a Readiness Check
Before diving in, ask:
• Is leadership aligned?
• Do we have time & energy to engage?
• Are we committed to using the plan?
👉 Use this checklist to assess: tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
Before diving in, ask:
• Is leadership aligned?
• Do we have time & energy to engage?
• Are we committed to using the plan?
👉 Use this checklist to assess: tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
4/ If your answers fall on the right side... it’s time for a strategy refresh.
Good news: You don’t have to start over.
Here are 3 steps to revive and realign your strategic plan so it supports real impact. 👇
Good news: You don’t have to start over.
Here are 3 steps to revive and realign your strategic plan so it supports real impact. 👇
June 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
4/ If your answers fall on the right side... it’s time for a strategy refresh.
Good news: You don’t have to start over.
Here are 3 steps to revive and realign your strategic plan so it supports real impact. 👇
Good news: You don’t have to start over.
Here are 3 steps to revive and realign your strategic plan so it supports real impact. 👇
3/ Ask your team:
✅ Useful | ⚠️ Outdated
— Goals still align | Priorities feel off
— Referenced in meetings | Forgotten
— Used in decisions | Ignored for months
— Staff own it | Board was left out
— Progress tracked | No one’s sure where we are
✅ Useful | ⚠️ Outdated
— Goals still align | Priorities feel off
— Referenced in meetings | Forgotten
— Used in decisions | Ignored for months
— Staff own it | Board was left out
— Progress tracked | No one’s sure where we are
June 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
3/ Ask your team:
✅ Useful | ⚠️ Outdated
— Goals still align | Priorities feel off
— Referenced in meetings | Forgotten
— Used in decisions | Ignored for months
— Staff own it | Board was left out
— Progress tracked | No one’s sure where we are
✅ Useful | ⚠️ Outdated
— Goals still align | Priorities feel off
— Referenced in meetings | Forgotten
— Used in decisions | Ignored for months
— Staff own it | Board was left out
— Progress tracked | No one’s sure where we are
2/ A study by @BridgespanGroup found most nonprofits create strategic plans—but far fewer use them as dynamic tools.
Even great plans lose impact if they’re not regularly revisited and reconnected to daily work.
Is your plan outdated or still useful?
Even great plans lose impact if they’re not regularly revisited and reconnected to daily work.
Is your plan outdated or still useful?
June 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM
2/ A study by @BridgespanGroup found most nonprofits create strategic plans—but far fewer use them as dynamic tools.
Even great plans lose impact if they’re not regularly revisited and reconnected to daily work.
Is your plan outdated or still useful?
Even great plans lose impact if they’re not regularly revisited and reconnected to daily work.
Is your plan outdated or still useful?
1/ 🧵 Strategic plans shouldn’t collect dust.
If you’ve ever said:
• “We have a plan, but no one looks at it.”
• “It’s sitting on a shelf.”
• “Our plan was great… 3 years ago.”
You’re not alone—and there’s a better way. ⬇️
If you’ve ever said:
• “We have a plan, but no one looks at it.”
• “It’s sitting on a shelf.”
• “Our plan was great… 3 years ago.”
You’re not alone—and there’s a better way. ⬇️
June 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM
1/ 🧵 Strategic plans shouldn’t collect dust.
If you’ve ever said:
• “We have a plan, but no one looks at it.”
• “It’s sitting on a shelf.”
• “Our plan was great… 3 years ago.”
You’re not alone—and there’s a better way. ⬇️
If you’ve ever said:
• “We have a plan, but no one looks at it.”
• “It’s sitting on a shelf.”
• “Our plan was great… 3 years ago.”
You’re not alone—and there’s a better way. ⬇️
💬 3 questions every nonprofit should ask before planning:
What’s changed since our last plan?
What do we want to achieve next?
Who needs to be at the table?
#StrategicThinking #NonprofitBoard
What’s changed since our last plan?
What do we want to achieve next?
Who needs to be at the table?
#StrategicThinking #NonprofitBoard
June 16, 2025 at 9:50 PM
💬 3 questions every nonprofit should ask before planning:
What’s changed since our last plan?
What do we want to achieve next?
Who needs to be at the table?
#StrategicThinking #NonprofitBoard
What’s changed since our last plan?
What do we want to achieve next?
Who needs to be at the table?
#StrategicThinking #NonprofitBoard
Strategic planning isn’t for when things are calm—it’s for when things are changing.
It’s your anchor in uncertainty and your map for growth. 📍 #NonprofitResilience #StrategicPlanning
It’s your anchor in uncertainty and your map for growth. 📍 #NonprofitResilience #StrategicPlanning
June 12, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Strategic planning isn’t for when things are calm—it’s for when things are changing.
It’s your anchor in uncertainty and your map for growth. 📍 #NonprofitResilience #StrategicPlanning
It’s your anchor in uncertainty and your map for growth. 📍 #NonprofitResilience #StrategicPlanning
💡 Pro tip: Start strategic planning with readiness.
Ask: Are we aligned on vision? Do we have capacity? Can we commit the time?
If not, you’re not planning—you’re guessing.
Download my free strategic planning readiness checklist:
👉https://tinyurl.com/Strategic-Plan-Checklist
#NonprofitStrategy
Ask: Are we aligned on vision? Do we have capacity? Can we commit the time?
If not, you’re not planning—you’re guessing.
Download my free strategic planning readiness checklist:
👉https://tinyurl.com/Strategic-Plan-Checklist
#NonprofitStrategy
Strategic Planning Readiness Checklist.pdf
tinyurl.com
June 10, 2025 at 8:25 PM
💡 Pro tip: Start strategic planning with readiness.
Ask: Are we aligned on vision? Do we have capacity? Can we commit the time?
If not, you’re not planning—you’re guessing.
Download my free strategic planning readiness checklist:
👉https://tinyurl.com/Strategic-Plan-Checklist
#NonprofitStrategy
Ask: Are we aligned on vision? Do we have capacity? Can we commit the time?
If not, you’re not planning—you’re guessing.
Download my free strategic planning readiness checklist:
👉https://tinyurl.com/Strategic-Plan-Checklist
#NonprofitStrategy