Frequently Asked Project Questions

Why is the cost of strategic planning significantly higher than other service offerings?

Strategic planning is a comprehensive process that unfolds in three distinct phases. The first phase involves pre-planning discovery and research, the second phase focuses on refining the organization's mission, vision, and value, and the third phase centers around the actual development of the strategic plan using data collected throughout phases one through two. Pricing is also based on the size and complexity of the organization. It can range from  $12,000 for smaller organizations and upwards of $20,000+ for more extensive, older, more established organizations which require significant use of staff time both in the office and in the field. 

• Phase 1- Pre-Strategic Planning and Discovery Research and S.W.O.T. Analysis- Involves professional virtual organizational assessment and report development. Interviews with the board and staff to discuss how the organization runs its daily operations. Virtual and in-person interviews are conducted with staff, the board, key stakeholders, and program participants.  S.W.O.T. analysis is conducted with Board and executive leadership staff with a report of findings 

• Phase 2: Refinement and Review of Mission, Vision, and Values—A Virtual or In-person workshop to review and refine the organization's mission, vision, and values to ensure alignment with future-focused long-range planning and goal setting. 

• Phase 3: Development of Action Plan—Facilitated in-person workshop experience guided by findings from the S.W.O.T. Analysis, Organizational Assessment, and Discovery Research. Completion of Final Analysis Report and delivery of Strategic Plan document to the organization for review and acceptance. 

How long is the time commitment for the Strategic Plan Development?

The time commitment for Strategic Planning depends on the availability of staff and board to attend the various sessions and phases throughout the process. This can occur over just a few weeks in person utilizing an in-person event such as a board retreat or over 3 months with a combination of in-person and virtual activities, with the final plan facilitation occurring over a 1-day in-person workshop experience at a location designated and secured by the client. Each client is different, and we work closely with you to customize the process as much as possible to fit your organization's current operations structure. The time allotment for completing all phases of the process is capped at 3 months, with planned delivery within 30 days of all data collection and facilitation.

How long is the commitment for the Program Design & Logic Model Development?

Our custom logic model and program evaluation design can be conducted virtually or in person and occurs throughout 6 1.5  hour sessions if virtually, or a 1-day (8hr) workshop  in person

Will we receive templates or worksheets to help us organize our thoughts before S.W.O.T, Logic Model, and Strategic Planning sessions?

Yes, prior to all interactions that require brainstorming, each member of your team will receive a calendar invite with worksheets, guidebooks, and/or templates attached to help you prepare for the session.

What is the time commitment for the Board and Staff for Program Design and Logic Model Development?

The program design aspect of your programs usually falls on the Executive Director, making them and any staff involved in direct programming the main participants in this activity. It is always good to involve at least one board member, but it's not a requirement of the process.

What is the time commitment for the Board and Staff for Strategic Planning?

The Board and Staff will both need to be heavily involved in any strategic planning process. For the SWOT analysis, stakeholder interview sessions, and surveys, Board participation is paramount to getting a full picture of the organization's current state before moving into a long-range planning activity. 

With your team being out of state, how often can we conduct these activities in person?

Since the pandemic of 2020, our firm has been forced, as were many others, to expand our service offerings further, which could be offered virtually. Since then, nearly all of our services have been offered at a reduced cost to our clients using a combination of both in-person and virtual offerings. Clients within a 6-hour max drive time can negotiate additional in-person time before committing to any project. Depending on the organization's size, we are happy to absorb some travel costs to help further your project goals on a more personal level. Clients in cities within a 6-hour drive time of our main offices located in the Atlanta metro area will not incur airfare fees unless a time constraint or scheduling issues occur that require flying vs driving. Clients over the max 6-hour drive time will incur airfare fees based on the size and scope of your project. If you want travel costs included in your proposal, let us know before or after receiving your estimate. It is our experience that each organization has different arrangements with hotels, sponsors, and board members that can help with travel

What documents are required upfront before the first logic model or strategic planning sessions?

If your organization has already drafted and finalized a master grant proposal or any prior logic models, evaluation plans or strategic plans, a copy should be provided to us at least one week before your first session. 

Our Travel Policy

Consulting Firm Travel Policy

Travel Responsibility

Clients are responsible for covering all travel expenses unless otherwise agreed upon in the consulting contract. This includes but is not limited to transportation, accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses.

Use of Federal Per Diem Rates

To streamline expense management and ensure fairness, our firm adheres to the federal per diem rates set by the General Services Administration (GSA) for travel within the United States. Per diem rates are determined based on the travel destination and cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses.

Travel Payment Procedure

Consultant travel expenses will be paid in advance via EFT or Zelle only. Lodging and M&IE fees must be paid no less than 30 days before the travel departure date. Airfare must be booked through Delta Airlines using information provided by the consultant firm for the designated travel party. Clients using federal, state, local, or other grant funds will receive detailed expense reports supported by valid receipts if required by your funder or grant monitor. Expenses exceeding the federal per diem rates will be subject to client approval and must be justified accordingly.

Questions and Clarifications

If clients have any questions or need clarifications regarding this travel policy, they are encouraged to contact their designated project manager or the consulting firm's administrative team.