Framework for Basic Nonprofit Program Structural Design

Written by Max | Edited by Rory Hart

Last updated on Aug 03, 2023

Sections of this topic

Description

The following structural design framework will guide you through the design of the basic overall
structure for a nonprofit program. Nonprofit management can reference this structure
when planning program resources and budgets, staffing, and operational procedures
to provide services to clients.

NOTE: The framework depicts a useful format, but should be duplicated into
an editable version, for example, into Microsoft Word.

Readers are encouraged to work with a planning team in their
organization to fill in this framework. After completing this
framework, readers can move information from the framework to
a more suitable document to be the final version of the plan document,
if desired.

Also, consider
Related Library Topics

[NAME OF YOUR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION!]

STRUCTURAL DESIGN FOR

[name of the program!]

[date!]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Purpose of Program Structural Design

Program Outcomes

Program Goals

Program Strategies

Program Objectives, Responsibilities, and Timelines

Purpose of Program Structural Design

The structural design is the “skeleton” on which
the nonprofit program is designed. Nonprofit management can reference
this structure when planning program resources and budgets, staffing
and operational procedures to provide services to clients.

The “skeleton” is comprised of the program goals,
strategies and objectives, which should follow directly from the
goals, strategies, and objectives produced during strategic planning.
The program goals are selected in order to accomplish certain
benefits, or outcomes, for clients.

The goals, outcomes, strategies, and objectives are a major
portion of the program plan. This plan usually also includes a description
of resources needed to achieve the goals and objectives, and the
funding necessary to obtain and use the resources. Required resources
usually include human resources, which are often described in
terms of necessary skills and capabilities. The necessary funding
is often depicted in the form of a program budget.

Program strategies are usually carefully described in the form
of descriptions of methods to deliver services to clients.

Program Goal(s)

Each program should be intended to achieve at least one
of the strategic goals, and may achieve more. List the strategic
goal(s) to be accomplished by this program. Write goals to be
“SMARTER”, that is, specific, measurable, acceptable
to those achieving the goals, realistic, timely, extending the
capabilities of those achieving the goals and rewarding them,
as well.

Example Program Goal #1: Support at least 600 drop-outs
from Minneapolis high schools to obtain diplomas or equivalent
levels of certification

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Program Outcome(s)

Program goals are intended to accomplish certain benefits,
or outcomes, for clients. List the outcomes intended from the
program. Note that outcomes are not always directly associated
with a specific goal, but may be accomplished across several goals.

Example Outcome #1 — Drop-outs from Minneapolis high
schools obtain high school diplomas or equivalent levels of certification
Example Outcome #2 — Within three months of getting
certification, participants obtain at least half-time employment
or enroll in an accredited program to further their education