The Church State Conundrum

• Discusses the delicate issues surrounding federal funding of religious organizations. Useful for faith-based nonprofits that receive government money. By Tom Nees.
  
  Source: NCM USA/Canada   |  Published: 2007

Mission Impossible?

• Lists the benefits of a well-defined mission statement, and tips for writing a good one. By Joanne Fritz.
  
  Source: About.com   |  Published: 2009

Writing a mission statement to avoid “Mission Creep”

• Good mission statements keep an organization focused. This short article dilineates the 7 steps of writing a mission statement that will be useful in guiding a nonprofit through changing circumstances.
  
  Source: About.com   |  Published: 2009

The Pillars of Planning: Mission, Values, Vision

• A great article to have in hand when considering recasting an organization's medium-term plan. Planning meetings of this type will raise different questions in the participants' minds; the author discusses the temptations that might arise and how to deflect obsession and personality conflicts over ancillary issues. By Don Adams.
  
  Source: National Endowment for the Arts.   |  Published: 2006

Basics of Developing Mission, Vision, and Values Statements

• This is a very short, enumerated article on creating mission, vision, and values statement. Useful for nonprofits at the beginning stages of the planning process. By Carter McNamara.
  
  Source: Free Management Library   |  Published: 2001

Ten Keys to Successful Strategic Planning for Nonprofit and Foundation Leaders

• A professional bulletin outlining the basics of successful strategic planning. The recommendations include creating an empowered planning comittee, involving senior leadership, and realistically assessing the organization's goals and limitations. Very highly recommended read for nonprofits prior to commencing strategic planning sessions.
  
  Source: TCC Consulting Group   |  Published: 2002

Strategic Planning in Smaller Nonprofit Organizations

• This is a guide that lays out a detailed plan for a strategic planning session, down to the minutes required for each activity and the list of people involved. A "practical guide for the process", by Jan W. Lyddon, Ph.D.
  
  Source: Western Michigan University   |  Published: 1999

Quick and Painless Strategic Planning

• Quick and Painless Strategic Planning
  A very short article giving several general reminders for a strategic planning session. Paints with broad strokes, but helpful for its brevity.
  
  Source: Hurwit & Associates   |  Published: 2001