Many people use the words planning, business planning, strategic planning as if there were interchangeable. They are not. Many assume that strategic planning, the focus of this course, requires a formal plan. Not necessarily.

For some important ideas about the nature of strategic planning, please review this resource from the National Council of Nonprofits. This organization has a veritable compendium of information and tools for nonprofit and governmental organizations.

https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/strategic-planning-nonprofits

Please discuss the following questions:

1. What is strategic planning?

2. What is the essence (the essential elements) of strategic planning.

3. What distinguishes it from other types of plans.