South Dakota Youth Foundation
Case Study: South Dakota Youth Foundation – Building Focus and Strategy through Strategic Planning
Background
The South Dakota Youth Foundation (SDYF) has a longstanding tradition of supporting youth programs and education throughout the state. Despite its history of service and positive community impact, the organization faced internal challenges that hindered its ability to effectively fulfill its mission.
The Challenge
SDYF’s Executive Director realized the organization needed to refocus its mission and develop a long-term strategic vision to guide future efforts. Fundraising efforts were falling short of their potential, given the statewide capacity. Additionally, the Foundation struggled to unify its Board, staff, volunteers, and regional committees under a cohesive plan that could clearly articulate the organization’s goals and direction.
The SNS Solution
Strawhecker Nonprofit Services (SNS) was engaged to lead a strategic planning process that addressed SDYF’s immediate and long-term needs. SNS consultants worked closely with the Foundation to:
Refine the Mission: Re-evaluated and redefined the organization’s mission statement to reflect its evolving role in the community.
Develop a Long-Range Vision: Created a vision that guided SDYF in aligning programs with fundraising efforts.
Coordinate Fundraising Activities: Helped match current and expanding programs with tailored fundraising strategies and donor prospecting.
Facilitate Stakeholder Engagement: Ensured the involvement and buy-in of key stakeholders, including Board members, staff, and volunteers.
The Outcome
Through the strategic planning process, SDYF changed its name (previously South Dakota 4-H) as well as established a clear mission and vision, which provided a much-needed organizational focus. Fundraising strategies were realigned with the Foundation’s scope and goals, resulting in a more coordinated and effective effort to secure donor support.
The Impact
The relationship with SNS extended beyond the initial engagement, evolving as SDYF’s needs grew. The Foundation now operates with a unified direction, enhanced internal collaboration, and an improved capacity for long-term fundraising and program development. This case highlights how strategic planning facilitated by SNS can lead to lasting positive change for nonprofit organizations.