Strategic Planning Workshop

Join the Bay Area Community Foundation, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, and Bay Future, Inc. for a free nonprofit workshop designed to help organizations strengthen their approach to strategic planning and prepare for the future.
Led by Suann Hammersmith, President of Better Philanthropy, this interactive session will provide practical tools and strategies nonprofit leaders can use to assess where their organization is today, clarify where they want to go, and develop a plan to move forward.
With more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, facilitation, strategic planning, board governance, fund development, and organizational development, Suann brings extensive experience working with nonprofits, foundations, educational institutions, government organizations, and community leaders.
🎯 During the workshop, participants will explore how to:
🔹 Assess and refine their organization’s mission, vision, and long-term goals
🔹 Identify organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges
🔹 Align programs, initiatives, and resources with strategic priorities
🔹 Engage boards, staff, and key stakeholders throughout the planning process
🔹 Develop measurable objectives and accountability benchmarks
🔹 Build a strategic planning process that supports organizational growth and sustainability
Whether your organization is preparing to launch a new strategic planning process, revisiting an existing plan, or looking for ways to better align your day-to-day work with your broader mission, this workshop will offer practical insights and strategies you can take back to your organization.
📅 Date: November 12
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (on-site registration opens: 8:30 AM)
📍 Location: DoubleTree by Hilton – Salon AB, 1 Wenonah Park Pl., Bay City, MI 48708
☕ Continental breakfast will be provided
📌 Advance RSVP is required to attend. Hitting "Going" on this event does NOT register you for the workshop. You must register through the registration link to attend.
👉 Visit www.bayfoundation.org/rsvp to register today!
More about Suann Hammersmith:
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Suann Hammersmith is the founder and president of Better Philanthropy, LLC, bringing more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, board governance, and executive coaching. She holds a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University and a B.A. in Education and English from Western Michigan University.
Suann is a retired Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), a nationally certified Faculty Trainer for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and a BoardSource-certified Nonprofit Board Consultant.
Throughout her distinguished career, Suann has served as Executive Director of Lenawee United Way and a national health charity's Toledo chapter, co-founded and led the Lenawee Community Foundation, and most recently guided the inaugural Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.
As a consultant, educator, and facilitator, she has helped nonprofits, foundations, educational institutions, and government organizations strengthen governance, increase fundraising capacity, and achieve strategic goals. Her expertise includes strategic planning, fund development, leadership development, transition planning, nonprofit mergers and acquisitions, coaching, and organizational sustainability.
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