Strategic Planning for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County (BBBS Flint & GC)


Timeline:
Spring 2023 - Fall 2023

The Challenge

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County (BBBS Flint & GC) aimed to develop a strategic plan to guide the organization’s growth and deepen its impact over the next three years. Recognizing the need to strengthen communication, expand programming, and enhance recruitment and retention, BBBS Flint & GC partnered with Spark Group Consulting to create a community-driven plan. The challenge was to ensure that the strategic plan was not only actionable but also aligned with the evolving needs of its target population—especially young men and boys of color—as well as the strategic plan of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and would position the organization to sustain long-term success.

The Process

Spark Group Consulting led a collaborative, inclusive process to develop BBBS Flint & GC’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. The process began by assessing both internal and external factors, using several comprehensive tools to ensure a data-driven approach:

  • National Quality Mentoring System (NQMS):
    BBBS Flint & GC conducted a self-assessment to evaluate adherence to mentoring best practices. This helped identify areas where the organization excelled and opportunities for strengthening its mentoring programs.

  • Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Michigan (P&P):
    BBBS Flint & GC used the P&P assessment, which covers 11 critical sections of nonprofit effectiveness, to evaluate its overall performance. The organization received scores in different areas, providing a clear understanding of where improvements were needed, particularly in formalizing some internal practices and better utilizing impact data.

  • Community and Student Surveys:
    Feedback from 43 community partners and 26 Littles (youth participants) helped identify community strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback directly informed the strategic priorities of communication, programming, and recruitment and retention.

  • Collaborative Retreat:
    Following the situational analysis, a strategic planning retreat was held, bringing together board members, staff, and community leaders. During this retreat, participants worked together to outline the strategic priorities, goals, and action steps for the next three years.

The Plan

The 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, developed through the lens of these assessments and community input, focuses on three primary areas:

  1. Communication:
    BBBS Flint & GC will enhance its ability to tell its story and engage the Flint and Genesee County communities more effectively, creating greater awareness and support for its mission.

  2. Programming:
    BBBS Flint & GC will innovate to meet the needs of its most vulnerable youth, with a focus on expanding opportunities for young men and boys of color through group mentoring and partnerships with local organizations.

  3. Recruitment & Retention:
    BBBS Flint & GC will strengthen its recruitment and retention efforts, engaging more volunteers, staff, and supporters through recognition programs and targeted outreach.

Strategic Goals Included:

  • Increasing outreach and engagement through a comprehensive communication plan.

  • Expanding program offerings to serve a broader range of youth and deepening community partnerships.

  • Developing formal recruitment and retention plans, ensuring volunteers and staff feel valued and supported.

The Results

The development of the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan has provided BBBS Flint & GC with several key outcomes that will drive the organization’s success over the coming years:

  • Clear Roadmap for the Future in Alignment with National Organization:
    BBBS Flint & GC now has a well-defined plan with specific, actionable steps for achieving its goals. This roadmap will guide the organization as it strengthens communication, expands programming, and improves recruitment and retention, ensuring it remains focused and accountable over the next three years.

  • Deeper Relationships with the Community:
    By engaging Bigs, Littles, staff, board members, and community partners in the planning process, BBBS Flint & GC has built stronger, more trusting relationships. These connections ensure that the strategic goals are relevant, informed by those most affected, and aligned with the organization’s mission to defend the potential of every child.

  • Actionable Steps to Achieve Goals:
    The strategic plan outlines clear, measurable actions that BBBS Flint & GC will take to reach its goals. From launching new communication strategies to innovating program offerings and creating formal volunteer engagement plans, the organization is equipped with a practical roadmap to success.

Looking Ahead

As BBBS Flint & GC moves forward with its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, the organization is well-positioned to build on its strong foundation and increase its impact in the community. By focusing on communication, programming, and recruitment and retention, BBBS Flint & GC will be able to achieve its mission of defending the potential of every young person in Flint and Genesee County.

What’s Next?
We invite you to explore the full 2025-2028 Strategic Plan and share your thoughts with us. Together, we can continue to defend the potential of every child in our community.