How To Maintain A More Effective And Efficient Mission Strategy Part 2

How To Maintain A More Effective And Efficient Mission Strategy

Part 2

Smart Business Thinking by Jim Whelan

In my previous post I gave an overview of a way to maintain your mission strategically focused. The following is an edited version of a report to a Board I made in 2009. This is intended to provide a concrete example of strategic thinking.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further contact me at:

jimproactivecorp@gmail.com or 800 224-9920

The Sky Isn’t Falling . . . but. . .  The Ground Has Shifted

TO:                  FOOD PANTRY Board

FROM:           Jim Whelan, Chair

DATE:            March 6, 2009

“Prediction is hard especially about the future.” Yogi Berra.

Shortly the budget process for the next fiscal year will start. This year will present more that the usual challenges planning for the next 12 months.

The turmoil in the economy with the effects it is creating in everyday life establishes unknown conditions, in particular, those that affect FOOD PANTRY. While I don’t believe the sky is falling, I do believe there has been enough shift in the core conditions that, as directors, we must consider FOOD PANTRY’s options.

The Sky Isn’t Falling

Anyone in either the past or present administration who has looked behind the corporate veil of the financial industry has determined that we are in a crisis. 

The crumbling financial stability is global with the attending loss of confidence and reluctance of buyers to commit to spending or investing funds as long as the cloud of an uncertain future remains. 


Bad yes, black hole? I don’t thinks so. It will be a painful journey but, in my judgment, solvable. The sky isn’t falling.

The Ground Has Shifted 

Stagnant construction, bloated inventories, layoffs, reduced hours, credit scarcity continued high prices for commodities, and tax collection reduction all contribute to a shift in the way of life that will last for a prolong period. 

These changes affect FOOD PANTRY in every facet of our operation:

·      Continued growth in the number of people who turn to us for assistance

o   At FOOD PANTRY the client families seeking help each week has grown at an accelerating rate. In the 12 months from 2007 to 2008 it increased by 200 families; from 2008 to present it increase by 400 families. Of that 400, apprpx. 200 families were added in the last three months.

o   Currently 2,00 families have been referred although only 1,200 have registered with FOOD PANTRY. This means we have an existing exposure of 800 families with no additional families applying to the county. There is no reason to expect this trend to abate in the near future.

·      Potential shortfall of both number of donors and average donation

o   Donations in each sector – volunteer time, food, and money – have maintained at an increased level that has allowed us to meet the increased demand with no change in the amount or quality of groceries provided. With employment slacking, wage reductions for those working, fear of the future all indicate an alert in this area is warranted. There are ample reports of reductions in donations across the country.

·      Possibility that contributions from government agencies will not hold
o   The commonwealth’s current budget shortfall is well known with its consequences on future contributions to non-profits. Will the county be able maintain FOOD PANTRY with its contribution in the future? Time will tell.

Given the uncertainties of the future facing us as FOOD PANTRY directors, it is my judgment that:

1. Now is the time to examine the effect the confluence of these pressures may have on FOOD PANTRY. 
2. Now is the time to consider contingency plans that will address the need for an adjustment in our operation.