The Managing for Excellence Initiative is a step-by-step process for organizational self-assessment and strategic planning. It has three main components:

1. The Organizational Assessment Tool (OAT) is the first step in the strategic planning process and provides a snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of your management skills and practices.

   The OAT requires your board members and staff to conduct an assessment of your operations including mission and vision, management practices, board development, programs and services financial operations, technology, human resources and marketing.

2. The Drucker Planning Process provides the tools and resources to effectively develop a three-year strategic plan.

   Professionals trained in the principles of the Drucker Process, will act as volunteer coaches and provide 30 - 40 hours of volunteer support over approximately 7 - 9 months to help your agency draft a three-year plan.

3. The United Way Managing for Excellence Fund offers grants to help implement strategic planning initiatives.

   Upon completion of the Drucker Planning Process, your agency is eligible to apply for a grant of up t $25,000 from the United Way Managing for Excellence Fund to help implement your three-year plan. The grants are reviewed by an independent committee and are awarded on a competitive basis. Six grants have been awarded over the past 2 years. These grants have helped to fund marketing, branding, board development, and technology.