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A social change agency can be a planning and strategic powerhouse. It can help nonprofits understand how to get to where they need to go from here to there. Plans can be developed and executed, and funds available to achieve more ambitious goals. These agencies can do a lot to facilitate and empower change. But at what cost? Below are some of the costs we should all think about when thinking about becoming a social change agency :

A trusted advisor. As a nonprofit organization grows, its needs change. This might mean hiring more staff, expanding partnerships, or pursuing other strategies. In order to keep up with these changes, many nonprofits engage the services of an experienced strategic planning consultant who serves as their informal counselor. The consultant helps the nonprofit develop an action plan that coordinates all the elements of its strategy, including staffing, budgeting, promotion and engagement.

A social change professional. Nonprofits face many unique challenges that include getting people organized around the issues, building relationships with the communities, and building capacity for change. Because of all these things, a nonprofit leader may feel overwhelmed by decision making and can hire a professional who has expertise in various fields related to social justice. A professional may also have the experience to work in settings like schools or hospitals, which can give nonprofits an edge in hiring and developing leaders. There is often overlap between strategic planning and social change practice, so it’s important for both the nonprofit leader and the professional to determine the importance and value of each.

A strategic planner. Strategic planning helps nonprofits make long range plans. For example, if nonprofits are focusing on building relationships with the communities, a strategic planning team can help identify which nonprofits to partner with and form coalitions with to strengthen bonds in the community. In addition, strategic planning can also help provide an assessment of potential funding needs for a given year. Through strategic planning, a nonprofit can learn how to obtain financing, build partnerships, and learn how to manage itself in the future.

A marketing and communications specialist. A social change agency can benefit from an expert in this field. The marketing and communications specialist can help craft communications strategies that build momentum and bring together members and supporters. The specialist can also build and maintain relationship with the media, develop and manage the nonprofit’s website, write and manage newsletters and other communication tools, and conduct interviews and focus group discussions to increase awareness and understanding of the organization. The first job of the specialist is to assess the needs of the nonprofit and the first job is to find a target audience.

Thought leadership training. Although there is no substitute for strategic planning, a social change agency can benefit from a few thought leadership training sessions. This can provide members and volunteers with information about the value of public relations, fundraising, and development, volunteer management, communication, and volunteer coordination. Thought leadership training can also teach students how to build influence by providing inspirational mentors and role models. These mentors are likely to be successful entrepreneurs who have built influence through self-leadership initiatives.

A trusted advisor. The nonprofit’s Board of Directors should select an experienced leader as the nonprofit’s trusted advisor. This leader should also have extensive experience in public relations, fundraising, development, fundraising, volunteer management, and strategic planning. A trusted advisor can build trust and confidence in the organization by communicating regularly with staff, members, and the public.

A trusted mentor. A trustworthy advisor is also likely to be a successful leader. These individuals also have experience in building influence and can act as an inspiration to members and volunteers. These individuals can also provide the direction necessary for nonprofits to grow and expand, ultimately leading to the success of their mission.