How the SOAR Framework Can Help Your Nonprofit Elevate to New Heights

Running a nonprofit is much like a bird preparing to take flight. You’ve got a strong sense of purpose, a passionate team, and a desire to soar to new heights. Yet, as any bird knows, the path to flight isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. You need to navigate through shifting winds, find the right currents, and deal with the occasional storm. To fly with purpose and direction, you need a plan that helps you harness your strengths, seize new opportunities, and ensures your journey is guided by clear, actionable goals.

Nonprofits are driven by passion and a deep commitment to making a difference. But even the most enthusiastic teams can sometimes find themselves overwhelmed by the day-to-day grind, causing your mission to feel unclear or out of reach. Whether you’re just beginning to stretch your wings or looking to refresh and strengthen your efforts, having a strategic framework can help clarify your purpose and direct your energy where it’s needed most.

That’s where the SOAR Framework comes in. This powerful tool is designed to help you align your team, refine your nonprofit’s goals, and chart a clear course for future success. But what exactly is the SOAR Framework and why should you consider using it to guide your nonprofit’s journey? Let’s dive into how this framework can help you navigate your way toward greater impact.

What is the SOAR Framework?

SOAR stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. Unlike traditional SWOT analysis (which focuses on both strengths and weaknesses), SOAR is a more forward-focused framework that centers on the positive attributes of your organization and its future possibilities. It helps you and your team think about where your organization can thrive and how you can maximize your impact.

• Strengths: What does your organization excel at? What resources, capabilities, or competencies set you apart from others?

• Opportunities: What new opportunities exist for your organization to leverage its strengths? What external factors, such as trends or community needs, could create growth possibilities?

• Aspirations: What are your organization's big dreams? Where do you want to be in the next 3 years? What is the vision you’re working towards?

• Results: What measurable outcomes will demonstrate that you’ve achieved your aspirations? How will you know you’ve made an impact?
  

For further reading, check out Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline M. Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

Why Should Nonprofits Use the SOAR Framework?

1. Focus on What’s Working
   The SOAR framework emphasizes the strengths and aspirations of your organization, allowing you to lean into what’s working well. Instead of getting bogged down by challenges or weaknesses, you’ll shift your energy toward positive momentum and opportunities. This approach fosters optimism and keeps everyone focused on what’s possible, rather than what’s holding them back.
   

2. Alignment with Your Mission
   A key benefit of using SOAR is that it aligns your strategy with your mission. By identifying strengths, opportunities, and results, your team can create goals that are both inspiring and practical. This approach makes it easier to stay true to your nonprofit’s purpose and build a strategy that supports long-term sustainability.
   

3. Engagement and Team Collaboration
   Engaging your team in the SOAR process can spark creativity, foster collaboration, and build a sense of ownership. By involving staff, volunteers, and stakeholders in brainstorming opportunities and aspirations, you create a shared vision for the future. This collaborative effort fosters a culture of trust and ensures that everyone feels connected to the mission.
   

4. Forward-Focused Strategy
   Unlike traditional planning tools that may dwell on weaknesses or risks, SOAR helps your nonprofit adopt a more proactive, forward-focused mindset. You’ll spend less time in reactive mode and more time seeking out new opportunities that propel your mission forward.
   

5. Simplicity and Clarity
   The SOAR framework is simple and easy to use, which is why it’s perfect for nonprofits with limited resources or time. It’s an intuitive tool that doesn’t require extensive training or complicated processes. Plus, it can be applied in a variety of ways, from team brainstorming sessions to annual planning meetings.
   

How to Use the SOAR Framework

Here’s how to put the SOAR framework into action for your nonprofit:

1. Strengths
   Start by identifying your nonprofit’s core strengths. What do you do best? What sets you apart from other organizations? Look at your organizational resources, your team’s skills, and your community’s support. Some examples could include:

• A strong donor base

• Experienced and passionate staff

• A successful program model
  
  

2. Opportunities
   Think about the future and external factors that could help you grow. Look for gaps or unmet needs in your community, industry trends, or new technologies that could benefit your nonprofit. Consider questions like:
   

• What needs are currently unmet in your community?

• Are there partnerships or collaborations you could pursue?

• Are there emerging trends that your organization can tap into?
  
  

3. Aspirations
   Now, think big! Where do you see your nonprofit in the next 3 to 5 years? What impact do you want to have? It’s important to aim high and create ambitious, inspiring goals. Some example aspirations might include:
   

• Expanding programs to reach new communities

• Becoming a leader in your field

• Securing sustainable funding sources
  
  

4. Results
   Finally, define how you’ll measure success. What specific, measurable results will indicate that you’re achieving your aspirations? Setting clear metrics will allow you to track progress and adjust strategies if necessary. Examples might include:

• Serving X number of new individuals or communities

• Raising X dollars in new donations

• Achieving X% growth in program outcomes

Putting It All Together

Once you’ve worked through each section of the SOAR framework, it’s time to create a cohesive strategy. Organize your team to discuss the insights you’ve gathered, and make sure that your goals are clear, aligned with your mission, and measurable. From there, develop a plan to execute those goals and review your progress regularly.

As you progress, continue to engage your team and stakeholders in the process. They can provide valuable insights as you adapt your strategy based on changing opportunities or needs.

Download the SOAR Workbook

If you’re ready to chart your course, download the SOAR Framework for Nonprofits and start transforming your vision into measurable results today. Let’s set your nonprofit on a path to soar!

Conclusion

The SOAR Framework is a powerful tool for nonprofits looking to align their strengths, opportunities, and aspirations with tangible results. By focusing on what’s going well and where your organization can grow, you create a strategy that’s positive, forward-thinking, and impactful. So, gather your team, start dreaming big, and watch your nonprofit soar to new heights!

Ready to take flight with your nonprofit? The SOAR Framework can help you align your strengths, identify new opportunities, and guide your organization toward its most impactful future. Whether you're looking to refine your strategy or set bold new goals, this framework provides a clear, actionable path to success.