SPAA · Strategic Planning for Action and Accountability

Strategic Planning for Action and Accountability (SPAA)

SPAA · Self-paced learning and live cohort updates

Illustration of a planning notebook and growing branch

About the Course

Strategic Planning for Action and Accountability (SPAA) is a comprehensive planning framework designed to help mission-driven organizations become more focused, effective, and sustainable.

Developed specifically for non-profits, charities, advocacy organizations, and other groups working to create positive social change, SPAA provides a practical roadmap for turning vision into action and action into impact.

Whether your organization is new and finding its footing or established and seeking greater clarity and effectiveness, SPAA will guide you through the essential components of strategic planning. Participants explore mission, vision, values, change theory, program design, evaluation, fundraising, marketing, leadership, and organizational sustainability, while developing a strategic plan tailored to their unique goals and circumstances.

Through a combination of lectures, practical assignments, tools, and guided reflection, participants leave with more than just a strategic plan. They gain a deeper understanding of how change happens, how organizations create meaningful impact, and how to build an organization that is focused, resilient, and prepared for the future.

At its heart, SPAA is about helping organizations align their actions with their values, strengthen their capacity, and increase their ability to create lasting change.

Choose how you learn.

At your own pace.

Recorded classes, practical assignments, and resources. Register and start learning without an application or approval.

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Live SPAA updates

A live cohort may run in 2027. Sign up for updates when plans are confirmed.

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Your course, one step at a time.

The self-paced course includes 12 core classes, a bonus CRM session, practical assignments, and resources. Work through them on your own schedule.

  1. 1Mission and Vision
  2. 2Values, Origin Story, & SWOT
  3. 3Theory of Change and Program Design & Evaluation
  4. 4Target Audience & SWOT
  5. 5Marketing & Marketing Analysis
  6. 6People!
  7. 7Leading Respectful Organizations
  8. 8Working Together & Budgeting
  9. 9Fundraising Culture
  10. 10Fundraising Mechanics
  11. 10.1Selecting a CRM
  12. 11Wrapping Up
  13. 12Hear from a Funder

2026 live format: 12 sessions (90 minutes each), with practical assignments and office hours between sessions. View the 2026 cohort recordings.

Generously funded by The Greenbaum Foundation and Karuna Foundation.

Meet your educators.

Krista with her Great Dane

SPAA creator & lead instructor

Dr. Krista Hiddema

Dr. Krista Hiddema is a social scientist, educator, non-profit leader, and strategic advisor with more than thirty years of experience spanning the corporate, legal, philanthropic, academic, and nonprofit sectors.

She is also the creator and lead instructor of Strategic Planning for Action and Accountability (SPAA), a comprehensive planning framework designed to help organizations become more focused, effective, and sustainable.

More about Krista

SPAA live cohort updates

A live cohort may run in 2027. Dates and registration details are not confirmed.

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