Smarter Strategic Planning

Specializing in Nonprofits

Don’t just check boxes. Move needles.

photo of a man looking up at a light bulb

We provide strategic planning and professional development for nonprofits - everything you need to make strategy matter and amplify your mission impact through:

  • A Clear Vision

  • An Aligned Action Plan

  • People-Centric Leadership

“This gave us a foundation for our organization!”
— Taikein Cooper
“Provided confidence in my clear vision and mission-focused plan”
— Lakeya Afolalu
“A phenomenal job…I felt like I had a voice”
— Heather Greko
“Just took David a short time to craft a path from years’ worth of effort”
— Bob Burda

Why is strategic planning so frustrating?

Photo of a woman from behind, holding her head in confusion, looking at squiggles with question marks above her head

Too many strategic plans never have an impact.

They lack a compelling vision to inspire stakeholders and guide decisions. Or they’re big on ideas, but short on meaningful actions and follow-through. They require precious time and resources to develop - only to sit on a shelf and never be used.

When strategic planning is only done to check a box:

  • Decisions are ad hoc.

  • Your team gets pulled in different directions.

  • Stakeholders are confused about your vision or lack confidence that you can achieve it.

  • Results plateau.

  • And your mission outcomes stagnate.

There’s a smarter way to do strategic planning.

Photo of men in a racing canoe paddling together

Let’s get everyone pulling in the same direction.

Activate Your Impact is our people-centric approach that integrates facilitated strategic planning and coaching for your leadership team - so instead of being left with a useless document, you get assistance putting your plan into action.

Don’t just check the box. Move the needle with a smarter approach to setting a clear vision, an achievable action plan, and leadership practices that get results.

Trust an Experienced Guide.

Headshot of David Wagner, founder, Clear Mission Consulting, LLC. Click to read David's bio.

I’m David Wagner, and I know what it takes to turn bold visions for a better world into lasting results. I’ve partnered with dozens of leaders to chart new paths for their organizations and programs to amplify their mission impact.

  • 15+ years of strategy and professional development experience with nonprofit and government organizations in healthcare, education, public policy, technology, and other fields.

  • 10+ years of first-hand leadership experience guiding teams from concept to action in mission-driven environments.

  • Trusted advisor to dozens of nonprofit and government agencies, executives, and leaders.

➜ Learn more about my background and my unique approach to strategic planning and professional development.

What Clients are Saying

  • "Confidence in my clear vision and mission-focused plan"

    I used to feel anxious talking about LitiARTs. But David helped me get crystal clear on my vision. He took everything in my head and my heart and got them on paper. Now I have a mission-focused plan I feel confident taking to funders. David helped me shift my mindset to be more systematic and couple my passion with structure. He also stood in solidarity with my mission to serve youth of color, creating space for my perspective and my emotions.

    — Lakeya Omogun | Founder and Director | LitiARTS

  • "This gave us a foundation for our organization!"

    We interviewed a number of candidates for this project before meeting David. His attention to detail and willingness to think outside of the box were greatly appreciated. David hit home runs at every stage of this project and we see this assessment as the foundation for our next steps as an org. We are forever grateful for David's professionalism, communication, and deliverables; he exceeded all expectations.

    — Taikein Cooper | Executive Director | Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation

  • "A phenomenal job...I felt like I had a voice"

    I was nervous about working with a consultant who wasn't local. But David did a phenomenal job of capturing the elements of our organization and creating a strategic plan that will guide us going forward. I felt like I had a voice, but also the guidance and assistance of an expert throughout the process. Everyone felt valued by getting to share their feedback with someone objective.

    — Heather Greko | Executive Director | Our Hope Association

  • "Just took David a short time to craft a path from years' worth of effort"

    I was impressed by David’s ability to synthesize years’ worth of our team’s experience and research. In a short time, he helped us step back and consider where our efforts could fit within a larger picture. David helped our team identify an effective approach we and our sponsors can use to decide on the path forward.

    — Robert Burda | CEO | Cybercrime Support Network

  • "Practical skills to take our work to the next level"

    David’s training helped us take our learning and evaluation work to the next level. He was extremely flexible and responded to our needs. He ensured that we gain the practical skills necessary to make changes in our data tracking and reporting system.

    — Linda Lee | Learning and Evaluation Administrator | Reach Out

  • "Helps people make the most of their skills"

    David is a thoughtful leader and mentor. He looks out for others, helps them make the most out of their skills, and connecting them with the right people and resources. He also asks the right questions to help others solve problems themselves.

    — Michelle K. | Systems Engineer | A national research and development center

Ready to develop a REAL strategic plan?

STEP 1

CONNECT WITH US

Get clear on what your team needs next to succeed with a free initial consultation. Our strategist, David, will take the time to truly understand your unique situation and help clarify your goals.

STEP 2

CHART YOUR COURSE

David will present you with a proposal that includes all the steps you need to get your team pulling in the same direction. When you choose to get started, he will guide you through every step of the process.

STEP 3

ACHIEVE LASTING IMPACT

With a clear path ahead and the tools and support to put your plan into action, confidently lead your team to greater mission impact!

Image credits on this page:

  • Light bulb photo © Kostas / Adobe Stock

  • Man’s forehead photo © David M. Wagner

  • Woman at blackboard with chalk squiggles photo © dragonstock / Adobe Stock

  • Racing canoe photo © moodboard / Adobe Stock

  • Headshot provided by Bill Rice

  • Hand holding compass photo © yanik88 / Adobe Stock