When planning a 3-5 year strategy, a nonprofit should consider several key elements to ensure that the strategy is effective and aligns with its mission and goals:

1. Mission and Vision Clarity: Revisit and clarify the organization's mission and vision to ensure that all strategic goals are aligned with these core statements.

2. Environmental Scan: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the internal and external environment. This includes a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to understand internal capabilities and external market conditions.

3. Stakeholder Engagement: Include key stakeholders (donors, community members, staff, and beneficiaries) in the planning process to gather diverse insights and ensure their needs and expectations are considered.

4. Resource Assessment: Evaluate current resources, including finances, staff, and technology, and anticipate future needs. This includes identifying potential new sources of funding and considering investments in capacity building.

5. Goal Setting: Define clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that advance the mission and address identified opportunities and challenges.

6. Program Evaluation: Review current programs and services to assess their effectiveness and impact. Decide whether to expand, modify, or discontinue programs based on strategic priorities.

7. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and uncertainties in the external and internal environment and develop contingency plans to address them.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Develop a robust framework to monitor progress and evaluate the impact of strategic initiatives. This helps in making informed adjustments over time.

9. Communication Strategy: Plan how to communicate the strategic plan to all stakeholders to ensure transparency and buy-in. Regular updates on progress and challenges can maintain engagement and support.

10. Adaptability: Build flexibility into the strategy to adapt to changing circumstances or unexpected challenges, allowing the organization to respond dynamically to new opportunities or threats.

11. Legal and Ethical Compliance: Ensure that the strategic plan adheres to all relevant legal and ethical standards, particularly those related to fundraising, data protection, and employment.

12. Partnerships and Collaboration: Consider forming new partnerships or strengthening existing ones to leverage additional resources, expertise, or networks that can enhance the organization's impact.

Planning with these considerations in mind will help a nonprofit build a robust strategy that can guide its development over the next few years, ensuring sustainability and increased impact.