Creating a 3-year Strategic Plan for West Lake Art Conservation Center

Abstract

As its primary project this Cooperstown Graduate Program (CGP) class develops and facilitates work each year to create a three-year strategic plan for regional nonprofit organizations. In the fall of 2022, students worked with the newly formed West Lake Art Conservation Center (WLACC) in Skaneateles, NY. Working together and led by CGP students, West Lake Conservators (WLC) staff, WLACC trustees, and WLACC community stakeholders created a plan for achieving the organization’s vision for 2023-2025. The CGP team began by creating planning task forces based on feedback from members of the Board of Trustees. Task forces included: Facilities and Infrastructure Acquisition; Administration and Technology; Fundraising and Marketing; and Programs and Services. CGP students then conducted financial and programmatic research, and conducted and summarized numerous key informant interviews. Students also prepared a situational analysis to better understand the context in which WLACC operates. In addition, students planned and facilitated three virtual retreats with all participants to solicit feedback and discuss the diverse perspectives of all planning team members. Student-led task forces met several times with members from WLC’s staff, WLACC’s Board of Trustees, and stakeholders to refine and develop a consensus on institutional direction. Distilling its research and discussion with all stakeholders, students developed a nearly 30-page document that included new mission, vision and values and identified critical issues, goals and action steps for 2023-2025. The plan will serve as a guide for WLACC as it begins operation as a new nonprofit organization.