PREAMBLE

This policy demonstrates the organization's commitment to ensuring that the vision and mission of the foundation continue to guide the work of the organization and that the foundation continues to remain relevant and responsive to our community. The policy ensures the foundation undertakes strategic planning on a cyclical basis from which the annual operating plan is developed and monitored.

Policy:

The Board, in partnership with the Executive Director/CEO, are responsible for providing leadership in the development of the strategic plan every 5 years, unless circumstances change significantly that will impact the strategic plan. This will be done through the appointment of an Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee, which is chaired by a director. The Executive Director/CEO is a member of this committee.

The vision and mission statement will be reviewed at the end of the planning process and amended, if warranted, to ensure alignment with the strategic priorities and goals of the strategic plan.

The foundation's stakeholders will be consulted in the development of the plan through one or more of the following methods: one-on-one meetings, focus groups or surveys.

The strategic plan will identify key strategic priorities and goals for the 5-year period. Annually the board and staff will determine objectives, key lead (i.e. director or staff), resources required and frequency of reporting on progress.

The strategic plan will be completed at least 3 months prior to the start of the planning cycle.

The annual operating plan will be developed by the staff based on the annual objectives determined by the Board. The plan will also include key milestones to measure achievement, resources required (both human and financial) and frequency of reporting on progress to the board. This plan will be approved by the board at their meeting one month in advance of the implementation of the annual business plan. The annual budget will be presented and approved at the same meeting.

Canadian Law and Regulatory Compliance

Strategic and operating plans must remain within the Foundation's stated charitable purposes and identify the charitable benefit, beneficiaries, resources, risks and compliance requirements for each material initiative. The annual plan and budget will account for the disbursement quota, restricted gifts, fundraising allocation, T3010 reporting and any grants to qualified donees or non-qualified donees.

Public policy dialogue and development activities are permitted only when they further a stated charitable purpose and comply with the Income Tax Act; the Foundation will not directly or indirectly support or oppose a political party or candidate for public office.

Application note: This template must be read with the Foundation's articles, bylaws, gift terms and the federal, provincial or territorial laws that apply to its incorporation, activities and operating jurisdictions. Organization-specific facts and provincial requirements require lawyer confirmation before adoption.

Monitoring: This policy will be reviewed every five years.

Board Acceptance: This policy was approved/reaffirmed at the Board meeting.