The Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) recognized the need to redefine and enhance its role in supporting the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA). With increasing public interest and visitor engagement at the Arboretum, there was a growing need for more cohesive and expanded support, especially in areas such as public education, visitor services, and outreach. FONA sought to develop a comprehensive blueprint that would guide its transformation into a more effective partner for USNA, ensuring long-term sustainability and alignment with the Arboretum’s mission.

FONA is a non-profit organization that has historically supported the USNA in various capacities, including fundraising, programming, and outreach. However, the evolving needs of the Arboretum, particularly the non-research functions such as education and visitor services, required FONA to reconsider its organizational structure and strategic approach. The goal was to establish FONA as the sole private, non-profit support entity for the USNA, capable of driving significant impact through enhanced programs, services, and partnerships.

Symphonic Strategies was engaged to lead the development of a strategic blueprint for FONA. The approach involved a comprehensive process of research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic design, culminating in a detailed blueprint that would guide FONA's transformation. The process included the facilitation of design labs, focus groups, and extensive consultations with stakeholders to ensure that the blueprint was aligned with the needs of both FONA and the USNA.

The blueprint development process was executed through the following key steps:

1. Project Initiation and Planning: The project began with a formal kick-off meeting where the scope of work was finalized, and a working group was established. This group included FONA staff, board members, and key stakeholders, who would guide the project through its various phases.

2. Research and Analysis: Symphonic Strategies conducted a PESTLE analysis to understand the broader environmental factors impacting FONA and the Arboretum. This was followed by primary research, including seven virtual design labs with stakeholders, where key issues such as governance, communications, and fundraising were explored in depth.

3. Focus Group Sessions: Six virtual focus group sessions were conducted, each focusing on different aspects of FONA’s operations, such as vision and mission, governance and structure, and target audiences. These sessions provided critical insights into the current state of FONA and identified opportunities for growth and improvement.

4. Blueprint Design and Development: The insights gathered from the research and focus groups were used to develop the strategic blueprint. This document outlined a new vision for FONA, detailed the necessary governance and structural changes, and provided a roadmap for enhancing FONA’s role in supporting the USNA.

5. Final Report and Presentation: The completed blueprint was presented to FONA’s board and leadership, along with a high-level implementation plan. This plan included specific actions for each functional area, such as education and outreach, communications, and fundraising, ensuring that FONA could effectively operationalize the blueprint.

The strategic blueprint resulted in several key outcomes for FONA:

- Clear Strategic Direction: The blueprint provided FONA with a clear and actionable strategic direction, aligning its mission and activities with the evolving needs of the USNA. This included a renewed focus on public education, visitor services, and community engagement.

- Enhanced Governance and Structure: The blueprint recommended significant changes to FONA’s governance and organizational structure, ensuring that the organization was well-positioned to support the Arboretum’s goals effectively. This included the establishment of clear decision-making processes and accountability mechanisms.

- Increased Capacity for Impact: By identifying key areas for programmatic expansion and partnership development, the blueprint positioned FONA to have a greater impact on the Arboretum’s success. This included strategies for expanding FONA’s fundraising efforts and building stronger relationships with stakeholders.

The FONA project highlights the importance of strategic planning and stakeholder engagement in driving organizational transformation. By developing a comprehensive blueprint, FONA was able to align its efforts with the needs of the USNA, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

Is your organization ready to embark on a strategic transformation? Contact Symphonic Strategies today to learn how our strategic planning and consulting services can help you achieve your goals.