Dusting off an oldie but a goodie—I wrote this blog several years ago, and its relevance persists for nonprofit leaders tasked with managing legacy programs. These programs are often well-funded, enjoy high constituent loyalty, and may even define the organization’s identity. Yet, they can also present significant challenges when they no longer align with the organizational vision or lack innovation. If you’re a new program leader facing this dilemma, I understand your frustration. This article is for you—for us.
It’s January, the season of fresh starts and resolutions. Yet, you find yourself grappling with an inherited program. It’s not a bad program; in fact, it’s a “good” program. It runs smoothly, has strong participation, and boasts a solid history of success. But you know better.
You’re not content to simply follow the footsteps of your predecessors. You want to take ownership of the program, breathe new life into it, and ensure it aligns with the current mission and vision of the organization. But how can you disrupt the status quo without dismissing the program’s legacy?
Here are actionable strategies to help you embrace and refresh an inherited program while driving alignment and innovation:
1 Host a Kickoff Session
A legacy program often carries an aura of inevitability—everyone assumes its purpose and operations are well-understood. This assumption is rarely accurate. Organize a kickoff session to:
- Gauge the organization’s understanding of the program’s purpose, goals, and processes.
- Create a safe space for questions and clarification, resolving misconceptions along the way.
This session can illuminate gaps in understanding that may also exist among your program’s participants. Addressing these gaps early sets the stage for impactful improvements.
2. Assess Alignment with Organizational Goals
A flagship program that no longer aligns with the organization’s mission and vision can hinder progress. Conduct a thorough assessment:
- Evaluate how well the program supports current strategic goals.
- Identify areas where the program may need to evolve to reflect the organization’s growth.
Use this analysis to develop an actionable roadmap for the next program cycle. This ensures the program remains relevant and impactful.
3. Incorporate Evaluation in the Planning Phase
Evaluation should never be an afterthought. Instead of relying on perfunctory surveys, embed evaluation into the program’s DNA from the outset:
- Convene a cross-functional team to design evaluation metrics during the planning stage.
- Regularly revisit these metrics throughout the program’s lifecycle, using the insights to guide adjustments.
A robust evaluation framework not only demonstrates impact but also uncovers opportunities for continuous improvement.
4. Engage Stakeholders in Visioning
Legacy programs often have loyal advocates among staff, participants, and funders. Harness their passion by engaging them in a visioning process:
- Share your assessment findings and proposed changes.
- Solicit feedback and ideas to co-create the program’s future.
This collaborative approach fosters buy-in and ensures the program’s evolution reflects diverse perspectives.
5. Make Strategic Changes Incrementally
Change, even when necessary, can be disruptive. Introduce updates gradually:
- Start with small, visible wins that demonstrate the value of your approach.
- Build momentum for larger shifts over time, reinforcing alignment with the organization’s vision.
Embrace the Opportunity to Lead
You are skilled and capable. Don’t let the weight of tradition stifle your creativity or leadership. Legacy programs, while established, are not untouchable. They represent an opportunity to honor the past while shaping the future.
This new year, whether you’re inheriting a program or revisiting one you’ve managed for years, take a moment to reflect and reimagine. Don’t settle for “the way we’ve always done it.” Instead, seize the chance to innovate, align, and leave your mark.
Your organization and the communities you serve will be better for it.