A strategic plan is a document or framework that outlines an organization’s long-term goals and the actions needed to achieve them. It is a roadmap that provides direction, helps align resources, and sets priorities for the future. Strategic plans typically cover a period of 3 to 5 years, though the time frame can vary depending on the organization.

The key components of a strategic plan often include:

1. Mission Statement: The organization’s core purpose and reason for existence.
2. Vision Statement: The desired future state or what the organization aspires to become.
3. Goals and Objectives: Clear, measurable outcomes that the organization aims to achieve.
4. Strategies: The approaches or methods the organization will use to reach its goals.
5. Action Plans: Specific steps, responsibilities, and timelines for implementing strategies.
6. Resource Allocation: How resources (financial, human, technological, etc.) will be distributed to support the strategies.
7. Performance Metrics: Criteria to assess progress and measure success over time.

A strategic plan helps ensure that everyone in the organization is working toward the same goals and allows for adjustments based on changing conditions or new opportunities.