BLU Growth and Empowerment Society

Strategic Plan 2026-2028

Building Excellence, Transforming Communities

Executive Summary

BLU Growth and Empowerment Society, Inc. will establish itself as a premier community development organization in the Atlanta metro area, focusing on educational empowerment, financial literacy, and youth development. This three-year strategic plan positions the organization to significantly expand its impact while ensuring sustainable operations and community relevance.

Current State Assessment (Based on 2025 Performance)

Achievements to Build Upon:

• Successfully awarded $2,000 in scholarships (Chase Matthews and Carl Eugene Jr.)

• Established profitable fundraising capabilities ($1,705.99 profit from initial fundraiser)

• Implemented technology infrastructure (Neon One CRM, website development)

• Built partnerships with Truist Bank for financial literacy programming

• Organized annual Blue and White Golf Tournament

• Developed grant application processes and identified funding opportunities

Areas for Growth:

• Limited donor base and revenue diversification

• Need for expanded program reach and measurement systems

• Requirement for enhanced operational infrastructure

• Opportunity to leverage partnerships more effectively

Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission Statement

Provides consistent and ongoing programs that support participants in the area of self-improvement and enduring life skills through partnership and collaboration.

Vision 2028

To be the leading catalyst for educational advancement and community empowerment in Atlanta's underserved communities, creating pathways to economic mobility for 1,000+ individuals annually.

Core Values

• Scholarship: Commitment to lifelong learning and educational excellence

• Service: Dedicated community engagement and social responsibility

• Advocacy: Championing social justice and systemic change

• Collaboration: Building strategic partnerships for collective impact

• Empowerment: Fostering self-sufficiency and leadership development

Strategic Goals 2026-2028

GOAL 1: EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT & SCHOLARSHIPS

Objective 1.1: Expand Scholarship Program

Timeline: 2026-2028 Target: Award $50,000 annually in scholarships by 2028

Key Strategies:

• Year 1 (2026):

  • Increase scholarship awards to $10,000 total

  • Establish scholarship criteria and application process

  • Create scholarship selection committee

  • Develop partnership with 3 local high schools

• Year 2 (2027):

  • Award $25,000 in scholarships

  • Launch named scholarship opportunities ($5,000+ donations)

  • Establish endowment fund ($25,000 target)

  • Partner with community colleges for pathway programs

• Year 3 (2028):

  • Award $50,000 in scholarships annually

  • Create alumni mentorship program

  • Establish recurring donor program (50 donors at $1,000+)

  • Launch emergency student support fund

Objective 1.2: Educational Support Programs

Target: Serve 200 students annually by 2028

Key Strategies:

• Develop tutoring and academic coaching programs

• Create college preparation workshops

• Establish STEM education initiatives

• Launch adult education and GED support programs

GOAL 2: YOUTH MENTORING & DEVELOPMENT

Objective 2.1: Comprehensive Youth Mentoring Program

Timeline: 2026-2028 Target: Serve 150 youth through structured mentoring by 2028

Key Strategies:

• Year 1 (2026):

  • Launch pilot mentoring program (25 youth)

  • Train 15 volunteer mentors

  • Establish partnerships with schools and community centers

  • Develop mentoring curriculum and tracking systems

• Year 2 (2027):

  • Expand to serve 75 youth

  • Train 35 volunteer mentors

  • Launch specialized programs (leadership, entrepreneurship)

  • Implement outcome measurement systems

• Year 3 (2028):

  • Serve 150 youth annually

  • Maintain mentor pool of 75 trained volunteers

  • Establish youth leadership council

  • Launch youth-led community service projects

Objective 2.2: Leadership Development

Target: Graduate 50 youth leaders annually by 2028

Key Strategies:

• Create youth advisory board

• Develop leadership training curriculum

• Establish youth speaker's bureau

• Launch peer mentoring programs

GOAL 3: FINANCIAL LITERACY

Objective 3.1: Community Financial Literacy Program

Timeline: 2026-2028 Target: Train 500 community members annually by 2028

Key Strategies:

• Year 1 (2026):

  • Partner with Truist Bank to expand programming

  • Launch monthly financial literacy workshops (150 participants)

  • Develop financial literacy curriculum for different age groups

  • Create financial coaching program

• Year 2 (2027):

  • Expand to bi-weekly workshops (300 participants)

  • Launch homeownership preparation program

  • Develop small business development workshops

  • Create financial literacy certification program

• Year 3 (2028):

  • Conduct weekly workshops (500 participants annually)

  • Establish credit counseling services

  • Launch microenterprise development program

  • Create financial literacy train-the-trainer program

GOAL 4: ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY & GROWTH

Objective 4.1: Revenue Diversification

Timeline: 2026-2028 Target: Achieve $250,000 annual operating budget by 2028

Revenue Targets by Year:

• 2026: $75,000 total revenue

  • Grants: $35,000 (47%)

  • Individual donations: $20,000 (27%)

  • Corporate sponsorships: $15,000 (20%)

  • Events/fundraisers: $5,000 (6%)

• 2027: $150,000 total revenue

  • Grants: $75,000 (50%)

  • Individual donations: $45,000 (30%)

  • Corporate sponsorships: $22,500 (15%)

  • Events/fundraisers: $7,500 (5%)

• 2028: $250,000 total revenue

  • Grants: $125,000 (50%)

  • Individual donations: $75,000 (30%)

  • Corporate sponsorships: $37,500 (15%)

  • Events/fundraisers: $12,500 (5%)

Objective 4.2: Operational Excellence

Target: Achieve organizational efficiency and impact measurement

Key Strategies:

• Implement comprehensive donor management system

• Establish board governance best practices

• Create program evaluation and outcome measurement systems

• Develop staff capacity (hire Program Director by 2027)

• Establish community advisory council

Objective 4.3: Strategic Partnerships

Target: Establish 15 active partnerships by 2028

Partnership Categories:

• Educational institutions (5 partnerships)

• Financial institutions (3 partnerships)

• Community organizations (4 partnerships)

• Corporate partners (3 partnerships)

Implementation Framework

Year 1 (2026): Foundation Building

Theme: Strengthening Our Core

Q1 Priorities:

• Complete website upgrade and integration with Neon One

• Launch donor campaign

• Secure first major grant ($25,000+)

• Establish program evaluation systems

Q2 Priorities:

• Launch expanded scholarship program

• Begin youth mentoring pilot program

• Implement monthly financial literacy workshops

• Develop board training and governance policies

Q3 Priorities:

• Conduct Blue and White Golf Tournament (enhanced)

• Launch corporate sponsorship program

• Establish program advisory committees

• Begin strategic partnership development

Q4 Priorities:

• Complete annual fundraising campaigns

• Evaluate year 1 programs and outcomes

• Plan year 2 expansion

• Conduct annual board retreat

Year 2 (2027): Expansion and Excellence

Theme: Growing Our Impact

Focus Areas:

• Scale successful programs

• Hire first full-time Program Director

• Launch major capital campaign

• Establish community presence and recognition

Year 3 (2028): Leadership and Legacy

Theme: Leading Community Change

Focus Areas:

• Achieve full program capacity

• Establish organizational endowment

• Position for next strategic planning cycle

• Create replicable program models

Resource Requirements

Staffing Plan

• 2026: President + 3 Part-time contractors

• 2027: President + Program Director + 2 Part-time staff

• 2028: President + Program Director + Youth Coordinator + Administrative Assistant

Technology Infrastructure

• Enhanced website with donation portal

• Comprehensive CRM system (Neon One optimization)

• Program management software

• Financial management systems

Facility Needs

• 2026: Shared office space/meeting rooms

• 2027: Dedicated program space (2,000 sq ft)

• 2028: Community center partnership or facility

Risk Management

Key Risks and Mitigation Strategies

1. Funding Concentration Risk

   • Mitigation: Diversify revenue streams, build reserve fund

2. Volunteer Burnout

   • Mitigation: Structured volunteer programs, recognition systems

3. Competition for Resources

   • Mitigation: Unique value proposition, strong partnerships

4. Economic Downturn Impact

   • Mitigation: Flexible programming, essential services focus

Evaluation and Measurement

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Program Impact Metrics

• Number of scholarships awarded and total dollar amount

• Youth mentoring program completion rates

• Financial literacy workshop attendance and outcomes

• Community members served annually

• Employment/income improvements among participants

Organizational Health Metrics

• Annual revenue growth

• Donor retention and acquisition rates

• Volunteer engagement levels

• Partnership development and maintenance

• Operational efficiency ratios

Community Engagement Metrics

• Community awareness and recognition

• Media coverage and social media engagement

• Community feedback and satisfaction scores

• Alumni engagement and success stories

Evaluation Framework

• Quarterly program reviews

• Annual comprehensive evaluation

• External evaluation every three years

• Continuous stakeholder feedback collection

Success Milestones

2026 Milestones

• [ ] Award $10,000 in scholarships

• [ ] Serve 25 youth in mentoring program

• [ ] Conduct 150 financial literacy training sessions

• [ ] Achieve $75,000 in total revenue

• [ ] Establish 5 strategic partnerships

• [ ] Complete organizational infrastructure development

2027 Milestones

• [ ] Award $25,000 in scholarships

• [ ] Serve 75 youth in mentoring program

• [ ] Train 300 community members in financial literacy

• [ ] Achieve $150,000 in total revenue

• [ ] Hire first full-time Program Director

• [ ] Establish organizational endowment

2028 Milestones

• [ ] Award $50,000 in scholarships

• [ ] Serve 150 youth in mentoring program

• [ ] Train 500 community members annually

• [ ] Achieve $250,000 in total revenue

• [ ] Establish 15 active partnerships

• [ ] Position as recognized community leader

Conclusion

This strategic plan positions BLU Growth and Empowerment Society to significantly expand its impact while maintaining focus on its core mission of education, empowerment, and community development. Through strategic implementation of these goals, the organization will establish itself as a vital community resource and catalyst for positive change in the Atlanta metro area.

The success of this plan depends on strong leadership, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation. With proper execution, BLU Growth and Empowerment Society will achieve its vision of transforming lives and strengthening communities throughout the region.

This strategic plan should be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect changing community needs and organizational capacity.