Facilitating Strategy Conversations
Inclusive, structured conversations that surface the ideas and energy your team already holds — bringing clarity to complex challenges.
Van Rooy
Strategies
Helping nonprofits make more good things happen
My Purpose
Van Rooy Strategies is a strategy planning service for nonprofit organizations.
Based in Canada but working around the world, I support community groups, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, university teams, and research institutes seeking to make the world a better place.
Strategic planning is one step in getting that work done.
Dr Alison Van Rooy, Oxon DPhil
My Promise
Strategy that fits the reality of nonprofit life
Nonprofits face unique pressures — broader accountabilities, fragile funding, and deep community needs. They need conversations that engage their communities and reflect their cultures. They want to learn from real data. They must focus on what matters most without convoluted processes.
Strategic planning here is not a corporate exercise. It is a different kind of conversation.
Read more about Alison →My Services
Three ways I help your team move forward
Preparing Strategic Plans
Comprehensive plans grounded in evidence and designed for your organization's culture, accountability frameworks, and real-world constraints.
Creating Action Plans
Translating strategy into concrete, prioritized action — so your organization moves from inspiration to implementation with confidence.
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From Clients
"Alison brought her wisdom and calm guidance to very complex conversations — serving with energy and distinction."Dr. Elizabeth Kiss — Former CEO and Warden, Rhodes Trust
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About
Decades of experience helping people plan their way forward
I have spent my career in and around the nonprofit world — as a researcher, a policy-maker, an academic planner, and now as a strategic advisor. That experience shapes everything I bring to your table.
Biography
I have decades of experience helping people plan their way forward.
Over more than 30 years, I have led research, policy, and planning initiatives for think tanks, government, local community organizations, and university leaders.
Using a range of approaches and tools (including foresight and horizon scanning, appreciative inquiry, design thinking, public engagement methods and more), I've helped groups like yours come to decisions about what matters most and what should come next.
Experience
I launched the research program on global civil society at The North-South Institute in Ottawa, and spent more than two decades working in the Government of Canada, primarily in foreign affairs and development policy planning. In recent years, I headed up strategic planning for Vancouver Island University. In 2024, I launched Van Rooy Strategies.
Read moreEducation
A Canadian Rhodes Scholar, I was awarded an Oxford University doctorate in International Relations, building on my honours BA in Politics and Comparative Development Studies from Trent University. I am also grateful for my scholarship and global education at the Lester B. Pearson United World College and my time with Canada World Youth in Sri Lanka.
Read morePublications
Throughout my career, I have sought to understand the challenges facing civil society organizations of all kinds. I've edited and authored Civil Society and the Aid Industry and The Global Legitimacy Game as well as dozens of articles, chapters, and presentations on the dilemmas facing the sector.
Read moreWork with Me
How I Work
The principles behind every engagement
Collaborative
Built with your organization and community — not delivered to them. Your people hold the knowledge; I help surface it.
Evidence Based
Founded on solid analysis of real data. Good strategy grows from honest understanding of where you are and where you can go.
Focused
No nonsense, simple, straight-forward process. Complexity is the enemy of action. We focus on what matters most.
Action Oriented
Designed to drive concrete action. A plan that sits on a shelf is not a strategy. We end with something you can actually use.
Services & Fees
Navigating nonprofit planning with care and clarity
Strategic planning in the not-for-profit world is especially challenging. Nonprofits must consider wider outcomes, meet broader accountabilities, and manage with more fragile funding sources.
What I Offer
Three core services
Facilitating Strategy Conversations
Structured, inclusive facilitation that surfaces the ideas and energy your team already holds. I design and lead conversations that bring clarity to complex challenges — whether that's a half-day board retreat or a multi-session community engagement process.
- Board and leadership retreats
- Community and stakeholder consultations
- Team visioning and alignment sessions
- Multi-session deliberative processes
Facilitation
Preparing Strategic Plans
Comprehensive strategic plans grounded in evidence and tailored to your organization's culture, accountability frameworks, and funding realities. From environmental scans to final document, I guide the full process.
- Environmental and stakeholder analysis
- Facilitated priority-setting
- Draft and final strategic plan document
- Presentation and communication support
Planning
Creating Action Plans
Translating strategy into concrete, prioritized action — so your organization moves from inspiration to implementation. This service bridges the gap between a beautiful strategic plan and the day-to-day work of getting things done.
- Operational and workplan development
- Priority-setting and resource mapping
- Accountability frameworks and milestones
- Progress monitoring design
Implementation
Fees
Transparent, flexible pricing
Van Rooy Strategies was launched to help good organizations do more good work. It's as simple as that.
For organizations that can afford help in creating their strategies, I charge fair market rates. For organizations doing good work with fewer resources, I set aside significant time for pro bono support. Fee-paying clients will know their fees help me spend more time with others who are also making good things happen in the world.
Project-based fees
The intention is to provide a no-surprises, one-price service. Fees are therefore set according to the scope and complexity of the work rather than a daily rate. After a free initial hour-long conversation, potential clients receive a detailed proposal with pricing options. Low overhead means my services are typically more affordable than similar planning services in North America.
Pro bono support
Much of the most important work happening in our communities is undertaken by volunteers and organizations with shoestring budgets. In solidarity with that commitment, I set aside significant time for pro bono consulting. After a free initial hour-long conversation, successful pro bono clients receive an estimate of the hours and scheduling options available.
Start a Conversation
How It Works
A simple, no-nonsense process
Step 01
Initial Conversation
We talk about your organization, your challenges, and what you're hoping to accomplish. No obligation — the first hour is free.
Step 02
Proposal & Scope
I develop a tailored proposal outlining the process, timeline, and fees — designed specifically for your organization's needs.
Step 03
Engagement
We do the work together — conversations, analysis, drafting — with your team and community at the centre throughout.
Step 04
Delivery & Follow-Up
You leave with something concrete and usable — and I'm available for follow-up questions as you put the plan into action.
Clients
Community-changing teams and planning projects
Here are some of the teams and planning projects I have supported recently. Click through the links to learn more about the great work these organizations have underway.
The Old School House
I facilitated planning conversations with the executive director and the board of this flourishing community arts centre in Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada. Working with old-fashioned sticky notes, markers, and brown paper, we spent time over two afternoons to generate and prioritize ideas for the centre's fundraising plan, and to build a manageable operational plan for month to month milestones.
"Alison, your facilitation was fantastic. You kept us focused, pulled out the right conversations, and helped us actually narrow things down in a meaningful way. It feels like we're moving from 'everything is important' to 'these are the things that will actually move the needle.'"
Elizabeth ParsonsBoard Chair, The Old School House
Max Bell School of Public Policy
I supported the director, professional staff, faculty, alumni, board, and friends of the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University in Montreal to chart their next steps.
The school's dynamic new director, Prof Jennifer Welsh, aimed to engage the whole community in thinking through the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for this highly-regarded graduate program and policy think tank. Their work — fed by new research, interviews, group sessions, working groups and more — sets an ambitious and achievable set of goals for the years to come.
Read their new strategy here once it's published.
Coming Soon"As the leader of our organization, it was critical for me to have Alison — not only to create a safe space for planning, but also as a wise and supportive discussion partner throughout the process."
Jennifer WelshDirector, Max Bell School of Public Policy, McGill University
UWC Robert Bosch College
I led conversations with the students, staff, alumni, and management team of the German United World College. Serving 200 young people from around the world, mostly on scholarship, this fabulous school in Freiburg aims to strengthen its impact in building peace and sustainability through education.
Coming Soon: RBC Plan
"UWC Robert Bosch College is deeply grateful for the guidance and expertise of Alison (herself a UWC Alumna — Pearson College 1983–85) who has supported the College through a highly valued strategic planning process grounded in inclusion, clarity, and care. Through engaging and thought-provoking consultations with staff, students, and alumni, Alison helped the community articulate a shared vision for the next ten years, one that builds on present strengths while easing pressure and sustaining impact."
Helen WhiteRektor, UWC Robert Bosch College
Achungo USA
I supported Achungo USA, the fundraising arm for the Achungo Children's Centre in Kenya. This group of committed volunteers sought to set priorities for their fundraising activities and to strengthen their partnership with their Kenyan counterparts. I helped the team gather and review their data and priorities in the lead up to creating their own planning process.
"Alison brought exceptional insight and flexibility to our strategic planning process. What stood out most was her ability to connect with stakeholders and respond to what she heard. She invested significant time interviewing board members, understanding our financial history, providing frameworks and encouragement for our peer organization research, and serving as a thoughtful sounding board throughout."
Lara HoyemBoard Member, Achungo USA
Local and Global Engagement, Oxford University
I spent time with the team at Oxford University working to strengthen connections with the wider city community. Their inspiring work involves inviting local organizations and young people to share in the facilities and opportunities of this world-renowned UK university.
"Bringing with her a wealth of expertise in public policy, Alison patiently listened and took the time to understand the landscape and challenges within our organisation. With Alison's guidance, we were able to refine and focus our mission. Her feedback and simple, but helpful, tools for strategy development gave us the clarity we needed to develop an actionable plan for the future."
Dr. Alex BettsPro-Vice Chancellor, External Engagement, Sport, and Community
Trust for Sustainable Living
I am the Strategy Advisor for the Trust for Sustainable Living, a charity leading on sustainability education and home to the visitor experience, The Living Rainforest, in Berkshire, UK. I helped the executive team and board better align their goals and strategies to their aspirations to engage young people in sustainability.
"Dr Van Rooy is helping us to distinguish the wood from the trees. Van Rooy Strategies provides a useful framework to help us focus on the top priorities for our attention."
Karl HansenExecutive Director, Trust for Sustainable Living and the Living Rainforest
Rhodes Trust Advisory Groups on Legacy, Equity, and Diversity
I helped facilitate the deliberations of a key Advisory Group to the Rhodes Trust on Legacy, Equity, and Diversity; and led the Rhodes Trust Board in a workshop to review the recommendations and take action on next steps.
"Alison recently guided us through an important decision-making process and helped us tackle some of the toughest issues we were facing in our broader community engagement. She executed this process with meticulous preparation and extreme thoughtfulness while gaining the trust of all of the key stakeholders. Alison contributes not only strategic thinking and unparalleled facilitation and advising skills to the organizations she helps but also brings unique energy and wisdom to the table."
Rodolfo Lara TorresChief Engagement and Development Officer
Theatre One
I led a collaborative planning process with the Board of this creative, community-rooted professional theatre company in Nanaimo, BC, to draft a new strategy in the wake of the pandemic. The plan looked at new options for programming, grant strategies, and public engagement.
"Alison has a remarkable ability to bring clarity to complex projects, ensuring that every step is meticulously planned and executed. Under her insightful direction we were able to streamline our processes and align our goals, and ultimately achieve a clear, actionable roadmap that has significantly enhanced our ability to navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities."
Dr. Ross MacKayVice-President, Board of Theatre One
Vancouver Island University
I led the two-year process to create the new Strategic Plan: People, Place, Potential for Vancouver Island University. I was also delighted to help the senior leadership team and advisory groups craft their first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan.
"Alison has an amazing ability to engage community in dialogue and to bring groups together."
Dr. Deborah SaucierFormer President, Vancouver Island University
"Alison brings a powerful combination of experience, mindset, and collaboration to strategic development work, along with a rich toolset and diverse skills."
Bryan WebberFormer Organizational Development Advisor, Vancouver Island University
Global Affairs Canada
At Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian International Development Agency, and other government departments, I championed external public engagement and led internal policy development initiatives. I am particularly proud to have co-founded the Asia-Pacific Policy Lab at Global Affairs.
"Alison has a brilliant analytical mind and common sense approach to organizing. She can make things happen. Her twin strengths are analysis and action. She has tremendous people skills and ability to provide inclusive solutions that work for all."
Dr. Donald BobiashFormer Assistant Deputy Minister for Asia Pacific, Global Affairs Canada
Resources
Tools and inspiration for nonprofits
Featured Resources
Article
The Philanthropist Journal — The Equity Problem Inside Strategic Planning
Michelle Gazze's May 2026 article examines how access to high-quality strategic planning in Canada's non-profit sector is not evenly distributed — and how that gap compounds everything else. Drawing on voices from Black-led and Indigenous organizations, it makes a compelling case for funders to invest in planning capacity, not just programs.
Read Article ↗
Blog
Alison Van Rooy — Strategic Planning and Civil Society
A post from Alison on LinkedIn reflecting on strategic planning, civil society, and nonprofit strategy — connecting practice to the bigger questions facing the sector.
Read Post ↗
Tool
CIVICUS — Strategic Planning Manual
A great do-it-yourself planning manual (in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic) from CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world.
Access Resource ↗
Tool
CIVICUS — Action Planning Manual
Also from CIVICUS, in English, French, and Spanish, is this more detailed day-to-day planning resource for civil society organizations.
Access Resource ↗
Tool
Intrac — Strategic Planning Toolkit for Small NGOs
Intrac, a research and consultancy organization that supports international and community nongovernmental organizations, has produced this great toolkit for DIY strategic planning.
Access Resource ↗
Tool
Brighter Strategies — Step-by-Step Guide for Nonprofits
Brighter Strategies, a planning consultancy, has produced this useful short step-by-step overview of the strategic planning process for nonprofit organizations.
Download Guide ↗Contact
Let's talk about your organization's future
Reach out to explore how we might work together — I'd be glad to hear about your organization and what you're hoping to achieve.
There is no obligation in reaching out. The first conversation — up to one hour — is always free.
Send a Message
Tell me about your organization
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Reconciliation Statement
Territorial Acknowledgement
I respectfully acknowledge that Van Rooy Strategies operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Stz'uminus, Snuneymuxw, and Snaw-naw-as Nations. I recognize their enduring connection to this land, waters, and community, and I am grateful to live and work here.
Reconciliation
Van Rooy Strategies acknowledges that reconciliation is an ongoing and active process. I recognize the lasting impacts of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and communities, and I am committed to listening, learning, and acting with respect.
I understand that acknowledgment alone is not enough. I aim to conduct my work in ways that are thoughtful, inclusive, and supportive of Indigenous rights, perspectives, and self-determination. I am committed to continued learning and to building respectful relationships over time.
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Accessibility Statement
Van Rooy Strategies is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.
We are making constant efforts to improve the accessibility of this site and its services in the belief that it is our collective moral obligation to allow seamless, accessible, and unhindered use for those of us with disabilities.
We aim to make all pages and content accessible, but some content may not yet fully meet the highest accessibility standards. This could be due to challenges in identifying the most suitable technological solution.
We may revise this Statement periodically to reflect improvements or changes to our accessibility practices.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of this website. Please use the contact form to let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers on our website.
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Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 1 January 2026
Van Rooy Strategies ("we", "us", or "our") respects your privacy. We collect only personal information that you voluntarily provide to us (for example, through email or contact forms). This may include your name, email address, or any other information you choose to share.
How we use your information
We use your information only to:
- Respond to your inquiries
- Communicate with you about our services
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties, except if required by law.
Data protection
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from loss, misuse, or unauthorized access.
Cookies and website data
Our website may collect basic technical information (such as IP address or browser type) to help improve the site. This information is not used to identify you personally.
Your choices
You may contact us at any time to:
- Request access to your personal information
- Ask us to delete your information
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on this page.
Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please use the contact form to send me a message.