Environmental Scanning
Environmental scanning serves as an important initial step in the strategic planning process. According to the Peter Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management, the process of environmental scanning involves discovering and documenting facts and trends in the environment that can affect an organization’s future work.
Environmental Scanning in Project LAUNCH
Before embarking on a plan for shaping future work, Project LAUNCH grantees first need to determine what services and supports children and families need to reach their full potential, what services and supports already exist, and what gaps need to be filled.
Project LAUNCH grantees must conduct a complete strategic planning process, beginning with an environmental scan in the first year of their grant. While grantees conduct a needs assessment as part of their grant application process, the environmental scan process provides state, tribal, local, and District of Columbia Project LAUNCH programs with the opportunity to revisit and expand upon the needs assessment in a systematic way that involves staff and child wellness council members. The scan provides grantees with an opportunity to assess the services available in the community.
