A+ Academic Resources

A company’s strategy is dependent on the leadership of the organization and the actions they take that outperform the organization’s competitors as well as their ability to achieve superior profitability. Using this vantage point, A+ Academic Resources provides educational resources to children based on generic and diversification strategies. Generic Strategy or Strategies: A+ Academic Resources uses a differentiation strategy to establish and defend its desired strategic position against the organization’s rivals. This differential business strategy enables the organization to establish and exploit a competitive advantage within a particular scope. Differentiation is quite successful for the organization because patrons choose us over our competitors due the differentiating features of (a) well-seasoned staff (intellect, skill, and resilience) of dedicated veterans, (b) sharp military tutors, (c) high quality educational resources and (d) Standards of Excellence. Diversification Strategies: “Related diversification is when a firm moves into a new industry that has important similarities with the firm’s existing industry or industries” ("Selecting corporate-level strategies," 2012). The organization uses a related diversification strategy by teaming-up with local corporations to develop and exploit its core competency of providing high quality educational resources and to better improve the community as a whole ("Diversification strategy," 2009). There are several major corporations that provide money and manpower for nonprofits to advance social missions. This much needed synergistic effort secures a diverse revenue stream for the Foundation in a nonprofit valley plagued with resource scarcity. Business Model: A business model is a key component of an organization’s strategic plan. A business model is the vehicle an organization uses to garner profits (Defining Strategic Management and Strategy, (2012). A+ Academic Resources uses the Local Nationalizer funding model as its business model. This model is suited for organizations who focus on issues such as poor schools or children who are in need of adult role models. This model is best suited for the organization and its programs chiefly because the funding source is mixed and the funding motivation is altruism (Foster, Kim, and Christiansen, 2009). Strategic partnerships provide a broader range of resources to accomplish organizational goals and objectives for better mission accomplishment (Samuel, 2013). Major gifts and special events are the main sources of funding used in the Local Nationalizer funding model. Building and sustaining a funding model is key to successful fundraising in nonprofit organizations (NPOs). A funding model that is tailored to the size, mission and capabilities of an organization will feed the growth and development of the organization (Foster, Kim, & Christiansen, 2009). The Local Nationalizer funding model works well for the organization.

A+ Academic Resources has a unique Staff composition. The Staff is composed of talented and passionate veterans from across the Armed Forces. The Staff has strong relationships that were built over decades of working together to accomplish a shared beloved mission. The staff is very dedicated to the organization and its mission. Passion and teamwork are the keys to mission success. The Staff fervently works as a team to provide excellent programs and services to children in San Antonio schools who face educational resource deficits. The Staff is accountable. The organization has a rare Accountability Statement that is aligned with its business strategy (funding model). The Staff has a responsibility and an opportunity to be part of the solution. While the Staff alone cannot solve all the resource shortages, the Staff vows to make a remarkable difference. The important takeaway is A+ Academic Resources sets itself apart from its rivals and embraces transparency, accountability and responsibility for mission success.

Performance Measurement: Performance measurement allows organizations to demonstrate outcomes that are key to proving effectiveness. The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) pressures NPOs to adopt performance measurement. In 1992, the GPRA created a template for performance reporting by requiring quantitative versus qualitative data the effectiveness of programs and services in relation to meeting the NPOs stated mission. A+ Academic Resources uses performance measurement as a strategy to strengthen programs and services and increase their community outreach impact. NPOs must use performance measurement to track their progress towards achieving strategic goals to ensure that services and programs are aligned with strategic and operational priorities (Mulgan, 2010). Performance measurement results let the organization know if it is meeting mission requirements and if the organization is making progress towards its vision. Managers must communicate objectives and results, and successes should be highlighted in the annual report to inform all stakeholders about the organization’s achievement of goals and objectives. A+ Academic Resources is committed to using performance measurement to make data-driven decisions because an absence of performance measurement in the strategic management of NPOs will derail organizational success and cripple the organization as it strides towards achieving strategic goals and objectives and its vision. Feedback: Mangers must have a commitment to analysis and feedback, so they can gather relevant data and use that data to become better and better (ASAE, 2012). Based on feedback from stakeholders, especially donors, A+ Academic Resources uses that data to make revisions to programs and services to ensure that they align with the organization’s mission. This is mandatory for funding. A+ Academic Resources has a feedback link on its website to receive information about a child or school in need of educational resources, to answer questions and concerns, and to share success stories. The organization knows that feedback is critical for organizational health and sustainability.

The Academic Resources Program provides academic resources such as (a) school uniforms, (b) gym shoes, (c) backpacks, (d) books and (e) school supplies to keep children in school. These resources are provided to children in need. Beneficiaries are students attending public schools, from K - 12 grade. The Academic Resources Program is our main program. In 2018 (July - December), all funding ($13,291) was used for this major program. A total of 534 students received academic resources. In 2019, A+ Academic Resources vows more Mission. We are working to create diverse revenue streams to support our programs, chiefly the Academic Resources Program. The Board and Staff will continue to financially support A+ Academic Resources. The organization wants the Snack and Meals Program to start benefiting students who are suffering from hunger during food service gaps. We realize that students receive breakfast and lunch at school. However, there are students who arrive to school on Monday in a starved state due to a lack of adequate food supply and nutrition at home during the weekends and holiday breaks. A+ Academic Resources hopes to close the food supply gap by proving Snack Packs during school and Box Meals while at home. The Tutoring Services, Writing Services, Educational Consulting and Counseling Services and the College and Career Track Program will be better advertised to best meet student needs.