Topic 4A: Identifying and Engaging Stakeholders

Stakeholder Analysis Framework

Stakeholders are individuals or groups affected by, or who can affect, an organization’s work. Effective nonprofits systematically identify, analyze, and engage stakeholders to strengthen programs, secure resources, and build community support.

Stakeholder Categories

Beneficiaries/Service Users – Direct recipients of services (program participants, clients, patients)
Employees/Staff – Organization personnel who implement programs
Board Members – Governance and strategic leadership
Donors/Funders – Individual and institutional financial supporters
Community Partners – Complementary organizations collaborating on shared goals
Regulators/Policymakers – Government agencies overseeing nonprofit sector
General Public – Broader community and taxpayers

Stakeholder Identification Steps

Step 1: List all groups who currently interact with the organization or are affected by its work.
Step 2: For each group, assess: Power (influence over decisions), Interest (degree of concern), Impact (how much they’re affected).
Step 3: Map groups on a 2×2 matrix: Power (high/low) vs. Interest (high/low).
Step 4: Develop engagement strategies based on position in matrix.

Stakeholder Mapping Example

Education nonprofit serving low-income students:

High Power, High Interest: School district partnerships (co-leaders)
High Power, Low Interest: State education department (keep satisfied)
Low Power, High Interest: Student families (keep informed)
Low Power, Low Interest: Media outlets (monitor)

Engagement Strategies

For High Power, High Interest: Joint decision-making, formal governance roles, regular strategic meetings
For High Power, Low Interest: Quarterly updates, demonstrate value, maintain relationships
For Low Power, High Interest: Regular communication, feedback mechanisms, involvement opportunities
For Low Power, Low Interest: Minimal engagement, monitor for changes in status

Your assignment: Create a stakeholder map for an organization you know, identify engagement strategies for each group, and explain how this strengthens the organization’s mission alignment.