Step 4.01 , Annual Operating Plan

Purpose

The Annual Operating Plan addresses key aspects related to operating the Water Fund, including technical matters, marketing and communication, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, administration of the Water Fund, quality assurance, adaptive management, innovation, and planning.

Key Ideas

Learn more about Annual Operating Plans below:

What is an Operational Plan?

Operational Plans are developed as guides for those responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a Water Fund. These plans further serve as important mechanisms for communicating responsibility for the implementing of interventions specified in the Water Fund Strategic Plan. In the most general sense, Annual Operating Plans are developed to assist current and future members of a Water Fund in ensuring that the short and medium-term operation of the Water Fund is effective and ultimately accountable to the objectives it sets out.

What are the key questions that should be answered when developing an Operational Plan?

The process for developing an Operational Plan should involve regular consultation with the technical team and partners. This process should also involve steps that ensure all involved parties are well-versed in the results of the Conservation Plan. At a minimum, Operational Plans will seek to address the following questions:

What activities will be implemented under the water fund each year?
Who will be responsible for each task?
What is the short-term budget for launch, implementation, and so on?
What resources and expertise do we need to complete the annual activities?

The Water Fund Strategic Plan for a Water Fund should be developed prior to this step and should serve as the most important tool for developing an Operational Plan.