Next Stop, the Future of Cleft Care:
On Track to Three Million Smiles
Smile Train's Strategic Plan 2021-2026
![Boy laughs at camera](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/3_2__720x480/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-header.jpg?itok=nGGpyj1F)
Smile Train’s journey began with an idea: Local experts could provide cleft care to those in need more sustainably than the prevailing mission-trip-based model. More than 1.5 million cleft surgeries, and 2,100+ empowered doctors, nurses, speech therapists, nutritionists, dentists, and so many others later, this idea has powered us to become the global leader in cleft care.
An idea can provide a lot of momentum, but it can’t lay track to an unknown future. For that, you need a map. Next Stop, the Future of Cleft Care: On Track to Three Million Smiles is Smile Train’s detailed itinerary to our next five years of exponential growth.
Imagine — more than three million children who may once have been condemned to a life of sickness, hunger, and isolation now living with smiles and hope.
All because of the power of a single idea and those — like you — who dared to believe in it.
Together, we will reach our destination and change the world, one smile at a time.
Strategic Plan Focus
Stakeholders
Who are our Stakeholders?
![Alex and Kendra demonstrate tooth brushing technique on a giant mouth](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-03/alex-and-kendra-og.jpg?itok=jJ6KRY9R)
Beneficiaries
S1 (Children, Adults, & Families)
![Smile Train medical partner](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-partners.jpg?itok=wG6rkRh_)
Partners
S2 (Medical, Institutions, Researchers)
![Smile Train supporters](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-supporters.jpg?itok=MsZxGQP1)
Supporters
S3 (Donors, Volunteers, Ambassadors)
![UNGA](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-unga.jpg?itok=6nywLQLR)
Governments & Multilaterals
S4 (e.g. WHO, G4 Alliance, UN)
![Smile Train staff](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-staff2.jpg?itok=o4XJkVTE)
Staff & Boards
S5 (Medical & Global)
Deliverables
What do we need to deliver for our Stakeholders?
![Kristhell flashing two peace signs in front of a chicken coop](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-03/kristhell-peace-chickens-free-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-peru-smile-train.jpg?itok=THdF6ffQ)
1.
Meet the philanthropic goals of supporters through stories and data and match our offer to their needs (S3, S4)
![Simulare training](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-06/simulare-training-two.jpg?itok=JvigPeKH)
2.
Innovate with partners and other stakeholders on mutually beneficial and impactful initiatives (S1,S2, S3, S4)
![Opening OR in Nigeria](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-06/appreciation-nk.jpg?itok=cjInjwJm)
3.
Provide resources, give recognition, and share learnings for mutual benefit (S2, S4)
![Pakistan cleft lip surgery](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-06/local-provider-2.jpg?itok=pO2W7I_T)
4.
Offer the best available treatment for beneficiaries through trusted local providers (S1, S2)
![Mamta Carroll speaks at cleftcon](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-06/thought-leadership-3.jpg?itok=QKI2L4w9)
5.
Serve as the cleft thought leader to support planning and innovation in health service delivery (S1, S2, S4, S5)
Capacities
What processes do we need to excel at?
![Smile Train fundraisers](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-six.jpg?itok=bBtJUJCd)
6.
Develop sustainable localized processes to implement global fundraising
![Smile Train surgeon holds patient](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-seven.jpg?itok=RZhTVsYP)
7.
Curate and disseminate inspirational content for fundraising and communications
![computers](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-eight.jpg?itok=8JIWcfAk)
8.
Analyze data to ensure informed decision-making and high-quality outcomes
![Smile Train CEO speaks at panel event](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-nine.jpg?itok=B_a5L--x)
9.
Seize thought leadership opportunities to drive innovative strategic alliances
![Smile Train speech patient](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-ten.jpg?itok=11PLxABo)
10.
Build reliable and flexible grant and finance systems and processes to underpin robust global growth
Growth
Where do we need to grow in people & culture?
![why do we give](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-11/why-do-we-give.jpg?itok=7zHQSbX9)
11.
Increase dialogue with our supporters to learn more about the aspirations behind their giving
![Smile Train staff at event](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-12.jpg?itok=JSGY-r9R)
12.
Broaden the contributing internal voices to foster a collaborative culture
![Osawa one million patient](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-06/osawa-family-st-plan.jpg?itok=xgauppXt)
13.
Create leadership structures that allow us to become more effective globally
![boy swings into frame](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/stategic-plan-14.jpg?itok=PeozNusg)
14.
Strengthen internal communications so all employees and partners are energized by the WHY factor in their work
![Culture event Mexico](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-06/recruit-1.jpg?itok=fyLawr1c)
15.
Recruit and invest in people with a passion for innovation, excellence, and results, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion
Investment
What resources & infrastructure do we need?
![Boy holds up a before surgery image](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-16.jpg?itok=xMAOfLCG)
16.
Provide the resources to deliver optimal partner and supporter communications
![mother feeding child](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-17.jpg?itok=BsnqG37g)
17.
Invest in systems and processes to support working and skill-sharing across teams and regions
![Training app](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-06/training-innovation.jpg?itok=RVh0jSxB)
18.
Invest in proven and reliable technology for all information systems and platforms
![Orthodontics Smile Train](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-06/orthodontics-2.jpg?itok=CBDZD_MF)
19.
Fund partners to achieve program scalability and quality, including comprehensive cleft care
![girl smiles](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/strategic-plan-20.jpg?itok=hddY3sPl)
20.
Invest in advocacy and awareness to advance the interests of beneficiaries