As a result of our net income of $83,568 in Year 2, we will be able to continue providing our essential programs and services to the community.
Our nonprofit’s balance sheet is shown below:
20XX | 20XX | 20XX | 20XX | 20XX | ||
ASSETS | ||||||
Cash | $16,710 | $90,188 | $158,957 | $258,570 | $392,389 | |
Accounts receivable | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Inventory | $21,000 | $23,153 | $25,526 | $28,142 | $31,027 | |
Total Current Assets | $37,710 | $113,340 | $184,482 | $286,712 | $423,416 | |
Fixed assets | $246,450 | $246,450 | $246,450 | $246,450 | $246,450 | |
Depreciation | $36,960 | $73,920 | $110,880 | $147,840 | $184,800 | |
Net fixed assets | $209,490 | $172,530 | $135,570 | $98,610 | $61,650 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | $247,200 | $285,870 | $320,052 | $385,322 | $485,066 | |
Debt | $317,971 | $272,546 | $227,122 | $181,698 | $136,273 | |
Accounts payable | $9,660 | $10,187 | $10,210 | $10,694 | $11,170 | |
Total Liabilities | $327,631 | $282,733 | $237,332 | $192,391 | $147,443 | |
Share Capital | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Retained earnings | -$80,431 | $3,137 | $82,720 | $192,930 | $337,623 | |
Total Equity | -$80,431 | $3,137 | $82,720 | $192,930 | $337,623 | |
$247,200 | $285,870 | $320,052 | $385,322 | $485,066 |
The nonprofit’s net assets will increase by $35,000 as a result of our income statement.
Our nonprofit’s cash flow statement is shown below:
20XX | 20XX | 20XX | 20XX | 20XX | |
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS | |||||
Net Income (Loss) | -$80,431 | $83,568 | $79,583 | $110,210 | $144,693 |
Change in working capital | -$11,340 | -$1,625 | -$2,350 | -$2,133 | -$2,409 |
Depreciation | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 |
Net Cash Flow from Operations | -$54,811 | $118,902 | $114,193 | $145,037 | $179,244 |
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENTS | |||||
Investment | -$246,450 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Net Cash Flow from Investments | -$246,450 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING | |||||
Cash from equity | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Cash from debt | $317,971 | -$45,424 | -$45,424 | -$45,424 | -$45,424 |
Net Cash Flow from Financing | $317,971 | -$45,424 | -$45,424 | -$45,424 | -$45,424 |
SUMMARY | |||||
Net Cash Flow | $16,710 | $73,478 | $68,769 | $99,613 | $133,819 |
Cash at Beginning of Period | $0 | $16,710 | $90,188 | $158,957 | $258,570 |
Cash at End of Period | $16,710 | $90,188 | $158,957 | $258,570 | $392,389 |
The nonprofit’s expected cash balance of $90,188 will be used to continue providing our essential programs and services to the community.
For 20XX, we expect that most of our funds will come from private donations; however, we require some donations for our operating expenses. As a result, the nonprofit plans to apply for grants this year.
Additionally, the nonprofit is always looking for opportunities to expand its fundraising efforts with events or corporate sponsorships. The nonprofit has also begun looking into ways we can use social media to develop a stronger online presence and increase brand awareness.
Let Children Prosper is committed to transparency and accountability. We will be publishing our nonprofit’s annual report on our website which will include a financial overview as well as program and service highlights.
The nonprofit plans to seek out individual donors as well as larger contributions from businesses and other organizations.
Our nonprofit relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and other organizations.
In order to continue providing our essential programs and services, we need to secure funding from both public and private sources. Some of the ways in which we hope to secure this funding include applying for grants, holding fundraising events, and seeking corporate sponsorships.
In order to generate more donations, we will be undertaking the following fundraising initiatives:
As a nonprofit organization, we aim to engage in donor outreach and online fundraising through websites such as Facebook and PayPal. We also plan to create a nonprofit blog where individuals can stay informed about our mission and learn how they can become involved with Let Children Prosper.
We are also exploring the option of hosting an annual fundraiser that will feature live entertainment, food, drinks, and opportunities to interact with nonprofit representatives.
Our nonprofit’s Board Treasurer is also a member of the Grants Coordinating Committee for the nonprofit’s parent organization which has resources that may be useful in securing grant funds for Let Children Prosper. Additionally, the nonprofit will begin looking into using social media such as Facebook or Instagram to increase brand awareness and improve brand recognition among our target audience.
The nonprofit has also applied for membership in the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives which will provide access to additional resources and training related to nonprofit management and fundraising.
Download our non-profit business plan pdf here. This is a free nonprofit business plan example to help you get started on your own nonprofit plan.
Developing this type of business plan can be challenging for many nonprofit groups because they may lack familiarity with basic business principles such as market research and financial projections. There are several steps that can be taken to make the process go more smoothly:
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Business plans aren’t only for startups and corporations; they’re equally crucial for nonprofit organizations. A well-drafted nonprofit business plan not only provides direction but also attracts donors and other stakeholders. In this article, we’ll delve into the hows and whys of writing a nonprofit business plan and walk you through the process step by step.
A business plan is like a roadmap. It charts the course, setting clear goals and detailing the strategies needed to reach your destination (e.g., business goals). Given the unique challenges nonprofits face — competing for funding, demonstrating impact, and managing resources efficiently — a business plan is indispensable for staying on track.
A nonprofit business plan is a document that outlines an organization’s operational and financial objectives, and details the strategies and resources (both human and capital) required to achieve those objectives. It serves as an internal guide for the organization’s leadership and a tool for communicating with external stakeholders.
At its core, a nonprofit organization thrives on clarity of purpose, and a business plan offers just that. It establishes a clear mission and vision, serving as a guiding light for every strategic decision and action.
Beyond this foundational benefit, a business plan fosters operational efficiency. Meticulously outlining processes and delineating roles and responsibilities ensures a streamlined workflow, preventing any overlaps or omissions that could hamper the organization’s effectiveness.
In a competitive landscape where nonprofits vie for funding, a well-articulated business plan attests to the organization’s seriousness, structure, and transparency. Donors and sponsors are more inclined to invest when they see a clear roadmap detailing how an organization will use their contributions.
Last, a business plan serves as a robust framework for performance evaluation. Setting benchmarks and expectations drives the organization toward its goals and creates a culture of accountability — ensuring that every stakeholder is aligned and contributing to the collective mission.
Like a blueprint, a business plan has several elements that are indispensable to its structure. But depending on your organization’s goals and purpose, there may be elements unique to you. Let’s consider the pillar elements of every plan:
Creating a nonprofit business plan can seem daunting, but it can be rewarding if you take the right approach. Follow this step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Crafting a nonprofit business plan requires meticulous organization and seamless data collection. As you dive into the process, Jotform can help you create customized forms that streamline various aspects of your planning.
Whether you’re gathering initial research and feedback, managing donor information, registering volunteers, or even tracking impact metrics, Jotform ensures that every piece of data is organized and accessible.
Jotform’s intuitive interface and templates make it easy to design forms tailored to your nonprofit’s specific needs. Use Jotform’s business plan templates to give yourself a head start. From soliciting feedback on a new program idea to managing donor relationships to reporting on the tangible impact of your efforts, Jotform simplifies the process. You can even use the business proposal template to collect grantor signatures.
Nonprofit organizations are eligible for a 50-percent discount on paid Jotform plans.
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Nonprofit organizations exist to meet social or environmental problems. For that reason, organizations don’t always focus on a solid financial bottom-line. However, they can’t effectively achieve their objectives without recurring donation income , human capital, and operation planning.
The structure of a nonprofit business plan is in truth no different from that of a profit-driven entity —but an important shift is in the wording, which shies away from business terminology. Another major difference is in the inclusion of fundraising and grants as primary sources of income. And while other organizations worry about taxes in the planning stage, nonprofits have little to no taxes to consider.
Here’s the components you need to write a successful business plan for your nonprofit:
An executive summary allows the organization to make a lasting first impression to the audience. This part contains the outline of the objectives, problem statement, and overall mission of the nonprofit. When you start writing a nonprofit business plan, envision it as a time-bound chance to market the firm.
Here are a few details to include in a summary:
A point to note : It’s essential to structure the executive summary as though you are addressing potential partners. As such, avoid too much jargon and technical aspects in this section.
Nonprofits target a specific group of people, or residents of one particular area. The target group has unique traits, strengths, and resources — such knowledge is crucial in the organization’s mission and sustainability. That said, it’s critical to gather a few data points and document them in your plan.
Here’s a list to include:
Find details on whether specific traits such as education or culture have a potential impact on your project. The findings will prevent mistakes and enhance your success.
Any nonprofit’s success relies on the leadership’s ability to raise sufficient funds. One of the ways to successfully fundraise is by using target fundraising personas. These may include corporate donors, private citizens, and other well-funded organizations — remember that in the end, large institutions are made up of individual people. Your persona list can guide you in identifying particular people to reach out to.
You can also use personas to identify supporters in different segments, including by income. The different characteristics of each segment will guide your approach to fundraising campaigns for that segment. For high income individuals, it is wise to organize personal visits as opposed to sending emails.
Notable nonprofits may also generate funds by creating alliances. Companies might become official sponsors in exchange for brand growth. The success of such partnerships depends on how well you’ve structured your mission.
Ultimately, the fundraising element should consist of straightforward and workable ideas that the organization seeks to utilize. When nonprofits create solid financial plans, it inspires investors and partners — which in turn attracts more than enough funds to run the organization.
This is the section that appeals to any potential partner or stakeholder. Therefore, you should provide details about your programs, execution of your mission, and the various ways your community will benefit.
For clarity, here’s what to include in this section:
This section is the heart and soul of your operations. It’s prudent to ensure it’s detailed, clear, and deliberate.
Just like businesses, nonprofits also require marketing, outreach, and advertising. Through marketing, the organization gains awareness and brand growth that helps to attract partners who will power their operations. As such, it’s essential to include these strategies in the business plan.
Some aspects to include in this section are:
For any organization, planning is part of the recipe that leads to sustained performance and a secure future. That’s why the knowledge of how to write a business plan for a social enterprise is essential. Among many benefits is the quick, positive impression it creates on stakeholders.
Without a well-crafted business plan, an organization’s operations are in jeopardy, and it may prove challenging to attract funding and goodwill from target donors. A partner like Elevation can help you to develop inspiring resources like your nonprofit logo , website, and marketing campaigns.
Nonprofits are well-known for being able to do a great deal with minimal resources....
Looking for volunteer opportunities but clueless about where to begin? Overwhelmed by the amount...
You’ve just come off a long fundraising season and the lethargy of the holidays...
More than half are rolling deadlines, so take a look now and then start bookmarking for your next grant cycle. The list focuses on grants that will fund technology and marketing needs for NGOs and other non-profits.
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Like any other business, nonprofit organizations need careful, structured planning to ensure sustainable growth. This is possible by creating a business plan that not only serves as a roadmap but also helps in attracting donors and volunteers needed to bring the organization’s vision to fruition.
Crafting the perfect business plan involves many things, but the most important part is understanding what it should look like and how it can help the organization forward its mission. This guide simplifies the process, breaks down its unique components, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to write a nonprofit business plan.
A business plan for nonprofits is a strategic document that outlines a nonprofit organization’s goals and operational approach. While similar to for-profit business plans, the focus here is on achieving social impact rather than financial profit.
Projects implemented by nonprofit organizations typically revolve around fostering social welfare, advocacy, education, or humanitarian aid. For instance, a nonprofit working to address homelessness might outline projects such as providing shelter and meals, offering job training programs, and collaborating with local agencies to advocate for affordable housing policies.
A typical business plan for nonprofits includes:
But one thing to note is that there is no one-size-fits-all plan. Every little detail incorporated into the plan must be tailored to the organization’s needs, where it currently stands, and how it can contribute to its primary purpose – guiding the nonprofit to success.
A good plan does not only help attract external support but also benefits the organization internally. Listed below are the key reasons why your nonprofit needs a business plan:
Running a nonprofit organization isn’t the easiest task, and there may be times when you question whether you’re truly making an impact. Having a business plan gives you a perspective of the progress you’ve made and provides a distinct path moving forward.
This clear-cut framework ensures that the mission, vision, and strategic direction remain focused, helping the nonprofit make informed decisions and navigate challenges with purpose.
Poor financial management can lead to many problems, especially in nonprofits. With a business plan, this can easily be taken care of.
Since nonprofit organizations rely on various external funds, there should be an emphasis on resource planning and management. This involves forecasting the organization’s needs, such as financial, human, and technological resources, and strategically allocating them to support the mission and vision. Doing so also demonstrates fiscal responsibility to donors and stakeholders.
One of the most common and effective ways nonprofits gain support is through fundraising activities. A business plan helps you develop a targeted fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals. Clearly outlining the fundraising objectives, target audiences, and specific tactics provides a roadmap for effective resource mobilization.
Additionally, a structured plan attracts and retains donors by instilling confidence in them about the tangible impact their contributions can make.
A business plan is vital for developing strategies to handle risks and potential challenges. This proactive approach helps minimize the impact of unforeseen events, like economic recessions or natural disasters, on the nonprofit’s operations.
A robust risk management strategy not only saves time and money but also improves decision-making, avoids surprises, and, most importantly, prevents harm to the people your nonprofit serves.
Because the business plan already lays out how the organization works, it’s easier to understand and adhere to nonprofit laws like tax exemption and revenue regulations.
Dealing with these things from the start helps prevent potential problems, maintains transparency, and builds trust with stakeholders. This allows you to focus on carrying out the mission without legal conflicts.
When gearing up to create a business plan for your nonprofit organization, it’s important to begin by thoroughly understanding the unique aspects of your mission. This solid foundation will guide you through the next steps of crafting a well-thought-out plan, which includes:
Before anything else, you must identify your why .
Ask yourself what you want to happen. What does the organization stand for? Who does it serve? What do you hope for it to become?
If your long-term goal is to create a lasting impact and expand the community you serve, establish a strategy that mirrors your mission. Begin by assessing your organization’s current position, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. Based on your assessment, leverage the strengths and address weaknesses that may hinder progress.
Next, clearly define who your target audience is. Understand their specific needs and preferences to tailor your approach effectively.
Once the key factors have been determined and written down, it will serve as the starting point for the strategy.
The planning step is where you delve into the how. What are your plans to sustain and amplify the impact you aim to create?
Since you are not selling products or providing services to generate revenue, you’ll need to rely on fundraising events to support your cause. To do this effectively, create detailed program plans covering goals, activities, timelines, and expected outcomes. As always, ensure these plans align with your organization’s mission.
After establishing the programs, set up a monitoring system that tracks their effectiveness and evaluates them regularly. This helps you make informed changes as the nonprofit or the community’s needs evolve.
Nonprofits receive financial support from various channels, such as individual donations, grants, sponsorships, and fundraising events. To ensure economic sustainability, building relationships with potential donors, individuals, institutions, and various funding sources is important to avoid relying too much on a single avenue.
In this sense, a well-thought-out budget is crucial for financial stability. Make sure to allocate resources carefully, considering program costs, administration expenses, and other needs. A clear and transparent budget not only aids in financial planning but also boosts trust with supporters.
Even though dealing with changing rules might seem to lead to more paperwork than focusing on your mission, remember that compliance is as important as pursuing your organization’s goals. Some vital legal considerations include:
Maintaining a good standing is crucial for obtaining licenses, securing grants and funding, protecting your organization’s reputation, and keeping the right to solicit support.
If you don’t have an in-house legal counsel, it’s a good idea to seek advice from experts who know nonprofit laws in your area when planning your business.
Now that you’ve covered all the essential details, the next step is to create the business plan outline. There’s no strict format to follow, as it all depends on your organization’s specifics. However, make sure not to exclude these essential components when creating a nonprofit business plan:
This part is a quick overview of the whole document. Since it’s the first thing people see in the business plan, it’s crucial to make it clear and interesting enough to grab their attention and encourage them to read the entire plan. Include the organization’s fundamentals – its history, objectives, and financing plans.
Provide a gist of who you are and who you serve. Here, express the organization’s mission, vision, and specific short-term and long-term goals.
In this section, you must provide a detailed description of all the products and services mentioned in the executive summary. Highlight any unique aspects, such as innovative features and distinct advantages, that set you apart. State how instrumental these are to the success of your initiatives and how each one addresses the industry need.
This is where you detail how your nonprofit will function on a day-to-day basis. Outline each team member’s daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, specifying responsibilities, timelines, and collaboration points to ensure a cohesive and efficient operation.
Additionally, spotlight any key processes, workflows, or systems necessary to achieve your mission.
The marketing plan should reflect the mission of the organization. Under this section, outline the strategies and channels to get your nonprofit out there. Include details about your target audience, methods for reaching them, and any promotional activities. This section may also cover partnerships, collaborations, and outreach efforts.
The financial plan provides a comprehensive overview of your nonprofit’s financial health and projections. Include a budget, funding sources, and a breakdown of how funds will be allocated to support your operations and programs. This part is vital for demonstrating sustainability and helping make better-informed decisions.
In the appendix, incorporate all the additional documents and information supporting the business plan’s main body. This may include resumes of key personnel, detailed financial statements, legal documents, or any other relevant materials.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to write a business plan:
Once you have a clear grasp of your organizational goals and strategies, here’s a sample nonprofit business plan template to get you started:
Q: how often should a non-profit business plan be updated.
Although nonprofit plans usually set up a roadmap for at least three to five years, they should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the organization’s purpose and changing external factors. For younger companies, an annual update with six monthly reviews may be sufficient, while more established nonprofits might opt for an annual review with quarterly check-ins.
Smaller nonprofits often conduct formal evaluations because their funders require it, but the benefits extend in both directions. Internally, evaluations help the organization assess its performance, impact, and effectiveness. In doing so, the nonprofit meets funder expectations and gains valuable insights for improvement, ensuring transparency and better alignment with its mission.
To stay adaptable, a nonprofit can follow three basic practices. First, keep the business plan up-to-date to align with the changing goals and environment. Second, stay on top of current industry trends to anticipate shifts in the landscape and prepare ahead of time. Lastly, revamp tools and approaches to ensure strategies remain innovative and effective.
A well-crafted nonprofit business plan is crucial for success. To achieve this, cooperation is necessary within the internal teams and partners. However, communication can be a common roadblock, especially in a remote workplace.
This is where Convene comes into play.
Convene is a reliable board portal for nonprofits that facilitates effective planning through its interactive and secure features. Easily collaborate with everyone in the organization by leveraging Convene’s live meeting capabilities, such as annotations and digital sign-offs. Also, keep track of the updates and reports with its secure document management features.
Check out this page to learn more about Convene and how it can benefit your nonprofit organizations.
Jess is a Content Marketing Writer at Convene who commits herself to creating relevant, easy-to-digest, and SEO-friendly content. Before writing articles on governance and board management, she worked as a creative copywriter for a paint company, where she developed a keen eye for detail and a passion for making complex information accessible and enjoyable for readers. In her free time, she’s absorbed in the most random things. Her recent obsession is watching gardening videos for hours and dreaming of someday having her own kitchen garden.
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Angelique O'Rourke
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Updated May 10, 2024
Believe it or not, creating a business plan for a nonprofit organization is not that different from planning for a traditional business.
Nonprofits sometimes shy away from using the words “business planning,” preferring to use terms like “strategic plan” or “operating plan.” But, the fact is that preparing a plan for a for-profit business and a nonprofit organization are actually pretty similar processes. Both types of organizations need to create forecasts for revenue and plan how they’re going to spend the money they bring in. They also need to manage their cash and ensure that they can stay solvent to accomplish their goals.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to create a plan for your organization that will impress your board of directors, facilitate fundraising, and ensures that you deliver on your mission.
Good business planning is about setting goals, getting everyone on the same page, tracking performance metrics, and improving over time. Even when your goal isn’t to increase profits, you still need to be able to run a fiscally healthy organization.
Business planning creates an opportunity to examine the heart of your mission , the financing you’ll need to bring that mission to fruition, and your plan to sustain your operations into the future.
Nonprofits are also responsible for meeting regularly with a board of directors and reporting on your organization’s finances is a critical part of that meeting. As part of your regular financial review with the board, you can compare your actual results to your financial forecast in your business plan. Are you meeting fundraising goals and keeping spending on track? Is the financial position of the organization where you wanted it to be?
In addition to internal use, a solid business plan can help you court major donors who will be interested in having a deeper understanding of how your organization works and your fiscal health and accountability. And you’ll definitely need a formal business plan if you intend to seek outside funding for capital expenses—it’s required by lenders.
Creating a business plan for your organization is a great way to get your management team or board to connect over your vision, goals, and trajectory. Even just going through the planning process with your colleagues will help you take a step back and get some high-level perspective .
Keep in mind that developing a business plan is an ongoing process. It isn’t about just writing a physical document that is static, but a continually evolving strategy and action plan as your organization progresses over time. It’s essential that you run regular plan review meetings to track your progress against your plan. For most nonprofits, this will coincide with regular reports and meetings with the board of directors.
A nonprofit business plan will include many of the same sections of a standard business plan outline . If you’d like to start simple, you can download our free business plan template as a Word document, and adjust it according to the nonprofit plan outline below.
The executive summary of a nonprofit business plan is typically the first section of the plan to be read, but the last to be written. That’s because this section is a general overview of everything else in the business plan – the overall snapshot of what your vision is for the organization.
Write it as though you might share with a prospective donor, or someone unfamiliar with your organization: avoid internal jargon or acronyms, and write it so that someone who has never heard of you would understand what you’re doing.
Your executive summary should provide a very brief overview of your organization’s mission. It should describe who you serve, how you provide the services that you offer, and how you fundraise.
If you are putting together a plan to share with potential donors, you should include an overview of what you are asking for and how you intend to use the funds raised.
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Start this section of your nonprofit plan by describing the problem that you are solving for your clients or your community at large. Then say how your organization solves the problem.
A great way to present your opportunity is with a positioning statement . Here’s a formula you can use to define your positioning:
For [target market description] who [target market need], [this product] [how it meets the need]. Unlike [key competition], it [most important distinguishing feature].
And here’s an example of a positioning statement using the formula:
For children, ages five to 12 (target market) who are struggling with reading (their need), Tutors Changing Lives (your organization or program name) helps them get up to grade-level reading through a once a week class (your solution).
Unlike the school district’s general after-school homework lab (your state-funded competition), our program specifically helps children learn to read within six months (how you’re different).
Your organization is special or you wouldn’t spend so much time devoted to it. Layout some of the nuts and bolts about what makes it great in this opening section of your business plan. Your nonprofit probably changes lives, changes your community, or maybe even changes the world. Explain how it does this.
This is where you really go into detail about the programs you’re offering. You’ll want to describe how many people you serve and how you serve them.
In a for-profit business plan, this section would be used to define your target market . For nonprofit organizations, it’s basically the same thing but framed as who you’re serving with your organization. Who benefits from your services?
Not all organizations have clients that they serve directly, so you might exclude this section if that’s the case. For example, an environmental preservation organization might have a goal of acquiring land to preserve natural habitats. The organization isn’t directly serving individual groups of people and is instead trying to benefit the environment as a whole.
Everyone has competition —nonprofits, too. You’re competing with other nonprofits for donor attention and support, and you’re competing with other organizations serving your target population. Even if your program is the only one in your area providing a specific service, you still have competition.
Think about what your prospective clients were doing about their problem (the one your organization is solving) before you came on this scene. If you’re running an after-school tutoring organization, you might be competing with after school sports programs for clients. Even though your organizations have fundamentally different missions.
For many nonprofit organizations, competing for funding is an important issue. You’ll want to use this section of your plan to explain who donors would choose your organization instead of similar organizations for their donations.
If you’re running a regional nonprofit, do you want to be national in five years? If you’re currently serving children ages two to four, do you want to expand to ages five to 12? Use this section to talk about your long-term goals.
Just like a traditional business, you’ll benefit by laying out a long-term plan. Not only does it help guide your nonprofit, but it also provides a roadmap for the board as well as potential investors.
In a for-profit business plan, this section would be about marketing and sales strategies. For nonprofits, you’re going to talk about how you’re going to reach your target client population.
You’ll probably do some combination of:
Similar to the “target audience” section above, you may remove this section if you don’t promote your organization to clients and others who use your services.
Instead of including a pricing section, a nonprofit business plan should include a costs or fees section.
Talk about how your program is funded, and whether the costs your clients pay are the same for everyone, or based on income level, or something else. If your clients pay less for your service than it costs to run the program, how will you make up the difference?
If you don’t charge for your services and programs, you can state that here or remove this section.
Fundraising is critical for most nonprofit organizations. This portion of your business plan will detail who your key fundraising sources are.
Similar to understanding who your target audience for your services is, you’ll also want to know who your target market is for fundraising. Who are your supporters? What kind of person donates to your organization? Creating a “donor persona” could be a useful exercise to help you reflect on this subject and streamline your fundraising approach.
You’ll also want to define different tiers of prospective donors and how you plan on connecting with them. You’re probably going to include information about your annual giving program (usually lower-tier donors) and your major gifts program (folks who give larger amounts).
If you’re a private school, for example, you might think of your main target market as alumni who graduated during a certain year, at a certain income level. If you’re building a bequest program to build your endowment, your target market might be a specific population with interest in your cause who is at retirement age.
Do some research. The key here is not to report your target donors as everyone in a 3,000-mile radius with a wallet. The more specific you can be about your prospective donors —their demographics, income level, and interests, the more targeted (and less costly) your outreach can be.
How will you reach your donors with your message? Use this section of your business plan to explain how you will market your organization to potential donors and generate revenue.
You might use a combination of direct mail, advertising, and fundraising events. Detail the key activities and programs that you’ll use to reach your donors and raise money.
Use this section to talk about how you’ll work with other organizations. Maybe you need to use a room in the local public library to run your program for the first year. Maybe your organization provides mental health counselors in local schools, so you partner with your school district.
In some instances, you might also be relying on public health programs like Medicaid to fund your program costs. Mention all those strategic partnerships here, especially if your program would have trouble existing without the partnership.
Without milestones and metrics for your nonprofit, it will be more difficult to execute on your mission. Milestones and metrics are guideposts along the way that are indicators that your program is working and that your organization is healthy.
They might include elements of your fundraising goals—like monthly or quarterly donation goals, or it might be more about your participation metrics. Since most nonprofits working with foundations for grants do complex reporting on some of these, don’t feel like you have to re-write every single goal and metric for your organization here. Think about your bigger goals, and if you need to, include more information in your business plan’s appendix.
If you’re revisiting your plan on a monthly basis, and we recommend that you do, the items here might speak directly to the questions you know your board will ask in your monthly trustee meeting. The point is to avoid surprises by having eyes on your organization’s performance. Having these goals, and being able to change course if you’re not meeting them, will help your organization avoid falling into a budget deficit.
Your nonprofit exists to serve a particular population or cause. Before you designed your key programs or services, you probably did some research to validate that there’s a need for what you’re offering.
But you probably are also taking some calculated risks. In this section, talk about the unknowns for your organization. If you name them, you can address them.
For example, if you think there’s a need for a children’s literacy program, maybe you surveyed teachers or parents in your area to verify the need. But because you haven’t launched the program yet, one of your unknowns might be whether the kids will actually show up.
Who is going to be involved and what are their duties? What do these individuals bring to the table?
Include both the management team of the day-to-day aspects of your nonprofit as well as board members and mention those who may overlap between the two roles. Highlight their qualifications: titles, degrees, relevant past accomplishments, and designated responsibilities should be included in this section. It adds a personal touch to mention team members who are especially qualified because they’re close to the cause or have special first-hand experience with or knowledge of the population you’re serving.
There are probably some amazing, dedicated people with stellar qualifications on your team—this is the place to feature them (and don’t forget to include yourself!).
The financial plan is essential to any organization that’s seeking funding, but also incredibly useful internally to keep track of what you’ve done so far financially and where you’d like to see the organization go in the future.
The financial section of your business plan should include a long-term budget and cash flow statement with a three to five-year forecast. This will allow you to see that the organization has its basic financial needs covered. Any nonprofit has its standard level of funding required to stay operational, so it’s essential to make sure your organization will consistently maintain at least that much in the coffers.
From that point, it’s all about future planning: If you exceed your fundraising goals, what will be done with the surplus? What will you do if you don’t meet your fundraising goals? Are you accounting for appropriate amounts going to payroll and administrative costs over time? Thinking through a forecast of your financial plan over the next several years will help ensure that your organization is sustainable.
Money management skills are just as important in a nonprofit as they are in a for-profit business. Knowing the financial details of your organization is incredibly important in a world where the public is ranking the credibility of charities based on what percentage of donations makes it to the programs and services. As a nonprofit, people are interested in the details of how money is being dispersed within organizations, with this information often being posted online on sites like Charity Navigator, so the public can make informed decisions about donating.
Potential contributors will do their research—so make sure you do too. No matter who your donors are, they will want to know they can trust your organization with their money. A robust financial plan is a solid foundation for reference that your nonprofit is on the right track.
It’s important to remember that a business plan doesn’t have to be set in stone. It acts as a roadmap, something that you can come back to as a guide, then revise and edit to suit your purpose at a given time.
I recommend that you review your financial plan once a month to see if your organization is on track, and then revise your plan as necessary .
Angelique is a skilled writer, editor, and social media specialist, as well as an actor and model with a demonstrated history of theater, film, commercial and print work.
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Could your organization use a nonprofit business plan ? The answer is yes . Although the nonprofit sector doesn’t always work like the for-profit world and you might not think of your nonprofit as a business, having a business plan can boost your growth and support.
The most important thing to remember is that your nonprofit needs to be unique so it stands out from other nonprofits. Secondly, you want to convey the value that those who engage with your organization or donate money will receive. This can be making them feel charitable but also more productive and engaged. Think about the value/emotion you are hoping to evoke and convey it through your business plan.
The following sections should be included in your nonprofit business plan:
Organization overview.
Customer analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.
Let’s break each of these down.
Start your nonprofit business plan by clearly stating your organization’s mission and describing how it plans on reaching its goals. Include a concise description of what makes your organization stand out among competitors (e.g., “We are the only non-profit animal welfare organization in XYZ county” or “Our college student volunteers provide assistance at less than half the cost as our competitors”). Succinctly communicate why people should care about your organization so they will choose to support you. Include other pertinent information about your organization such as the bios of key staff members and the amount of funding you are looking to raise.
The purpose of the executive summary is to convey key information about your organization so readers can decide whether they are interested and willing to read the rest of your plan. Keep the executive summary to one to two pages in length. Create it after completing the other sections so you can simply summarize them. But make sure you do so in an exciting and compelling manner, so readers want to read and learn more about your organization.
This section should include a description of your organization’s overall structure, beginning with who founded it and how it is currently governed. Other important information to provide includes your the nonprofit is located, how many paid/unpaid staff members there are, what facilities are available for use by customers or employees, and what kind of support services are provided (e.g., IT, HR). Lastly, explain any accomplishments your organization has achieved to-date, as the best indicator of future success is past performance.
In this section, write about your nonprofit’s services or programs in detail. Document the programs you offer and how they function. Provide details, sketches, etc. to clearly communicate the offerings and value your organization provides. If applicable, consider including audience testimonials that express satisfaction with your nonprofit’s offerings.
For industry analysis, address some questions and provide information that supports your answers. Consider this: how big is the industry? For example, if you provide education to high school students, discuss the market size for public and private high school education.
Also answer the following questions:
This section should begin with a definition of who the organization considers to be its primary target market (e.g., high school students, working moms, etc.). Based on this group’s needs and wants, prioritize which benefits/offerings from your services or programs are most important to them. This section should also include facts about your supporters’ key needs and pains or other information that might be helpful for your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts.
The marketing plan should discuss how the individuals you serve are likely to find out about your organization’s services and programs along with what promotional activities will be used to reach new audiences . Outline why each activity is beneficial for growing your nonprofit and which demographic it best targets. For strategies that have already been used, provide specific figures on results achieved.
Below are sample promotional activities that many nonprofit organizations use:
Developing relationships with the media and utilizing earned media coverage helps with free public exposure. This in turn gets the word out about an organization’s mission. For example, you can create press releases related to new staff additions or upcoming events and share them with your media contacts.
Social media sites allow organizations to stay connected with supporters and advocates at any time of day. There are different social media platforms that work for different organizations. For example, Twitter is a great way to have quick conversations with people about an issue. Facebook is a good place for sharing more in-depth content and articles on a particular subject area. LinkedIn is a platform where you can build your network of contacts and share information about your organization or topic area.
Producing great content for blogs or other channels can be an extremely effective way to bring people back to your site or area of social media where they are more likely to donate. A blog can allow you to have conversations with supporters and advocates, answer questions, give more information about your organization or cause, and talk about the issues in your community. In addition, the use of photos, videos, infographics, etc., is a great way to get information across in a compelling manner.
Sending out an e-newsletter is a great way to engage your supporters. You can include links back to your website, send updates about your organization, share compelling videos or photos from recent events, etc. Just make sure your audience has opted in to hear from you and be sure you don’t spam their inboxes with constant updates every day.
Organizing special events around a particular subject area is a good way to inform the public about an issue or about your organization. Some examples of events are panel discussions about a subject, fundraising dinners, etc. Webinars have grown in popularity with nonprofits in recent years as well. With so many options for virtual, hybrid or in-person gatherings, you’ll be sure to find a way to boost your nonprofit’s audience and growth.
Just because digital marketing has grown doesn’t mean that traditional media isn’t viable. Unfortunately, this can be one component of advertising that nonprofits often neglect due to lack of funds. Adding an ad to the back of a newspaper with some basic information about what you do, how people can get involved, and what you are looking for in terms of volunteers, donors, etc., is still a great way to spread the word.
Don’t forget about pay-per-click advertising on search engines like Google. This makes it possible to drive traffic to your website based on specific keywords your target audience searches or pages they visit online. You can write compelling ads that allow you to get the word out about what your organization does.
This section should describe in detail how your nonprofit runs or plans to run its business day-to-day. Outline internal systems that will be used to track and monitor each product, service, or program offered by the organization (e.g., accounting software). Describe what kind of training employees may need to perform their duties effectively. Also include information about whether future hiring plans are scheduled. If so, mention whether all positions will need to be filled immediately or if some can be temporarily contracted out until permanent staff is hired. Finally, create a chart showing the milestones your organization hopes to achieve annually over the next five years.
Provide a list of important management team members within your organization. Make sure to include each person’s title, how long they have been working there, and what responsibilities are part of their role. For each person, include any previous experience they have as well as personal traits that would help them succeed in it. If there are no existing employees with enough business expertise to serve certain roles, list the qualifications the ideal candidate would possess instead.
In this section of your business plan, provide a detailed breakdown of how much funding you are seeking broken down by category (e.g., marketing, staffing, etc.). Provide information about how much revenue is expected from donors and customers compared to funds needed to cover operating costs such as salaries, advertising, and rent. If the organization already has an existing revenue stream, explain how new funding will be used to fund new operations.
The appendix is a good place for any additional information that you would like readers of your nonprofit business plan to have. This includes additional industry research and information on your products, services, or programs. It might also include testimonials from satisfied customers or profiles of board members. Or, it might include architectural designs of a new facility you hope to build.
In summary, a nonprofit business plan is a document that outlines your nonprofit organization’s goals and objectives. A well-written, comprehensive plan can help you attract funding from potential donors or investors. It will also provide clarity to stakeholders by giving them an understanding of your vision for the organization’s future growth.
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The complete guide to writing a nonprofit business plan.
August 14, 2019
Leadership & Management
July 7, 2022
Statistics from the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS) show that there are over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations currently operating in the U.S. alone. Many of these organizations are hard at work helping people in need and addressing the great issues of our time. However, doing good work doesn’t necessarily translate into long-term success and financial stability. Other information has shown that around 12% of non-profits don’t make it past the 5-year mark, and this number expands to 17% at the 10-year mark.
12% of non-profits don’t make it past the 5-year mark and 17% at the 10-year mark
There are a variety of challenges behind these sobering statistics. In many cases, a nonprofit can be sunk before it starts due to a lack of a strong nonprofit business plan. Below is a complete guide to understanding why a nonprofit needs a business plan in place, and how to construct one, piece by piece.
A business plan for a nonprofit is similar to that of a for-profit business plan, in that you want it to serve as a clear, complete roadmap for your organization. When your plan is complete, questions such as "what goals are we trying to accomplish?" or "what is the true purpose of our organization?" should be clear and simple to answer.
Your nonprofit business plan should provide answers to the following questions:
1. What activities do you plan to pursue in order to meet the organization’s high level goals?
2. What's your plan on getting revenue to fund these activities?
3. What are your operating costs and specifically how do these break down?
Note that there’s a difference between a business plan and a strategic plan, though there may be some overlap. A strategic plan is more conceptual, with different ideas you have in place to try and meet the organization’s greater vision (such as fighting homelessness or raising climate change awareness). A business plan serves as an action plan because it provides, in as much detail as possible, the specifics on how you’re going to execute your strategy.
With this in mind, it’s important to discuss the individual sections of a nonprofit business plan. Having a proper plan in a recognizable format is essential for a variety of reasons. On your business’s end, it makes sure that as many issues or questions you may encounter are addressed up front. For outside entities, such as potential volunteers or donors, it shows that their time and energy will be managed well and put to good use. So, how do you go from conceptual to concrete?
Having a mission statement is essential for any company, but even more so for nonprofits. Your markers of success are not just how the organization performs financially, but the impact it makes for your cause.
One of the easiest ways to do this is by creating a mission statement. A strong mission statement clarifies why your organization exists and determines the direction of activities.
At the head of their ethics page , NPR has a mission statement that clearly and concisely explains why they exist. From this you learn:
You should aim for the same level of clarity and brevity in your own mission statement.
The goal of a mission statement isn’t just about being able to showcase things externally, but also giving your internal team something to realign them if they get off track.
For example, if you're considering a new program or services, you can always check the idea against the mission statement. Does it align with your higher level goal and what your organization is ultimately trying to achieve? A mission statement is a compass to guide your team and keep the organization aligned and focused.
You can’t prepare for the future without some data from the past and present. This can range from financial data if you’re already in operation to secured funding if you’re getting ready to start.
Data related to operations and finances (such as revenue, expenses, taxes, etc.) is crucial for budgeting and organizational decisions.
You'll also want to collect data about your target donor. Who are they in terms of their income, demographics, location, etc. and what is the best way to reach them? Every business needs to market, and answering these demographic questions are crucial to targeting the right audience in a marketing campaign. You'll also need data about marketing costs collected from your fundraising, marketing, and CRM software and tools. This data can be extremely important for demonstrating the effectiveness of a given fundraising campaign or the organization as a whole.
Then there is data that nonprofits collect from third-party sources as to how to effectively address their cause, such as shared data from other nonprofits and data from governments.
By properly collecting and interpreting the above data, you can build your nonprofit to not only make an impact, but also ensure the organization is financially sustainable.
Before you begin writing your plan, it’s important to have an outline of the sections of your plan. Just like an academic essay, it’s easier to make sure all the points are addressed by taking inventory of high level topics first. If you create an outline and find you don’t have all the materials you need to fill it, you may need to go back to the data collection stage.
Writing an outline gives you something simple to read that can easily be circulated to your team for input. Maybe some of your partners will want to emphasize an area that you missed or an area that needs more substance.
Having an outline makes it easier for you to create an organized, well-flowing piece. Each section needs to be clear on its own, but you also don’t want to be overly repetitive.
As a side-note, one area where a lot of business novices stall in terms of getting their plans off the ground is not knowing what format to choose or start with. The good news is there are a lot of resources available online for you to draw templates for from your plan, or just inspire one of your own.
You may want to use a template as a starting point for your business plan. The major benefit here is that a lot of the outlining work that we mentioned is already done for you. However, you may not want to follow the template word for word. A nonprofit business plan may require additional sections or parts that aren’t included in a conventional business plan template.
The best way to go about this is to try and focus less on copying the template, and more about copying the spirit of the template. For example, if you see a template that you like, you can keep the outline, but you may want to change the color scheme and font to better reflect your brand. And of course, all your text should be unique.
When it comes to adding a new section to a business plan template, for the most part, you can use your judgment. We will get into specific sections in a bit, but generally, you just want to pair your new section with the existing section that makes the most sense. For example, if your non-profit has retail sales as a part of a financial plan, you can include that along with the products, services and programs section.
The exact content is going to vary based on the size, purpose, and nature of your nonprofit. However, there are certain sections that every business plan will need to have for investors, donors, and lenders to take you seriously. Generally, your outline will be built around the following main sections:
Many people write this last, even though it comes first in a business plan. This is because the executive summary is designed to be a general summary of the business plan as a whole. Naturally, it may be easier to write this after the rest of the business plan has been completed.
After reading your executive summary a person should ideally have a general idea of what the entire plan covers. Sometimes, a person may be interested in learning about your non-profit, but doesn’t have time to read a 20+ page document. In this case, the executive summary could be the difference between whether or not you land a major donor.
As a start, you want to cover the basic need your nonprofit services, why that need exists, and the way you plan to address that need. The goal here is to tell the story as clearly and and concisely as possible. If the person is sold and wants more details, they can read through the rest of your business plan.
This is the space where you can clarify exactly what your non-profit does. Think of it as explaining the way your nonprofit addresses that base need you laid out earlier. This can vary a lot based on what type of non-profit you’re running.
This page gives us some insight into the mechanisms Bucks County Historical Society uses to further their mission, which is “to educate and engage its many audiences in appreciating the past and to help people find stories and meanings relevant to their lives—both today and in the future.”
They accomplish this goal through putting together both permanent exhibits as well as regular events at their primary museum. However, in a non-profit business plan, you need to go further.
It’s important here not only to clearly explain who benefits from your services, but also the specific details how those services are provided. For example, saying you “help inner-city school children” isn’t specific enough. Are you providing education or material support? Your non-profit business plan readers need as much detail as possible using simple and clear language.
For a non-profit to succeed, it needs to have a steady stream of both donors and volunteers. Marketing plays a key role here as it does in a conventional business. This section should outline who your target audience is, and what you’ve already done/plan on doing to reach this audience. How you explain this is going to vary based on what stage your non-profit is in. We’ll split this section to make it more clear.
Obviously, it’s difficult to market an idea effectively if you’re not in operation, but you still need to have a marketing plan in place. People who want to support your non-profit need to understand your marketing plan to attract donors. You need to profile all the data you have about your target market and outline how you plan to reach this audience.
Marketing plans differ greatly for nonprofits already in operation. If your nonprofit is off the ground, you want to include data about your target market as well, along with other key details. Describe all your current marketing efforts, from events to general outreach, to conventional types of marketing like advertisements and email plans. Specific details are important. By the end of this, the reader should know:
This is designed to serve as the “how” of your Products/Services/Programs section.
For example, if your goal is to provide school supplies for inner-city schoolchildren, you’ll need to explain how you will procure the supplies and distribute them to kids in need. Again, detail is essential. A reader should be able to understand not only how your non-profit operates on a daily basis, but also how it executes any task in the rest of the plan.
If your marketing plan says that you hold community events monthly to drum up interest. Who is in charge of the event? How are they run? How much do they cost? What personnel or volunteers are needed for each event? Where are the venues?
This is also a good place to cover additional certifications or insurance that your non-profit needs in order to execute these operations, and your current progress towards obtaining them.
Your operations section should also have a space dedicated to your team. The reason for this is, just like any other business plan, is that the strength of an organization lies in the people running it.
For example, let’s look at this profile from The Nature Conservancy . The main points of the biography are to showcase Chief Development Officer Jim Asp’s work history as it is relevant to his job. You’ll want to do something similar in your business plan’s team section.
Equally important is making sure that you cover any staff changes that you plan to implement in the near future in your business plan. The reason for this is that investors/partners may not want to sign on assuming that one leadership team is in place, only for it to change when the business reaches a certain stage.
The sections we’ve been talking about would also be in a traditional for profit business plan. We start to deviate a bit at this point. The impact section is designed to outline the social change you plan to make with your organization, and how your choices factor into those goals.
Remember the thoughts that go into that mission statement we mentioned before? This is your chance to show how you plan to address that mission with your actions, and how you plan to track your progress.
Let’s revisit the idea of helping inner-city school children by providing school supplies. What exactly is the metric you’re going to use to determine your success? For-profit businesses can have their finances as their primary KPI, but it’s not that easy for non-profits. Let’s say that your mission is to provide 1,000 schoolchildren in an underserved school district supplies for their classes. Your impact plan could cover two metrics:
The primary goal of this section is to transform that vision into concrete, measurable goals and objectives. A great acronym to help you create these are S.M.A.R.T. goals which stands for: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.
Vitamin Angels does a good job of showing how their action supports the mission. Their goal of providing vitamins to mothers and children in developing countries has a concrete impact when we look at the numbers of how many children they service as well as how many countries they deliver to. As a non-profit business plan, it’s a good idea to include statistics like these to show exactly how close you are to your planned goals.
Every non-profit needs funding to operate, and this all-important section details exactly how you plan to cover these financial needs. Your business plan can be strong in every other section, but if your financial planning is flimsy, it’s going to prove difficult to gather believers to your cause.
It's important to paint a complete, positive picture of your fundraising plans and ambitions. Generally, this entails the following parts:
In general, if you see something else that isn’t accounted for here, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and put the relevant information in. It’s better to have too much information than too little when it comes to finances, especially since there is usually a clear preference for transparent business culture.
Generally, this serves as a space to attach additional documents and elements that you may find useful for your business plan. This can include things like supplementary charts or a list of your board of directors.
This is also a good place to put text or technical information that you think may be relevant to your business plan, but might be long-winded or difficult to read. A lot of the flow and structure concerns you have for a plan don’t really apply with an appendix.
In summary, while a non-profit may have very different goals than your average business, the ways that they reach those goals do have a lot of similarities with for-profit businesses. The best way to ensure your success is to have a clear, concrete vision and path to different milestones along the way. A solid, in-depth business plan also gives you something to refer back to when you are struggling and not sure where to turn.
Alongside your business plan, you also want to use tools and resources that promote efficiency at all levels. For example, every non-profit needs a consistent stream of donations to survive, so consider using a program like GiveForms that creates simple, accessible forms for your donors to easily make donations. Accounting and budgeting for these in your plans can pay dividends later on.
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Home > Business Plan Templates > 10-Part Nonprofit Business Plan Template (With Examples)
Mar 26, 2024 | Business Plan Templates
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Yes. A nonprofit needs a business plan just as much as any for-profit enterprise. A business plan for a nonprofit organisation serves several critical purposes: it outlines the mission and vision, sets clear goals and objectives, and details the strategies for achieving them. Additionally, it plays a vital role in securing funding from donors, grants, and other sources by demonstrating the organisation’s potential for impact and sustainability.
A well-crafted business plan helps nonprofits to effectively allocate resources, manage risks, and measure progress towards their goals. It also provides a roadmap for growth and development, ensuring that the organisation remains focused and aligned with its core values and objectives.
In essence, a business plan is indispensable for a nonprofit organisation’s success, guiding its efforts to make a meaningful difference in its community.
So, without further ado, here is our nonprofit business plan template!
The executive summary provides a concise overview of your nonprofit organisation and summarises the main aspects of your plan. Although it comes first in your business plan, you might find it easier to write this part last, ensuring it captures all the important points from the rest of your document.
Begin with a brief introduction to your organisation. What is its name? What causes does it support? Whether you’re focusing on environmental conservation, community development, etc., make it compelling and engaging.
Example: The Helping Hands Foundation is a nonprofit organisation committed to uplifting disadvantaged communities through access to quality education, healthcare, and basic amenities.
Here, provide a high-level summary of your organisation. Discuss the core activities and why the work is crucial. Include the types of services offered and any significant initiatives.
Example : Our organisation mainly operates in rural areas, where we undertake various community development projects and run a healthcare centre and a school.
Write your Nonprofit’s mission and vision statement. This should communicate your organisation’s purpose, its strategic goals, and its commitment to the cause.
Example: Our mission is to empower underprivileged communities by providing education, healthcare services, and resources that foster a sustainable livelihood. Our vision is to create an equitable world where every individual has access to basic human rights and opportunities needed for personal and communal growth.
Discuss where your nonprofit operates, explaining where you have the most significant presence or impact and the communities you are serving in those regions.
Example: The Helping Hands Foundation currently extends its services to the marginalised communities in two rural towns in Montana, reaching over 5,000 individuals directly.
Explain the kind of work your nonprofit does. Whether you provide direct services, advocacy, research, etc., describe in detail.
Example: We offer direct services, including running a healthcare centre that provides basic medical services and a school that offers quality education from Kindergarten to 5th grade. We also have several livelihood programs that equip adults with skills to earn a living.
Outline what you’re striving for in the short and long term. These should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) goals.
Example: Our main goal for the coming year is to expand our services into two more towns and to increase our direct beneficiaries by 20%. In the long term, we aim to establish a network of schools and healthcare centres across Montana.
This section provides the reader with a detailed understanding of your organisation’s specific programs and services, their purpose, and their impact.
Describe the programs or services your organisation offers in detail. Explain the principles guiding these programs and the kind of expertise involved.
Example: We run three main programs: the Community Health Initiative, the Learning Support Program, and the Adult Skill-building Program. Each of these programs follows a participatory model, where community members are active participants, ensuring culturally and contextually relevant interventions.
Enumerate the range of services you offer under each program. Highlight key elements and features of these services.
Example: The Community Health Initiative includes services like regular medical check-ups, basic treatments, immunisations, and health awareness workshops. The Learning Support Program offers a comprehensive curriculum, while the Skill-building Program offers vocational classes in various trades.
Describe who benefits from your programs or services, detailing how they are chosen and why they are the focus of your efforts.
Example: Our beneficiaries predominantly include underserved individuals and families from the marginalised communities in rural Montana. The selection is made based on household income, with priority given to those below the poverty line. We focus on these groups because we believe that providing them with access to healthcare, quality education, and skill-building can lead to a significant upliftment.
This section provides a glimpse into the historical background of your nonprofit and an insight into its governance structure.
Specify the legal status of your nonprofit. Is it a nonprofit corporation, a public charity, a private foundation, or another type of legal entity? Why was this type chosen?
Example: The Helping Hands Foundation is a Public Charity under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. This structure allows us to accept donations, contributions, and gifts that are tax-deductible for donors, which is beneficial in raising funds for our cause.
Introduce your board of directors briefly, highlighting their experience and roles. Point out their key contributions to the organisation.
Example: Our board comprises five dedicated members, including a physician, an educator, a social worker, a business entrepreneur, and a legal professional, each offering expertise in their respective fields to help guide and govern our organisation.
Highlight significant milestones in your organisation’s history to show the progress and impact over time.
Example : Founded in 2015, the Helping Hands Foundation started as a health outreach program serving a single community. By 2017, we expanded our services to education, and in 2019 added our Adult Skill-building Program. We’re now serving multiple communities across Montana and have positively impacted over 5,000 lives directly.
This section will outline how the nonprofit organisation functions and generates revenue to support its mission and programs.
Discuss your nonprofit’s main sources of income. These could include individual and corporate donations, grants, fundraising events, service fees, etc.
Example: Our main income sources include individual donations, corporate partnerships, and grants. We also generate revenue through our annual charity run – “Run for Help”.
Discuss any planned collaborations or partnerships. These could be with other nonprofit organisations, for-profit businesses, government institutions, etc.
Example: We are planning to partner with local businesses for some of our skill-building programs. These businesses will not only provide practical training but also potential job placements for our beneficiaries.
If there are any special projects or initiatives planned that will bring substantial funds or support to the organisation, detail them.
Example: We plan to launch a “Sponsor a Child’s Education” initiative that encourages donors to cover educational expenses for a specific child for a period of one year.
This section provides an understanding of the broader context in which your nonprofit operates, including the current need, target beneficiaries, and competitive landscape.
Describe the current community need that your nonprofit is addressing. Use data and real examples to illustrate the need.
Example: According to the latest census, the rural parts of Montana that we serve have 35% of the population living below the poverty line. Lack of access to quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities persist as significant challenges.
Detail the demographic, geographic, socioeconomic, and other relevant characteristics of the people your organisation serves.
Example: Our primary beneficiaries are families living below the poverty line, struggling with limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. They present a diverse age group, from children requiring educational support to adults needing vocational training.
Identify other nonprofit organisations working on similar issues, examine their approach, and highlight what sets your organisation apart.
Example: While other nonprofits in the region primarily focus on either healthcare or education, The Helping Hands Foundation sets itself apart by offering a holistic approach – providing access to healthcare, quality education, and skill-building programs for sustainable livelihoods.
Explain how your nonprofit is positioned in response to the need, target beneficiaries, and competitive landscape. Describe your strategy to deliver your mission.
Example: Our organisation is positioned as an all-encompassing solution for the challenges faced by our target community. Our strategy involves a holistic, participatory approach that acknowledges and works around the cultural and contextual realities of the community.
This section deals with how you plan to generate awareness about your organisation’s purpose and work, as well as how you plan to solicit donations.
Outline your strategy to garner visibility and positive coverage in the media and community.
Example: Our PR strategy includes issuing press releases about milestone achievements, hosting town hall meetings to engage community members, and inviting local influencers or media to cover our key events and initiatives.
Describe your approach to raising funds. This may include details of fundraising events, online campaigns, donor recognition strategies, and plans to apply for grants.
Example: We plan to conduct an annual charity run event, “Run for Help”, which is our major fundraiser. We also run online crowdfunding campaigns around specific causes like “Back-to-School” and “Vaccinate a Village”. We acknowledge our generous donors through a ‘wall of fame’ on our website and an annual appreciation dinner.
Discuss how you plan to engage community members and volunteers in your work. This can bring additional resources to your organisation through volunteer time and word-of-mouth advertising.
Example: We welcome community members to volunteer in our learning centres, health camps, and other initiatives. We also encourage volunteer involvement in event organisation, fundraising, and spreading the word about our work.
This is where you’ll outline how your nonprofit will function day-to-day, including details about staff recruitment, facility needs, technology, and overall operational flow.
Describe how you plan to staff your nonprofit. This includes the roles you require, criteria for each position, expected number of hires you plan to make per year, and any recruiting strategies.
Example: We plan to hire qualified professionals for roles like Program Managers, Field Coordinators, and Fundraising Coordinators. We also rely on volunteers to help us in various capacities. We actively participate in job fairs and conduct regular recruitment drives to find passionate and committed individuals for our team.
Discuss the current and expected composition of your board. What roles do they play in your nonprofit, and how often do they meet?
Example: Our board comprises five members, specialising in different areas like healthcare education, legalities, business, and social work. They meet quarterly to review our progress and annual plan. They are instrumental in providing strategic direction to our organisation.
What kind of technology does your nonprofit require to function seamlessly? This might include software for managing donor data, a website for online presence, project management tools, etc.
Example: We use a donor management software to streamline our fundraising efforts, an accounting software to track our income and expenses, and social media platforms to reach out to our followers and prospective donors.
What are your facility needs? Do you need an office space, a storage room, a community centre, etc.?
Example: We currently operate from a rented office space in downtown Montana. Due to the expansion of our programs, we plan to rent additional storage space for our education and healthcare supplies.
This section involves how the nonprofit plans to market its programs and services to its beneficiaries and prospective donors.
Describe how you plan to increase awareness of your nonprofit in the community you serve, among potential donors, and the public in general.
Example: We plan to conduct regular community awareness programs in schools and public places to educate people about our work. Also, we use digital marketing channels like social media, email newsletter, and our website to increase our visibility among potential donors.
Discuss your organisation’s online presence. This may include details about your website, blog, and social media accounts.
Example: Our website provides comprehensive information about our programs, stories of impact, and ways to get involved. We also maintain an active presence on various social media platforms, where we share updates, appeal for donations, and engage with our followers.
Discuss how you plan to engage with the community beyond the direct provision of services.
Example: We regularly host town hall meetings to engage with community members and gather their feedback. We also participate in local events and festivals to further integrate ourselves into the community culture.
This section focuses on your nonprofit’s financial aspects, detailing how funds will be raised and spent.
Lay out the current or expected budget for your organisation, including income and expenses.
Example: Our annual budget for this year is $500,000, with the majority of the funds divided between education and healthcare programs. We allocate 10% for administrative expenses, and the remainder is used for fundraising and marketing.
Discuss your proposed financing options. These could include a detailed breakdown of expected revenues from various sources like donations, grants, government funding, special events, etc.
Example: We hope to raise 40% of our funds from individual and corporate donations, 30% from grants, 20% from special events like ‘Run for Help’, and the remainder 10% from government funding and other sources.
Clarify any assumptions in your financial plan, explaining why these assumptions have been made.
Example: We have assumed a 5% increase in donations from last year as we have seen a steady growth in our donor base. We also anticipate securing a major grant that we’ve applied for based on our past successes with similar applications.
This section includes any additional documents or supportive material related to your business plan, such as:
Include a visual representation of your nonprofit’s structure, showing the roles and departments within the organisation.
Example: Our organisational chart distinguishes between our board members, management team, employees, and volunteers, providing a clear understanding of the functioning of our nonprofit.
Attach resumes or brief bios of key team members to provide a sense of their skills, expertise, and experience.
Example: We have included the resume of our Program Manager who holds a master’s in Public Health and has over seven years of experience working in the nonprofit sector.
If your financial plan refers to a detailed budget, include a copy here.
Example: A detailed breakdown of our annual budget, including income and expenditure, reflects our judicious allocation of resources.
Include any market research that validates the need for your nonprofit’s services.
Example: A Local Community Survey report, conducted by us, indicates a significant need for our healthcare and educational services among the local populace.
In essence, a business plan helps you articulate and present your nonprofit organisation’s mission, operations, and financial activities with accuracy and persuasiveness. It enables you to highlight your organisation’s unique vision, services, and strategies robustly.
From charting organisational history and governance, presenting market analysis, to detailing your PR and fundraising strategy – a perfect business plan showcases your nonprofit in a compelling light. Remember, it’s crucial to tweak and adjust our guidance to fit your specific context, allowing your unique story, approach, and goals to shine through.
Follow this roadmap, and remember, a well-crafted business plan is more than just a document – it’s an opportunity to bring your organisation’s work to life, foster stakeholder understanding, build support, and ultimately, amplify your nonprofit’s impact.
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A nonprofit business plan is a document that describes your nonprofit’s mission, goals, strategies, and financial projections. It helps you communicate your vision to donors, stakeholders, and staff, as well as guide your decision-making and operations.
Writing a nonprofit business plan can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some easy-to-follow steps to create a comprehensive and effective plan for your nonprofit. If you want to learn how to start your non-profit business , Read This Guide.
Follow these simple steps to write your non profit business plan, step 1: mind your audience.
Remember that not everyone who reads your plan will be as experienced and knowledgeable as you are. You need to tailor your language and tone to suit your audience’s needs and expectations. For example, if you are writing for potential funders, you need to emphasize your impact, sustainability, and competitive advantage. If you are writing for internal use, you need to focus on your objectives, action plans, and performance indicators. Knowing your target audience is crucial for your marketing and sales. Find out how to identify and reach them with these proven tips.
Make a nonprofit business plan outline that covers the main sections of your plan. These include:
Looking for inspiration for your nonprofit business plan? Check out these 11 amazing non profit business plan example.
Think back to when you were in school. Did you enjoy reading long paragraphs of text with no visual aids? Probably not. The same goes for your readers. You want to make your plan easy to read and understand by using clear headings, bullet points, tables, charts, graphs, and images. You also want to use consistent fonts, colors, and styles throughout your document.
A business plan outline is a roadmap for your success. Learn how to write a clear and compelling one with these simple steps.
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Each section of your plan should have a clear purpose and flow logically from one to another. You should also use transitions and summaries to connect the different sections and highlight the main points. For example:
Step 5: display your data aesthetically.
Data is an essential part of your plan. It shows that you have done your homework and that you have evidence to support your claims. However, data can also be boring or confusing if not presented well. You want to use data visualization tools such as tables, charts, graphs, and images to display your data in a way that is easy to comprehend and appealing to the eye. You should also use captions, labels, legends, and sources to explain what the data means and where it comes from.
No matter how good you are at writing or how confident you are in your plan, you should always have someone else review it before you finalize it. An editor can help you catch errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, logic, consistency, clarity, and accuracy. They can also give you feedback on how to improve your content and structure. You can hire a professional editor or ask a colleague or friend who has experience in writing or reviewing business plans.
Step 7: keep the tone positive.
Writing a nonprofit business plan can be challenging and stressful. You may encounter difficulties or uncertainties along the way. However, you should not let that affect the tone of your plan. You want to convey a sense of optimism, enthusiasm, passion, and confidence in your nonprofit’s mission and vision. You want to show that you have a clear direction for the future and that you are ready to overcome any obstacles or risks that may arise. By following these steps, you can create a nonprofit business plan that will impress your readers and help you achieve your goals. Remember that your plan is not set in stone. You should update it regularly as your nonprofit grows and changes.
Do you want to make a positive difference in the world while running a sustainable business? Here are 53 brilliant non-profit business ideas that you can start today.
Faq's of non-profit business plan.
Nonprofit and not-for-profit are terms that describe a type of organization that does not distribute its surplus income to owners or shareholders, but rather uses it for a social or charitable cause. Not-for-profit is usually written with hyphens, while nonprofit is usually written without hyphens.
Planning in a not for profit is creating a strategic plan that guides the organization.
The strategic plan involves: Reflecting on the mission Identifying the most important goals Determining the strategies to reach them Measuring the progress and outcomes
Planning in a not for profit also requires: Engaging the staff, board, and other stakeholders Revisiting the plan regularly as the environment changes
A non-profit example is an organization that does not distribute its surplus income to owners or shareholders but rather uses it for a social or charitable cause. Some common examples of non profits are:
Charitable organizations, such as hospitals, universities, national charities, and foundations. Religious organizations, such as churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues. Volunteer service organizations, such as labor unions, legal aid societies, and animal welfare groups. Research organizations, such as institutes, think tanks, and academic centers. Cultural organizations, such as museums, libraries, and arts groups.
A non-profit (NPO) is an organization that does not aim to make a profit, but to serve a social or public benefit.
To write a non-profit project proposal, you need to follow these steps:
Identify the problem or need that your project will address Research the existing solutions and gaps in the field Define your goals, objectives, activities, outcomes, and indicators Develop a budget and a timeline for your project Write a clear and concise summary of your proposal Include supporting documents such as letters of support, resumes, etc.
A summary of a non-profit organization is a brief overview of its mission, vision, values, programs, impact, and achievements. It should highlight what makes the organization unique and why it deserves support.
The 7 steps of a business plan are: Executive summary Company description Market analysis Product or service description Marketing and sales strategy Financial plan Appendix
– There is no definitive answer to what is the best type of nonprofit, as different nonprofits may have different goals, missions, and strategies. – However, some possible criteria to evaluate nonprofits are: impact, efficiency, transparency, accountability, and sustainability. – Impact refers to how well the nonprofit achieves its intended outcomes and creates positive change for its beneficiaries and society. – Efficiency refers to how well the nonprofit uses its resources, such as time, money, and staff, to deliver its services and programs. – Transparency refers to how openly the nonprofit communicates its activities, finances, and results to its stakeholders and the public. – Accountability refers to how the nonprofit adheres to ethical standards, legal regulations, and best practices in its operations and governance. – Sustainability refers to how the nonprofit ensures its long-term viability and resilience in the face of challenges and changes.
– Public charities: These are organizations that receive most of their funding from the general public or the government, and they usually have a broad charitable purpose. – Private foundations: These are organizations that are funded by a single source, such as a family, a corporation, or an individual, and they usually make grants to other charities rather than operate their own programs. – Hybrid organizations: These are organizations that combine elements of both public charities and private foundations, such as donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, and community foundations.
Written by Dave Lavinsky
Business Plan Outline
You’ve come to the right place to write a nonprofit business plan.
We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create nonprofit business plans and many have used them to start or grow their nonprofit organizations.
Below are links to the essential sections of our sample nonprofit business plan template to help you with the business planning process for your organization:
Next Section: Executive Summary >
What is a nonprofit business plan.
A nonprofit business plan is a roadmap to start a nonprofit organization or as the organization grows. Among other things, it outlines your charitable concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections. Your non profit business plan should be a living document that is updated frequently as your nonprofit grows.
You can easily complete your nonprofit business plan using our Nonprofit Business Plan Template here .
There are many types of nonprofits, but each has a charitable mission to help an underserved segment of society. For example, there are nonprofits that serve the underserved youth, abused or abandoned animals, homeless, veterans and impoverished. There are also many nonprofits that support social awareness and global issues such as the environment, education and equality.
The primary source of revenue for nonprofit organizations are monetary donations from sponsors, government grants and funding, and tax incentives through 501c3 designations.
The key expenses for a nonprofit business are staffing, supplies, rent, utilities, program costs and working capital to ensure the sustainability of the non profit. Proper business planning will help your nonprofit thrive financially.
This differs from a for profit business plan because you do not have to show profitability. Nonprofits focus away from profit and instead center on accountability.
Most nonprofit organizations are likely to receive funding from banks, grants, and donors. As the majority of the funding will come from government grants and funds, grant proposals will need to be compiled and proposed to the necessary funding organization.
A solid business plan is key to showing investors you are well-prepared to start your own business. A nonprofit business plan template is key to proper business planning and getting started quickly.
You can download our free nonprofit business plan template PDF . This nonprofit business plan outlines the key elements that should be used when drafting a business plan for a nonprofit organization.
July 6, 2023
Adam Hoeksema
Does a non profit really need a business plan? Your organization isn’t a “normal” business after all, you are pursuing a mission, so shouldn’t the business plan just be to pursue the mission of the organization?
Also, is there really such a thing as a “non profit business plan”? Non profit organizations are so diverse in their business models. For example, the financial model for a church based on donations is quite different than a non profit healthcare provider financial model based on provided health care services.
Since the only common attribute among non profits is that they are pursuing a mission rather than a profit for shareholders, the size, scope and type of a business plan that your non profit might need can vary dramatically.
In this article I hope to cover the following:
With that in mind as the path forward, let’s dive in.
Writing a business plan for a non-profit organization has several important benefits and can serve as a key tool in achieving the organization's goals. Here are a few reasons why writing a business plan for a non-profit is essential:
It is difficult to give you a one size fits all answer for what should be included in a non profit business plan because as we have mentioned every non profit has a different model. So you really need to customize your business plan to your non profit’s unique situation. That being said, we did put together an outline of a generic non profit business plan which should at least give you a good head start.
1. executive summary.
1.1 Organization Overview
1.2. Objectives
1.3. Mission Statement
2.1. Organization History
2.2. Legal Structure
2.3. Unique Value Proposition
2.4. Target Beneficiaries
3.1. industry overview, 3.2. collaborator and competitor identification.
3.3. Target Beneficiaries
4. marketing and fundraising, 4.1. strategic plan.
4.2. Program or Service Offerings:
4.5. promotions and fundraising, key point 2, 5. organizational structure and management, 5.1. organization’s facility & location, 5.2. staffing plan and volunteer management.
5.3. Governance, Financial Management, and Accountability
6. financial plan.
6.1. Startup Costs
6.4. profit and loss statement, 6.5. cash flow projections, 6.6. break-even analysis, 7. appendix.
7.1. Supporting Documents
7.2. Glossary of Term
7.3. References and Resources
Do non profits have competitors .
You might be tempted to think that non profit organizations don’t have competition because you are just all out to support the mission. Although you can certainly work toward the same goal, as an organization you still have competition. A non profit church may be competing for church members in a sense, a non profit university is competing for students, and a non profit health care system is competing to recruit the best doctors and employees.
One way to analyze your competition might be to use a tool like Ahrefs.com which allows you to input an organizations website and see roughly how much website traffic they get and what keywords are driving traffic to their website. My alma mater is Taylor University. Ahrefs shows that their website receives roughly 25,000 visitors per month from organic search results.
Furthermore I can do a keyword report and see that they are ranking first for a competitive keyword like “Christian University Indiana” which sends them roughly 34 organic website visitors per month.
Ahrefs is also a great tool to understand how big the market might be for your particular non profit. For example, we can see that there are only 350 people searching for “Christian colleges in Indiana” per month, so the total market of people searching for an organization like Taylor University is relatively small. If you are starting a church you could run a report for keywords like “church in XYZ city” which would help you understand that number of people searching for a church in your area.
By doing competitor and keyword research for your market on Ahrefs, you should now have a good idea of how your competitors are attracting customers / beneficiaries and you can look for opportunities to compete in that market. You can then advertise for certain keywords, write content or blog posts related to the keywords that your target market is searching for, and you can try to replicate or improve upon strategies that appear to be working for your competitors.
Structuring a nonprofit board involves considering a number of elements, including board size, member composition, board officer roles, committees, and member terms. Here are some guidelines for how you can structure a nonprofit board:
Remember, each nonprofit organization is unique and may have different needs and requirements when it comes to board structure. It's important to create a structure that works best for your particular organization, in compliance with any applicable local, state, or national laws.
Just like in any industry, the non-profit sector has its own unique factors that impact financial projections, such as fundraising efforts, grant opportunities, and donor contributions. Utilizing a non-profit financial projection template can simplify the process and boost your confidence. Creating precise financial projections goes beyond demonstrating your organization's ability to secure funding; it's about showcasing the financial path that will enable you to achieve your mission and make a positive impact. To develop accurate projections, consider the following key steps:
While financial projections are vital for your non-profit business plan, remember to seek guidance from experienced professionals who understand the non-profit landscape. Adapt your projections based on real-world insights and leverage industry resources to refine your financial plan, ensuring you can effectively execute your organization's mission and achieve your desired outcomes.
Below is the content of our sample non profit business plan . A Google Doc version of this nonprofit business plan template is available here for you to modify and personalize. There's also a video walkthrough available to guide you in tailoring the business plan to your specific nonprofit organization's needs.
1. organization overview.
Briefly introduce the organization's background, programs, and target market.
- Example: Safe Haven is a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing accessible counseling services to underserved communities
Outlines the organization's short-term and long-term goals.
- Example: Increase the number of counseling sessions offered by 25% within the next six months to meet the growing demand for accessible mental health services in underserved communities.
- Example: Long-term: Establish satellite centers in neighboring cities within three years to expand the reach of Save Haven's mental health programs and services to a wider population.
Describes the organization's purpose and core values.
- Example: Empowering underserved communities by promoting mental health awareness and providing accessible counseling services for all.
Provides context on the organization's background and founding story.
- Example: Established in 2010 by Andy Mitchell and a group of passionate professionals and activists, Safe Haven is a mental health organization dedicated to providing accessible counseling services. Through community partnerships and continuous growth, we have made a lasting impact on mental health awareness and support.
Describes the organization's legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation).
- Example: Safe Haven operates as a non-profit organization registered as a 501(c)(3).
Emphasizes the organization's competitive advantage or unique values.
- Example: Safe Haven stands out by offering collaborative mental health care, bringing together a multidisciplinary team of professionals who work together to foster holistic well-being and resilience in individuals and communities.
Defines the organization's ideal beneficiary base.
- Example: Safe Haven aims to serve underserved communities, including individuals from low-income backgrounds, marginalized groups, and those facing barriers to mental health services.
Presents a general overview of the industry, its trends, and growth potential.
- Example: The mental health industry is experiencing significant growth and increased awareness due to a growing recognition of the importance of mental well-being. Safe Haven aims to leverage this trend and contribute to the industry by providing accessible counseling services and promoting mental health awareness in underserved communities.
Identification of similar non-profit organizations and potential collaborators
- Example: Direct competitors: Compassionate Minds: A non-profit organization providing mental health services and counseling operating in the same region as Safe Haven.
- Example: Indirect competitors: Mental Health Foundation: A national non-profit organization focusing on advocacy and awareness, partnering with various stakeholders to promote mental well-being.
Explores the organization's target beneficiaries, demographics, preferences, and pain points.
- Example: Our programs and services primarily target low-income families and individuals residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a focus on marginalized communities, such as homeless individuals, domestic violence survivors, and immigrant populations.
Describes the action plans, timelines, and key milestones for your organization
Describes the organization's programs or services in detail.
- Example: Secure sustainable funding through grant applications, fundraising events, and community partnerships
Key Milestone: Raise a minimum of $100,000 in grant funding within the first year.
- Example: Develop and implement mental health awareness campaigns in collaboration with local community organizations within the first year of operation, starting from Month 1.
Key Milestone: Launch the first mental health awareness campaign within 6 months.
- Example: Recruit and train a team of licensed mental health professionals to offer counseling services within the first year of operation, starting from Month 1.
- Example: Save Haven offers a comprehensive range of services including individual counseling, group therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, and support groups.
Describes the methods through which the organization will deliver its programs or services to beneficiaries.
- Example: Safe Haven employs a multi-channel distribution approach, utilizing remote counseling, and community partnerships with schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities.
Details of the organization's promotional efforts and advertising strategies.
- Example: Safe Haven employs a comprehensive promotional strategy encompassing online presence through its website and social media platforms, active community outreach at events and health fairs, partnerships with local media outlets, and collaborations with healthcare professionals and community organizations to ensure a continuous flow of individuals seeking mental health support.
Specify the organization's premises used to carry out its activities, programs, and services. I
- Example: Save Haven operates from a welcoming and serene facility located in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The facility comprises modern counseling rooms, a comfortable waiting area, and administrative offices, creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking mental health services.
Involves the systematic approach of recruiting, coordinating, and supporting volunteers and staff
- Example: Safe Haven implements a comprehensive staffing plan that includes recruiting, training, and retaining qualified staff members to ensure the effective delivery of programs and services. Additionally, the organization establishes a volunteer management system to engage and support volunteers in their roles, providing them with meaningful opportunities to contribute to the mission.
Involves the effective and responsible management of financial resources to support the organization's operations
- Example: Safe Haven upholds strong policies and procedures to ensure responsible governance, financial management, and accountability, including clear guidelines for board members, transparent financial reporting, and performance evaluations to continually improve its impact and stakeholder satisfaction.
All of the unique Non-Profit projections you see here were generated using ProjectionHub’s Non-Profit Financial Projection Template . Use PH20BP to enjoy a 20% discount on the template.
Provide a detailed breakdown of the total startup costs requirements, and where you plan for those funds to come from. You will also want to break down how the startup costs will be used including working capital to cover losses before the business breaks even.
- Example: Save Haven's total startup costs are estimated at $150,000. The organization has raised $125,000 through fundraising and donations, and they are seeking an additional $25,000 to cover the remaining expenses.
Provide an estimate of the organization's future revenue based on market research and assumptions.
- Example: Save Haven projects a steady increase in revenue over the next five years, with anticipated amounts of $509,060 in 2023, in the first year.
Estimates the organization's future expenses, including fixed and variable costs.
- Example: Save Haven has estimated its operating expenses, including direct expenses, fundraising costs, sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative costs, research and development expenses, programming costs, salaries, interest and taxes, loan principal, and leasehold improvements.
Summarizes the organization's financial position and expenses, over a specific period.
- Example: Save Haven anticipates an initial net loss in 2023 due to startup expenses and infrastructure investments. However, the organization projects a positive net income in the following years, demonstrating a consistent and promising financial growth trajectory.
Outlines the organization's projected cash inflows and outflows.
- Example: Save Haven's cash flow projections factor in expected fluctuations in cash inflows and outflows, ensuring effective financial management and stability.
Determines the point at which the organization's revenue equals its expenses.
- Example: Save Haven's break-even analysis indicates that the organization is expected to reach a point of revenue equaling expenses within a relatively short timeframe, highlighting its potential for early profitability.
Includes any relevant documentation that supports the information presented in the business plan, such as resumes, financial projections, market research data, and permits or licenses.
Provides definitions for industry-specific terms used throughout the business plan to ensure reader comprehension.
Lists any sources or resources referenced during the preparation of the business plan, including industry reports, market research data, and relevant publications.
How do i start a non-profit organization.
To start a non-profit organization, you'll need to define your mission, create a board of directors, file the necessary paperwork with the government, develop a fundraising strategy, and establish policies and procedures for your organization's operations.
You can fundraise for your non-profit by organizing events, applying for grants, seeking corporate sponsorships, launching online crowdfunding campaigns, cultivating individual donor relationships, and exploring partnerships with other organizations.
A successful non-profit strategic plan should include a clear mission and vision, goals and objectives, an analysis of the target community or cause, strategies for fundraising and program implementation, and a monitoring and evaluation framework.
To measure the impact of your non-profit's programs, establish specific metrics and evaluation methods, conduct surveys or interviews with beneficiaries, track outcomes and outputs, and use data to inform program improvements and report to stakeholders.
Legal requirements for non-profits may include obtaining tax-exempt status, filing annual reports, adhering to accounting and financial regulations, ensuring transparency in governance, and complying with any specific regulations related to your non-profit's activities.
Adam is the Co-founder of ProjectionHub which helps entrepreneurs create financial projections for potential investors, lenders and internal business planning. Since 2012, over 50,000 entrepreneurs from around the world have used ProjectionHub to help create financial projections.
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A roadmap for the non-profit organization
A non-profit business plan is simply a roadmap for a non-profit organization , one which outlines the organization’s goals and objectives, and how it plans to attain them. A non-profit is a business entity that is started for any specified purpose other than making a profit. The most common reason for a non-profit organization is charity work.
Even though there are considerable differences between a profit and non-profit company, many of the same regulations apply. In fact, non-profit organizations need detailed and structured planning just like any other business. One of the core tasks of a non-profit startup entails developing a business plan.
This overview explains why non-profits should formulate business plans, and includes the required elements in such a plan.
Owners of non-profit organizations need business plans for the following reasons:
One thing to keep in mind is that the business plan is not rigid. It should be created in such a way that it leaves room for adaptive changes. In this way, non-profit owners can adjust their plans as the organization grows.
A non-profit organization can use the business plan throughout its life, making changes to it whenever necessary. For a startup non-profit, the business plan can be quite brief as compared to that of a more mature non-profit. The plan may vary depending on the specific organization, however, there are a couple of things that should be included in every non-profit business plan.
The executive summary is a brief breakdown of the contents outlined in the business plan. The trick here is to provide an interesting summary that will keep the reader engaged enough to go through the entire plan. Under this section, the non-profit owner can describe the organization’s mission , a short background of how and why it was started, and its unique strengths. He or she can also outline the non-profit’s products, services, and programs. Additionally, the owner needs to include the organization’s marketing and financial plans.
Under this section, the owner simply needs to explain how the non-profit is structured, starting from the board of directors and working down to executive staff. He or she should also highlight subsidiaries (if there are any), objectives, strategies on how to scale up, and a few trends in this particular non-profit area.
The products and services that were listed in the executive summary are now described in a more comprehensive way under this section. The individual should also incorporate unique features such as the delivery methods, sources of products, the benefits of the non-profit’s products and services, as well as future development plans. This section should also provide information relating to any copyrights or patents that the non-profit holds.
What is the target market or audience of the non-profit’s programs? How does the nonprofit intend to reach these people? What constituencies does the non-profit aim to serve? The marketing plan should provide detailed answers to these questions. For instance, the owner should outline the competitors of his non-profit, as well as other non-profits that may be potential collaborators.
Under this section, the owner will be trying to answer questions such as: How does the nonprofit deliver its products or services? What is the location of its main facility? Does the nonprofit have any equipment or inventory needs? Essentially, the individual should explain the exact strategies he plans to use to maintain the operation. This section also covers the impact of the non-profit’s programs and services on clients and on the community at large.
This part covers the names and details of the staff in the management team. It also includes a list of board members and their respective areas of expertise. The easiest way to explain the non-profit’s management team is through the use of an organizational chart .
The chart outlines all the non-profit’s staff and the roles they play in the organization. Another thing to include in this section is the non-profit’s evaluation of its present and future staffing needs. Once the organization grows, it may need to hire several volunteers, an IT expert, accountants, and more.
Capitalization is another element that should not be left out in a non-profit’s business plan. This is the section where the owner lists all the non-profit’s outstanding loans, debts, bonds, and endowments. Endowments refer to government or private grants that the non-profit has received or applied for.
In the appendix, the owner should incorporate the resumes of key staff, a list of the members of the board of directors, relevant charts and graphs, promotional materials, mission and vision statements, and an annual report if the non-profit is not a startup.
Non-profit organizations need to be managed effectively, just like any other enterprise. The best way to achieve this is by developing a business plan. A non-profit business plan serves as a roadmap or compass for the entire organization. Put simply, it outlines the non-profit’s goals and objectives, its organizational structure, marketing, financial, and operational plans, as well as the products or services rendered by the organization.
CFI offers the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)™ certification program for those looking to take their careers to the next level. To keep learning and advancing your career, the following CFI resources will be helpful:
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By Joe Weller | September 18, 2020
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In this article, we’ve rounded up the most useful list of nonprofit business plan templates, all free to download in Word, PDF, and Excel formats.
Included on this page, you’ll find a one-page nonprofit business plan template , a fill-in-the-blank nonprofit business plan template , a startup nonprofit business planning timeline template , and more. Plus, we provide helpful tips for creating your nonprofit business plan .
Use this customizable nonprofit business plan template to organize your nonprofit organization’s mission and goals and convey them to stakeholders. This template includes space for information about your nonprofit’s background, objectives, management team, program offerings, market analysis, promotional activities, funding sources, fundraising methods, and much more.
Download Nonprofit Business Plan Template
This one-page nonprofit business plan template has a simple and scannable design to outline the key details of your organization’s strategy. This template includes space to detail your mission, vision, and purpose statements, as well as the problems you aim to solve in your community, the people who benefit from your program offerings, your key marketing activities, your financial goals, and more.
Download One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Template
Excel | Word | PDF
For additional resources, including an example of a one-page business plan , visit “ One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide .”
Use this fill-in-the-blank template as the basis for building a thorough business plan for a nonprofit organization. This template includes space to describe your organization’s background, purpose, and main objectives, as well as key personnel, program and service offerings, market analysis, promotional activities, fundraising methods, and more.
Download Fill-In-the-Blank Nonprofit Business Plan Template
For additional resources that cater to a wide variety of organizations, visit “ Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates .”
Use this business planning template to organize and schedule key activities for your business. Fill in the cells according to the due dates, and color-code the cells by phase, owner, or category to provide a visual timeline of progress.
Download Startup Nonprofit Business Planning Template with Timeline
Excel | Smartsheet
Use this template as a foundation for building a powerful and attractive nonprofit business plan for youth programs and services. This template has all the core components of a nonprofit business plan. It includes room to detail the organization’s background, management team key personnel, current and future youth program offerings, promotional activities, operations plan, financial statements, and much more.
Download Nonprofit Business Plan Template for Youth Program
Word | PDF | Google Doc
You can customize this sample nonprofit business plan outline to fit the specific needs of your organization. To ensure that you don’t miss any essential details, use this outline to help you prepare and organize the elements of your plan before filling in each section.
Download Sample Nonprofit Business Plan Outline Template
Use this customizable business planning checklist as the basis for outlining the necessary steps to get your nonprofit organization up and running. You can customize this checklist to fit your individual needs. It includes essential steps, such as conducting a SWOT analysis , fulfilling the research requirements specific to your state, conducting a risk assessment , defining roles and responsibilities, creating a portal for board members, and other tasks to keep your plan on track.
Download Nonprofit Startup Business Planning Checklist Template
Your nonprofit business plan should provide your donors, volunteers, and other key stakeholders with a clear picture of your overarching mission and objectives. Below, we share our top tips for ensuring that your plan is attractive and thorough.
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Creating a nonprofit business plan is an important step for any organization whether you’re about to launch or are well established in your community.
A nonprofit business plan is slightly different to the commercial sector. It’s a strategic plan that outlines the key elements of your organization, including:
Why bother if you’re already established?
Regularly outlining the goals and objectives of the organization, as well as the strategies and action plan for achieving them is good practice. It’s like taking your nonprofit into the mechanic to get a check up.
In this article I will go over the fundamental steps to creating an effective nonprofit business plan.
Market research is an important step in the planning process . It constructs an understanding of the needs your target audience have and the competition you will face. This information will be crucial in determining the feasibility of your organization’s goals and objectives.
How you undertake this depends greatly on what stage your nonprofit is in. If you’re just starting, then market research could be:
Identify the key areas where your organization can make the greatest impact and brainstorm ideas to address those areas. This may include identifying new sources of funding, developing new programs and services, or expanding your organization’s reach and impact.
In order to create a detailed budget and financial plan, you’ll need to take the following steps:
Sidenote: Monitor your budget and financial plan regularly to ensure that you are staying on track and making progress towards your goals. Make any necessary adjustments to your written plans to keep your finances on track.
3. develop a strong and experienced board of directors..
There are several potential partners and collaborators for a nonprofit organization. Some possible partners could include other nonprofit organizations that serve similar or complementary missions, businesses that align with the nonprofit’s goals and values, government agencies that support the nonprofit’s work, and foundations or philanthropic organizations that provide funding for similar causes.
There are many potential challenges that a nonprofit organization may face. These can include difficulties in:
In order to address these challenges, a nonprofit can implement a variety of strategies. These can include developing a strong marketing and outreach campaign to increase public awareness, forming partnerships with other organizations to increase visibility and access to resources, and implementing effective fundraising strategies to secure the necessary financial support. Additionally, a nonprofit can focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with donors and volunteers in order to retain their support and engagement over time and the aim is to have each one of these addressed throughout the nonprofit business plan.
This will include building a website. If you’re technologically inclined then there’s plenty of website building sites like WordPress and Squarespace each with their own price plans. You can also hire web designers on Fiverr for every budget.
Making sense of your information in the digital age is the difference between success and failure in a lot of professional fields and the nonprofit sector is no different.
Here is a potential plan for effectively managing and utilizing data management software like Bloomerang. Data management is a pretty fundamental element of modern nonprofit management.
To manage the finances for a nonprofit business plan, it’s important to establish a clear budget and regularly track expenses to ensure that the organization is operating within its means. It’s also crucial to maintain accurate financial records and create regular financial reports to provide transparency and accountability to donors and stakeholders. To create a plan for financial management and reporting, the following steps can be taken:
To ensure that your nonprofit organization meets all legal compliances and regulations, you should:
To continuously improve and adapt to the changing needs of our nonprofit’s target population, we can implement the following steps:
A nonprofit business plan can seem daunting but each part will keep your nonprofit in good shape for 2023.
Clearly defining your mission, fundraising strategies, and funding, while attracting and retaining talented employees, will make a lasting positive impact in this field. Good luck!
Are you passionate about a cause and looking to make a real difference? Starting a nonprofit organization can be a powerful way to contribute to the community. However, just like any business, a nonprofit needs a clear and strategic business plan to guide its operations and achieve its goals. But how to write a business plan for a nonprofit? This article will guide you through the process of creating a comprehensive business plan for nonprofit, providing you with examples and tips along the way.
A nonprofit business plan (also known as a charity business plan ) is the foundation of your organization — the who, what, when, where, and how you’re going to make a positive impact. It is a document that outlines the mission, goals, strategies, and financial projections of a nonprofit organization. It serves as a roadmap for the organization’s development and helps communicate its purpose and plans to stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and board members. Unlike for-profit business plans, nonprofit business plans focus more on the impact and sustainability of the organization rather than profit generation.
A business plan for a nonprofit is crucial for several reasons:
A comprehensive non profit business plan typically includes the following sections:
The executive summary provides a snapshot of your nonprofit, summarizing its mission, vision, and goals. This section should be concise but compelling, as it is often the first part read by potential donors and stakeholders. Here is a sample executive summary for non-profit organization:
Healthy Futures is committed to improving community health by offering essential programs in health education, preventive care, and mental wellness. Focused on underserved areas of Metroville, our organization addresses critical health needs through accessible services and community partnerships.
Our programs include nutrition workshops, free health screenings, and mental health support, all designed to empower individuals and families. By launching in a high-need area, Healthy Futures aims to enhance health outcomes and build a stronger, healthier community. With a strategic approach and a clear mission, we are poised to make a significant impact on local wellness.
This section details the history, mission, vision, and core values of the nonprofit. It also includes information about the legal structure and any significant milestones achieved.
Founded in 2024, Healthy Futures aims to address the growing need for accessible and effective health resources in underserved communities. Our organization focuses on delivering programs that target key areas such as nutrition education, preventive screenings, mental health support, and chronic disease management. We leverage partnerships with local healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations to expand our reach and enhance the impact of our services.
Conducting a market analysis helps you understand the landscape in which your nonprofit operates. This includes identifying the needs of your target population, analyzing similar organizations, and outlining the unique value your nonprofit brings.
The Metroville area, where Healthy Futures plans to operate, has significant health disparities, with high rates of chronic diseases and limited access to comprehensive health services. The community faces barriers such as economic hardship, lack of insurance, and insufficient healthcare facilities, making it an ideal location for our initiatives.
Target Population
Our primary audience includes low-income families, elderly individuals, and underserved communities with limited access to healthcare. This demographic is characterized by higher incidences of preventable health conditions and a need for accessible, affordable health education and services.
Competitive Landscape
While several local organizations provide health services, there is a gap in integrated wellness programs that address both preventive care and mental health. Healthy Futures will differentiate itself through a holistic approach, combining education, screenings, and mental health support in one accessible platform.
Trends and Opportunities
Detail the programs and services your nonprofit offers. Include information on how these services address the needs of your target population and contribute to your mission.
Programs & Services | Description |
Nutrition Workshops | Healthy Futures will offer interactive workshops on healthy eating, meal planning, and nutrition education. These sessions are designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to make healthier food choices and improve their overall well-being. |
Preventive Health Screenings | We will provide free or low-cost health screenings for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. These screenings are crucial for early detection and management of health issues, particularly for those without regular access to healthcare. |
Mental Health Support | Our mental health program will include counseling services, support groups, and resources for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. These services aim to address the growing need for mental health support in the community. |
Community Wellness Events | Healthy Futures will host health fairs, fitness classes, and educational seminars to promote wellness and engage the community. These events are designed to raise awareness, foster healthy habits, and provide access to additional resources. |
Marketing and Outreach
Outline your strategies for raising awareness about your nonprofit and engaging with your target audience. This section should include your marketing channels, key messages, and outreach activities.
Our marketing efforts will focus on raising awareness about Healthy Futures and its programs through a multi-channel approach:
Marketing Strategy | Outreach Activities |
Utilize local newspapers, radio stations, and community newsletters to reach a broad audience. Engage with the community through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share updates, events, and educational content. Collaborate with local businesses, schools, and healthcare providers to promote our services and events. | Host informational sessions in local schools, community centers, and places of worship to connect directly with residents. Leverage community volunteers to help with outreach and program delivery, building local support and engagement. Implement targeted campaigns to reach specific demographics, such as flyers and posters in community centers and clinics. |
Describe the day-to-day operations of your nonprofit. This includes details about your location, facilities, technology, and other resources needed to run your programs.
Location and Facilities
Our main office is located in the Metroville area. We are currently seeking funding to open additional clinics in other underserved areas.
Technology and Equipment
We use an electronic health record (EHR) system to manage patient information and track outcomes. Our mobile medical units are equipped with the latest medical technology to provide on-site care.
Daily Operations
Our clinics operate Monday through Friday, from 8AM to 5PM. Our mobile medical units are deployed on weekends and evenings to reach remote communities.
Provide an overview of your management team and organizational structure. Highlight the experience and expertise of your board members, staff, and volunteers.
Organization | Description |
Responsible for overall strategic direction, program development, and organizational management. Brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and community health. Oversees the implementation and evaluation of health programs, ensuring they meet community needs and achieve desired outcomes. Manages budgeting, financial reporting, and funding strategies to ensure financial sustainability and compliance. | |
Our board comprises community leaders, healthcare professionals, and financial experts who provide strategic guidance, oversight, and support. Their diverse expertise and commitment to community health are vital to the success of Healthy Futures. | |
Healthy Futures will operate with a clear organizational structure that includes program staff, administrative support, and volunteers. This structure ensures efficient management of programs, effective communication, and alignment with our mission and goals. | |
Volunteers will play a crucial role in supporting program activities, outreach efforts, and administrative tasks. We will offer training and support to ensure they are well-prepared to contribute effectively to our mission. |
Financial Plan
The financial plan outlines your funding sources, budget, and financial forecasts . This section is crucial for demonstrating the sustainability of your nonprofit.
Example: Funding Sources
Healthy Futures will seek funding through a diverse range of sources:
Budget The initial budget for Healthy Futures is estimated at $500,000 for the first two years, covering:
Financial Projections
Appendices Include any additional information that supports your business plan for non profit, such as letters of support, partnership agreements, and detailed financial statements.
Writing a business plan for a nonprofit involves several key steps:
A nonprofit business plan template provides a structured format for creating your plan. It helps ensure that you cover all necessary components and present your information in a clear, organized manner. Many non-profit business plan template are available online for free or at a low cost, including free business plans for nonprofits template options and business plan templates for nonprofits.
Looking at non profit business plan examples can provide valuable insights and inspiration. These examples show how other organizations have structured their plans and can help you understand what works and what doesn’t. Sample nonprofit business plan and nonprofit business plan samples are available in various formats, including sample nonprofit business plan PDF and startup nonprofit business plan example.
Tips for Writing a Nonprofit Business Plan
Writing a business plan for a nonprofit organization requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following this comprehensive guide and using the provided examples, you can create a robust business plan that outlines your organization’s mission, strategies, and financial projections. A well-crafted business plan not only helps you stay focused on your goals but also demonstrates your nonprofit’s value to potential donors and stakeholders.
For further assistance, consider partnering with business consultants like BSBCON . Our team of experienced nonprofit business plan writers can help you create a high-quality nonprofit business plan that stands out. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your organization’s growth and success.
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Step 3: Outline. Create an outline of your nonprofit business plan. Write out everything you want your plan to include (e.g. sections such as marketing, fundraising, human resources, and budgets). An outline helps you focus your attention. It gives you a roadmap from the start, through the middle, and to the end.
Therefore, you should start your business plan with a clear mission statement in the executive summary. The executive summary can also cover, at a high level, the goals, vision, and unique strengths of your nonprofit organization. Keep this section brief, since you will be going into greater detail in later sections.
A nonprofit business plan helps you anticipate and navigate these challenges, ensuring your organization remains resilient and sustainable for the long haul. ... Provide a concise overview of the nonprofit and its key objectives. Nonprofit business plan template 1. Executive Summary. Mission Statement: [Briefly describe your nonprofit's ...
Avoid using jargon, acronyms, or any unfamiliar terms. Write for a general audience, and you'll be more likely to keep the reader engaged. 2. Outline your plan. Make a nonprofit business plan outline. Once you know what information will be put into the plan, you'll understand what data you need to source to write it.
According to Propel Nonprofits, business plans usually should have four components that identify revenue sources/mix; operations costs; program costs; and capital structure. A business plan outlines the expected income sources to support the charitable nonprofit's activities. What types of revenue will the nonprofit rely on to keep its engine ...
Step 6: Fill in Your Nonprofit Business Plan Outline. Finally, you've made it to the last step in putting together your nonprofit business plan. By this point, you've answered just about every detail that goes into your plan—we just did it in a not-so-boring, roundabout way. Let's fill in the details.
A nonprofit business plan is required if you want to secure funding from grant-making organizations or investors. A well-crafted business plan will help you: Define your organization's purpose and goals. Articulate your vision for the future. Develop a step-by-step plan to achieve your goals. Secure funding from investors or donors.
Here are the essential components: Executive Summary - This is a summary of your entire business plan, and should include a brief description of your nonprofit organization, its mission and goals, the problem you are trying to solve, your proposed solutions, and an overview of your financial projections. Organization Overview - This section ...
Define your mission and vision. Clearly state what your organization aims to achieve and the change it wants to bring about. Outline your programs and services. Detail how you plan to achieve your mission. Break down your offerings, explaining the impact and benefit of each. Determine your organizational structure.
Here's the components you need to write a successful business plan for your nonprofit: 1. Executive Summary. An executive summary allows the organization to make a lasting first impression to the audience. This part contains the outline of the objectives, problem statement, and overall mission of the nonprofit.
A business plan for nonprofits is a strategic document that outlines a nonprofit organization's goals and operational approach. While similar to for-profit business plans, the focus here is on achieving social impact rather than financial profit. Projects implemented by nonprofit organizations typically revolve around fostering social welfare ...
Executive summary. The executive summary of a nonprofit business plan is typically the first section of the plan to be read, but the last to be written. That's because this section is a general overview of everything else in the business plan - the overall snapshot of what your vision is for the organization. Write it as though you might ...
Executive Summary. Start your nonprofit business plan by clearly stating your organization's mission and describing how it plans on reaching its goals. Include a concise description of what makes your organization stand out among competitors (e.g., "We are the only non-profit animal welfare organization in XYZ county" or "Our college ...
1. Executive summary. Many people write this last, even though it comes first in a business plan. This is because the executive summary is designed to be a general summary of the business plan as a whole. Naturally, it may be easier to write this after the rest of the business plan has been completed.
A business plan for a nonprofit organisation serves several critical purposes: it outlines the mission and vision, sets clear goals and objectives, and details the strategies for achieving them. Additionally, it plays a vital role in securing funding from donors, grants, and other sources by demonstrating the organisation's potential for ...
Step 2: Outline your plan. Make a nonprofit business plan outline that covers the main sections of your plan. These include: Executive summary: A brief overview of your nonprofit's mission, vision, goals, strategies, and financial summary. Learn more on business plan executive summary. Organization Overview: A description of your nonprofit ...
Financial Plan - The Financial Plan is one of the most important sections of your nonprofit business plan. You will establish your financial goals and include financial statements such as the income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement to show how your nonprofit will be sustainable. This section should also include your ...
6.1. Startup Costs. Provide a detailed breakdown of the total startup costs requirements, and where you plan for those funds to come from. You will also want to break down how the startup costs will be used including working capital to cover losses before the business breaks even.
A non-profit business plan is simply a roadmap for a non-profit organization, one which outlines the organization's goals and objectives, and how it plans to attain them. A non-profit is a business entity that is started for any specified purpose other than making a profit. The most common reason for a non-profit organization is charity work.
Use this fill-in-the-blank template as the basis for building a thorough business plan for a nonprofit organization. This template includes space to describe your organization's background, purpose, and main objectives, as well as key personnel, program and service offerings, market analysis, promotional activities, fundraising methods, and more.
Step 1: Outline the goals and objectives of your organization. Define the purpose of your organization in one 'power paragraph!'. Try outlining this core mission in twenty-five words. Clear understanding of this serves as the foundation for all the other elements of your plan.
A nonprofit business plan serves as the compass guiding an organization toward its goals and mission-driven impact. When starting a nonprofit organization, you should write a business plan for your own sake if nothing else. Once you have your ideas on paper, you can decide whether you you should even peruse tax-exemption or not.
Key Components of a Nonprofit Business Plan. A comprehensive non profit business plan typically includes the following sections: 1.Executive Summary. The executive summary provides a snapshot of your nonprofit, summarizing its mission, vision, and goals. This section should be concise but compelling, as it is often the first part read by ...