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Business Planning for Nonprofits
Business planning is a way of systematically answering questions such as, “What problem(s) are we trying to solve?” or “What are we trying to achieve?” and also, “Who will get us there, by when, and how much money and other resources will it take?”
The business planning process takes into account the nonprofit’s mission and vision, the role of the board, and external environmental factors, such as the climate for fundraising.
Ideally, the business planning process also critically examines basic assumptions about the nonprofit’s operating environment. What if the sources of income that exist today change in the future? Is the nonprofit too reliant on one foundation for revenue? What happens if there’s an economic downturn?
A business plan can help the nonprofit and its board be prepared for future risks. What is the likelihood that the planned activities will continue as usual, and that revenue will continue at current levels – and what is Plan B if they don't?
Narrative of a business plan
You can think of a business plan as a narrative or story explaining how the nonprofit will operate given its activities, its sources of revenue, its expenses, and the inevitable changes in its internal and external environments over time. Ideally, your plan will tell the story in a way that will make sense to someone not intimately familiar with the nonprofit’s operations.
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 running – how much will be earned, how much from government grants or contracts, how much will be contributed? Within each of those broad categories, how much diversification exists, and should they be further diversified? Are there certain factors that need to be in place in order for today’s income streams to continue flowing?
The plan should address the everyday costs needed to operate the organization, as well as costs of specific programs and activities.
The plan may include details about the need for the organization's services (a needs assessment), the likelihood that certain funding will be available (a feasibility study), or changes to the organization's technology or staffing that will be needed in the future.
Another aspect of a business plan could be a "competitive analysis" describing what other entities may be providing similar services in the nonprofit's service and mission areas. What are their sources of revenue and staffing structures? How do their services and capacities differ from those of your nonprofit?
Finally, the business plan should name important assumptions, such as the organization's reserve policies. Do your nonprofit’s policies require it to have at least six months of operating cash on hand? Do you have different types of cash reserves that require different levels of board approval to release?
The idea is to identify the known, and take into consideration the unknown, realities of the nonprofit's operations, and propose how the nonprofit will continue to be financially healthy. If the underlying assumptions or current conditions change, then having a plan can be useful to help identify adjustments that must be made to respond to changes in the nonprofit's operating environment.
Basic format of a business plan
The format may vary depending on the audience. A business plan prepared for a bank to support a loan application may be different than a business plan that board members use as the basis for budgeting. Here is a typical outline of the format for a business plan:
- Table of contents
- Executive summary - Name the problem the nonprofit is trying to solve: its mission, and how it accomplishes its mission.
- People: overview of the nonprofit’s board, staffing, and volunteer structure and who makes what happen
- Market opportunities/competitive analysis
- Programs and services: overview of implementation
- Contingencies: what could change?
- Financial health: what is the current status, and what are the sources of revenue to operate programs and advance the mission over time?
- Assumptions and proposed changes: What needs to be in place for this nonprofit to continue on sound financial footing?
More About Business Planning
Budgeting for Nonprofits
Strategic Planning
Contact your state association of nonprofits for support and resources related to business planning, strategic planning, and other fundamentals of nonprofit leadership.
Additional Resources
- Components of transforming nonprofit business models (Propel Nonprofits)
- The matrix map: a powerful tool for nonprofit sustainability (Nonprofit Quarterly)
- The Nonprofit Business Plan: A Leader's Guide to Creating a Successful Business Model (David La Piana, Heather Gowdy, Lester Olmstead-Rose, and Brent Copen, Turner Publishing)
- Nonprofit Earned Income: Critical Business Model Considerations for Nonprofits (Nonprofit Financial Commons)
- Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability (Jan Masaoka, Steve Zimmerman, and Jeanne Bell)
Disclaimer: Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is neither intended to be nor should be construed as legal, accounting, tax, investment, or financial advice. Please consult a professional (attorney, accountant, tax advisor) for the latest and most accurate information. The National Council of Nonprofits makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein.
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Nonprofit Business Plan
A nonprofit organization is an excellent way of serving society. If you’re someone wanting to support a cause or make a meaningful impact on society, it’s the way to do it.
Nonprofit organizations do not run for money or profits; they must still be properly managed and organized. A nonprofit business plan can do just that for any organization.
Need help writing a business plan for your nonprofit organization? Creating a business plan can help you fulfill your cause hassle-free and more manageable. So, we have prepared a nonprofit business plan template to help you start writing yours.
Key Takeaways
- Your nonprofit business plan should have an executive summary section summarizing the entire plan and providing an overview of the organization’s mission, goals, and strategies.
- Your organization overview section will cover your organization’s foundational elements like name, type, legal structure, location, and history.
- Prepare a detailed section to describe your programs, products, and services as well as the impact of your offering on society.
- Conduct thorough market research to understand and explain your target market, market size, growth potential, trends, and competitive landscape.
- Prepare an effective operational plan outlining your day-to-day operational process, staffing requirements, quality control, and information about technologies and equipment in use.
- Introduce your management team to your readers as well as the details about the organization structure and compensation plan.
- Prepare accurate financial projections for your nonprofit. Emphasize providing details about revenue streams, fundraising goals, expenses, and financial ratios.
How to Write a Nonprofit Business Plan?
1. executive summary.
An executive summary is the first section of the business plan to provide an overview of the organization’s missions, goals, and key strategies. In addition to highlighting your organization’s unique value proposition, it should provide a snapshot of its operations and impact. Generally, it is written after the entire business plan is ready. Here are some key components to add to your summary:
Organization summary:
Mission statement:, products, programs, and services:, impacts and outcomes:, management team:, financial highlights:, call to action:.
Think of your readers as potential donors and someone who has never heard of your organization. So, keep your executive summary concise and clear, use simple language, and avoid jargon.
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2. Organization Overview
Depending on the organization’s details, you must add various organizational overview elements. Still, every organization should include some foundational elements like its name, purpose, operations, legal structure, location, and history.
Organization Description:
Provide all the basic information about your nonprofit in this section like
- Name & Type of Your Organization: Describe the name and type of your nonprofit organization. For instance, you may operate one of these types of nonprofit organizations:
- Educational organizations
- Charitable organizations
- Healthcare organizations
- Religious organizations
- Location of your nonprofit and why you selected that place.
Mission & Vision:
Organization history:.
If you’re an established nonprofit, you can provide information about your organization’s history, like when it was founded and how it evolved. If you can, add some personality and intriguing details, especially if you got any achievements or recognitions till now for your incredible community services.
Future goals:
It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and your vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals with the nonprofit; they can be specific targets depending on your ultimate vision.
This section should provide an in-depth understanding of the nonprofit organization. Also, the business overview section should be engaging and precise.
3. Products, Programs, and Services
The products, programs, and services section of a nonprofit business plan should describe specific products, programs, and services that will offer to its beneficiaries. Your nonprofit may or may not have all products, programs, and services to offer.
So, write this section depending on your organization’s offerings:
In a nutshell, your products, programs, and services section should describe how your nonprofit meets needs and positively impacts the community. Use solid examples and numbers to back your claims.
Some additional tips for writing the market analysis section of your business plan:
- Use a variety of sources to gather data, including industry reports, market research studies, and surveys.
- Be specific and provide detailed information wherever possible.
- Include charts and graphs to help illustrate your key points.
- Keep your target audience in mind while writing the business plan
4. Market Analysis
Market analysis provides a clear understanding of the market your nonprofit will run along with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. Your market analysis should contain the following essential components:
Target Market:
Market size and growth potential:, competitive analysis:, market trends:.
- For example, It may be necessary for a nonprofit focused on environmental conservation to adapt its messaging to reflect the growing demand for sustainable products and practices.
Regulatory Environment:
Some additional tips for writing the market analysis section of your nonprofit business plan:
- Use various sources to gather data, including industry reports, market research studies, and surveys.
- Keep your target audience in mind while writing the business plan.
5. Sales And Marketing Strategies
Building awareness, promoting engagement, and generating revenue should be the focus of your business plan’s “Sales and marketing strategies” section. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:
Unique Value Proposition (UVP):
Marketing mix:, marketing channels:, fundraising strategies:.
- Identify fundraising strategies that align with the nonprofit’s mission, vision, and values.
Donor Retention:
In short, a nonprofit business plan’s sales and marketing strategies section should describe how your organization can reach, engage, and retain your target market and generate sustainable revenue.
Be specific, realistic, and data-driven in your approach, and be prepared to adjust your strategies based on feedback and results.
6. Operations Plan
When writing the operations plan section, it’s essential to consider the various aspects of your organization’s processes and procedures involved in operating a nonprofit. Here are the components to include in an operations plan:
Staffing & Training:
Operational process:.
- Your operations must also include details on monitoring and evaluating programs and their impact on the community.
Quality Control:
Facilities and equipment:, technology & information system:.
By including these key elements in your operations plan section, you can create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you will run your nonprofit organization.
7. Management Team
The management team section provides an overview of the nonprofit organization’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.
Founders/CEO:
Key managers:.
- It should include the owners, senior management, other department managers, and people involved in the organizational operations, along with their education and professional background.
Organizational structure:
Compensation plan:.
Overall, the management team section of your business plan should mention key personnel involved in successfully running your organizational operations.
So, highlight your organization’s key personnel and demonstrate why you have the right team to execute your organization’s mission.
8. Financial Plan
When writing the financial plan section of a business plan, it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your financial projections and goals for the first few years of your organization.
Revenue Streams:
Fundraising goals:, financial ratios:, risk analysis:.
Remember to be realistic with your financial projections and provide supporting evidence for your estimates.
9. Appendix
Include any additional information supporting your plan’s main content when writing the appendix section. This may include financial statements, market research data, legal documents, and other relevant information.
- Include a table of contents for the appendix section to make it easy for readers to find specific information.
- Include financial statements such as income, balance sheets, and cash flow statements . These should be up-to-date and show your financial projections for at least the first three years of your business.
- Provide market research data, such as statistics on the industry’s size, consumer demographics, and trends in the industry.
- Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
- Provide any additional documentation related to your business plans, such as marketing materials, product brochures, and operational procedures.
- Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.
Remember, the appendix section of your nonprofit organization should only include relevant and essential information supporting your plan’s main content.
Download a sample nonprofit organization business plan
Need help writing a business plan for your nonprofit? Here you go; download our free nonprofit organization business plan pdf to start.
It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your nonprofit organization. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.
You may explore our other nonprofit and community business plan examples before you start writing
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So, whether starting a nonprofit organization or planning to grow an existing one, Upmetrics is the tool you need to create a business plan.
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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a nonprofit business plan.
Business plans outline the organization’s goals, strategies, and tactics for achieving its mission. Nonprofit business plans serve as a roadmap for staff, lenders, and other shareholders, helping them make informed decisions, measure progress, and remain focused on the organization’s mission.
How to get funding for your nonprofit business?
Fundraising for a nonprofit can be challenging, but a few strategies and a strategic approach can help you achieve your goal.
Here are some of the most common ways to get funding for your nonprofit:
- Individual Donations: Individual donations are among key revenue streams for any nonprofit. It includes both one-time payments as well as recurring assistance.
- Grants: Many foundations and government agencies offer grants to nonprofit organizations that meet specific criteria.
- Corporate Sponsorships: A nonprofit can approach corporations that align with its values and mission to gain sponsorships for charity events, programs, or projects.
- Crowdfunding: The process of supporting a business or organization by getting many people to invest in your nonprofit organization, usually online.
Where to find business plan writers for your nonprofit business?
There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and idea better than you, so we recommend you write your nonprofit business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.
What is the easiest way to write your nonprofit business plan?
A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any nonprofit business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.
About the Author
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Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more
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Nonprofit Business Plan Template
Written by Dave Lavinsky
Business Plan Outline
- Nonprofit Business Plan Home
- 1. Executive Summary
- 2. Company Overview
- 3. Industry Analysis
- 4. Customer Analysis
- 5. Competitive Analysis
- 6. Marketing Plan
- 7. Operations Plan
- 8. Management Team
- 9. Financial Plan
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:
- Executive Summary – The Executive Summary of your nonprofit business plan explains your overall strategic plan to achieve success as a nonprofit. It will include your organization’s mission statement, goals, and objectives. This section will also include information on your target market, competition, and marketing strategy.
- Company Overview – Also called the Organization Overview, you will include the mission statement and history of your nonprofit including any significant milestones achieved to date.
- Industry Analysis – Sometimes referred to as the Market Analysis, this section will provide an overview of the nonprofit industry, trends, and the competitive landscape.
- Customer Analysis – The Customer Analysis section details the demographics and psychographics of your target audience and how you plan to reach them.
- Competitive Analysis – In your Competitive Analysis, you will identify and describe the competition, both direct and indirect, including other nonprofits with the same mission. You will also include your strategic plan for competing in the market.
- Marketing Plan – This section of your nonprofit business plan will detail your products, programs and services, your overall marketing strategies and tactics, and how you will measure success. It should include information on your target market, positioning, branding, communications, and lead generation.
- Operations Plan – In the Operations Plan, you will outline your day-to-day operations as well as your long-term business goals and how you will measure success.
- Management Team – In the Management Team section of your business plan, you should include the organizational structure of your nonprofit business as well as bios of your executive team and board members.
- 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.
Next Section: Executive Summary >
Nonprofit Business Plan FAQs
What is a non profit business plan.
A nonprofit business plan is a road map to start and/or grow your nonprofit organization. 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 .
What Are the Main Types of Nonprofit Organizations?
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.
What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Nonprofit Business?
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 strategic 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.
How Do You Secure Funding For Your Nonprofit Organization?
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.
Where can I download a Nonprofit Business Plan PDF?
You can download our free nonprofit business plan template PDF here . This is a sample nonprofit business plan outline that you can use in PDF format.
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A nonprofit business plan ensures your organization’s fundraising and activities align with your core mission.
Every nonprofit needs a mission statement that demonstrates how the organization will support a social cause and provide a public benefit. A nonprofit business plan fleshes out this mission statement in greater detail. These plans include many of the same elements as a for-profit business plan, with a focus on fundraising, creating a board of directors, raising awareness, and staying compliant with IRS regulations. A nonprofit business plan can be instrumental in getting your organization off the ground successfully.
Start with your mission statement
The mission statement is foundational for your nonprofit organization. The IRS will review your mission statement in determining whether to grant you tax-exempt status. This statement also helps you recruit volunteers and staff, fundraise, and plan activities for the year.
[Read more: Writing a Mission Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide ]
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.
Identify a board of directors
Many business plans include a section identifying the people behind the operation: your key leaders, volunteers, and full-time employees. For nonprofits, it’s also important to identify your board of directors. The board of directors is ultimately responsible for hiring and managing the CEO of your nonprofit.
“Board members are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission,” wrote the Council of Nonprofits.
As such, identify members of your board in your business plan to give potential donors confidence in the management of your nonprofit.
Be as realistic as possible about the impact you can make with the funding you hope to gain.
Describe your organization’s activities
In this section, provide more information about what your nonprofit does on a day-to-day basis. What products, training, education, or other services do you provide? What does your organization do to benefit the constituents identified in your mission statement? Here’s an example from the American Red Cross, courtesy of DonorBox :
“The American Red Cross carries out their mission to prevent and relieve suffering with five key services: disaster relief, supporting America’s military families, lifesaving blood, health and safety services, and international service.”
This section should be detailed and get into the operational weeds of how your business delivers on its mission statement. Explain the strategies your team will take to service clients, including outreach and marketing, inventory and equipment needs, a hiring plan, and other key elements.
Write a fundraising plan
This part is the most important element of your business plan. In addition to providing required financial statements (e.g., the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement), identify potential sources of funding for your nonprofit. These may include individual donors, corporate donors, grants, or in-kind support. If you are planning to host a fundraising event, put together a budget for that event and demonstrate the anticipated impact that event will have on your budget.
Create an impact plan
An impact plan ties everything together. It demonstrates how your fundraising and day-to-day activities will further your mission. For potential donors, it can make a very convincing case for why they should invest in your nonprofit.
“This section turns your purpose and motivation into concrete accomplishments your nonprofit wants to make and sets specific goals and objectives,” wrote DonorBox . “These define the real bottom line of your nonprofit, so they’re the key to unlocking support. Funders want to know for whom, in what way, and exactly how you’ll measure your impact.”
Be as realistic as possible about the impact you can make with the funding you hope to gain. Revisit your business plan as your organization grows to make sure the goals you’ve set both align with your mission and continue to be within reach.
[Read more: 8 Signs It's Time to Update Your Business Plan ]
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One Page Business Plan for Nonprofits
When starting your nonpprofit, it’s best to keep things simple and concise so you can move quickly and get things done. Parts of the nonprofit world are known for strategic planning processes that can be brain-numbingly complex and ineffective. They can also be time consuming and expensive, providing little to no return on investment for both donors and the organization itself.
But, what if you captured your nonprofit business plan on just one piece of paper? Imagine one simple document that was easy to understand, easy to communicate, and actionable.
The key to planning – and executing – is simplicity. And the key to simplicity is focus.
Enter Jim Horan, the author of the One Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organizations.
Horan’s book links vision to strategy, strategy to execution, and execution to results.
It’s focus on simple strategic planning also forces a team to focus and prioritize, greasing the wheels of implementation.
To give you an idea of Jim Horan and his approach, here’s an excerpt from the book:
“ If your nonprofit is struggling with its planning process…it is highly likely you have made too big of a project out of it…instead of documenting everything you know about your organization and all the decisions have already been made…get focused on the issues and opportunities that have the potential to move your organization forward …and monitor progress and results religiously.”
What is a One Page Nonprofit Business Plan?
The One-Page Business Plan is an innovative approach to business planning that captures the essence of any organization, project, or program on a single page using keywords and short phrases.
Here’s an example template .
Most nonprofits use this process to create not only the organization’s overall plan, but to create a plan for each supporting department, project, and program.
The flexible methodology and standard format make it simple for managers and teams to each have a plan and be able to review and understand each other’s plans.
The One Page Plan works because:
- Plans get documented
- Plans are understandable
- Plans are easy to write and update
- Everyone manager and team has one
This process creates:
- Accountability
There are many ways to use a One Page Nonprofit Business Plan
One of the biggest advantages of this plan is that it can be used effectively for multiple things, so you can use one effective resource to plan the priorities of your entire nonprofit organization. Here are a few examples:
- Complete plan for small nonprofits and an executive summary for large organizations
- Project and program development
- Framework for compensation systems
- Fund development
- Volunteer recruitment
- Strategic alliance development
- Initial draft for new programs
- Proforma for mergers and acquisitions
- Framework for potential expansion
- Clear structure for measuring outcomes
- Benchmark to measure progress against priorities
- Improve cross-functional communication
Take advantage of clear business terminology
You may have noticed that depending on where you’re from, what companies or organizations you’ve worked for, or maybe even what school you went to that you have a certain business terminology, which may not be the same as other people’s.
To test this, Google the terms vision, mission, objectives, strategies, or plans and see what you get back. It’s likely you’ll have an entire slew of opinions as to what these all mean.
The varied definitions and ideas on how to go about creating them inevitably create conflict and barriers to even getting started on your a business plan.
The One Page Nonprofit Business Plan solves this problem by translating these standard business plan elements into simple and universal questions:
- Vision – What are you building?
- Mission – Why does this nonprofit exist?
- Objectives – What results will you measure?
- Strategies – How will you build this nonprofit
- Plans -What is the work to be done?
This simplification takes the guesswork out and allows your teams to create clear, concise plans that they can execute on.
Simply put, a One Page Nonprofit Business Plan is an incredibly effective tool for teams and organizations to achieve results, because it can help rally donors, staff and other stakeholders around the organization’s core values and initiatives.
The One Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organizations is the simple solution to a complex challenge. It’s widely recognized for helping directors, boards, management, and volunteers clearly define, communicate and achieve their goals at the organizational, departmental, project and program levels.
This work is particularly great for:
- New nonprofit organizations
- Strategic planning
- Expansion or new undertakings of established nonprofits
- Project management
- Social enterprise planning
Thousands of nonprofits have successfully written and implemented One Page Plans with this simple and effective planning methodology. We highly recommend that you check out the One Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organizations and here’s a free, fillable PDF template to jumpstart it!
With your one-page business plan in tow, all you need is our 501c3 services . We have everything to help get you off the ground. We'll help with everything from filing your nonprofit's tax returns to helping with your corporation annual report. We've even got 501c3 success stories to help you make your decision. So let's get started.
Cheers to your successful planning future.
Jacqui Long | Yippiekiyay
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post.
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FREE 10+ Nonprofit Business Plan Examples in PDF | MS Word | Pages | Google Docs
Business plans are the foundation of nonprofit organizations. Without it, nonprofit organizations would not really prosper and serve their ultimate purpose since they will have a hard time obtaining support from external donors. Simply put, a business plan for non-profit organizations describes the company, recognizes and addresses gaps, and creates a course of action for the organization over the next few years. The process of designing a business plan alone helps you to understand your organization better, which, in turn, will contribute to its further development. So how do you formulate a substantial business plan? Scroll down below to check out our examples.
10+ Nonprofit Business Plan Examples
1. general nonprofit business plan template.
- Google Docs
Size: US Letter, A4 + Bleed
2. Contemporary Business Plan
Size: 483.9 KB
3. Formal Nonprofit Business Plan
Size: 807.5 KB
4. Infographic Business Plan
5. Mary Robinson Foundation Business Plan for Climate Justice
Size: 323.7 KB
6. Modern Nonprofit Business Plan
Size: 876.1 KB
7. New Events and Opportunities Nonprofit Business Plan
Size: 2.1 MB
8. Nonprofit Business Plan for Harvest of Hope
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9. Nonprofit Business Plan for Orphanages
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10. Nonprofit Business Plan Sample with Guide
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11. Short Nonprofit Business Plan Example
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What Is a Non-Profit Business Plan?
Are you aware that 25% of small businesses begin operations without any financing whatsoever? It takes a leap of faith to get started in that manner, but many more businesses and organizations do have to come up with a plan for their own good. If you’re aware of what a company business plan is and what it’s for, then it won’t take long for you to guess what the non-profit business plan is. This document serves as the culmination of your research, the epitome of your will, and the written word of your message. Even a non-profit organization business needs this not just for guidance, but to get the right loans, donors, and grants needed.
How to Create a Non-Profit Business Plan
If downloading a one-page non-profit business plan template isn’t in the cards, then you’ll have to create your own. Coming up with a non-profit blueprint does not have to be overly complicated. Whether it is a non-profit housing business plan or a non-profit ministry business plan, the steps below are sure to be of use.
Step 1: Specify Your Organization’s Goals
The key to any plan, especially something like a non-profit strategic plan , is to be clear with one’s goals. Take this opportunity to spell out what you intend to achieve through your organization.
Step 2: Articulate Your Mission Statement and Core Values
For the next step, explain what your non-profit mission statement is, along with the core values that you intend to follow. What you come up with does not have to be overly long or complex. Take for example the mission statement of UNICEF, which is only three hundred words long.
Step 3: Continue With the Outline
For the third step, this is the part where you push through with your written outline. What this comprises of will include parts of the plan that you have yet to discuss or divulge. This may involve sections like how you want to go about with your human resources , the budget that your organization will need, as well as any marketing efforts that you will have to put in. This is important because it can serve as your roadmap of sorts. There’s no need to go too much into detail here since many of the specifics will be explored later on.
Step 4: Talk About Your Services, Products, or Programs
This is the part where you describe in detail what your non-profit organization actually does. Talk about the specific services that you want to make available to others, the programs you want to start, and the products that you plan on offering. In this step, you may get into your product marketing for a bit, because it can tie into the next step.
Step 5: Work on Your Marketing, Operations, and Financial Plans
For the penultimate step, you must brush up on what your marketing plan is, along with your organization’s financial and operational plans . All will play a significant role in your non-profit going forward, so it pays to keep close attention to detail to each one. The specifics of these plans may change over time, as your organization evolves.
Step 6: Wrap Up With the Appendix
The last part is often reserved for the appendix where you can cite helpful information that may not otherwise have a suitable spot on the plan. Among the information you may put here includes your organizational flow chart , the list of your company’s board of directions, the balance sheets, and others.
What are examples of non-profit businesses?
Prime examples are churches, national charities, and foundations. Universities and hospitals also count, but only in select cases.
How much does it cost to start a non-profit?
Since a non-profit organization often operates as a business would, you need to consider where your capital comes from. Create a non-profit layout so you can map out how that capital will be spent and on what. There won’t be any set amount; instead, determine it according to your plans for the organization. If you are set on finding out specific costs, take note that you will still have to apply to the IRS for non-profit status. Once you do that, you’ll have to spend on forms like Form 1023, which costs $750. Those with projected revenue under $40,000 will see that fee reduced to a mere $400.
Is it possible to make money with a non-profit business?
Those who start non-profit businesses aren’t allowed or entitled to any profit from their organization’s net earnings. However, there are still other ways to make money, both for the individual and the company. For the latter, income can come from somebody’s fundraiser budget and corporate sponsorship.
Let it be said that plans are what makes amazing things happen, regardless if you get profit out of it or not. Like learning how to create a non-profit proposal , coming with a non-profit business plan is one of the most important things you’ll ever do for your organization. Download a template or create your own; what matters is that you get your plans done right. So don’t waste another moment and browse through our collection of templates right now!
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Sample NonProfit Organization Business Plan
Nonprofit business plan pdf sample.
If you are thinking of starting a nonprofit organization, you should know that even if it is not an establishment aimed at making a profit, it is still a business because almost the same rules are applied to both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
The writing of a business plan is necessary to guide the growth of the organization, it also shows angel investors that you know what you are doing and you can use it to show the IRS that you are legitimately exempted from tax.
So, the development of a business plan for your startup nonprofit is important to your business, you can use this non-profit business plan sample one as a prototype for preparing your own.
This article focuses on writing a nonprofit business plan , providing the essential details every such business plan should possess.
CHARITY BUSINESS PLAN
Also, nonprofits are classified under charity organizations; hence, the IRS exempts this type of business from being taxed.
Here is a sample business plan for starting a nonprofit business and free feasibility study you can use .
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Our Mission
Services Rendered
Marketing Plan
Financial Projection
Reach Out! is a nonprofit organization established to cater to the needs of the displaced and homeless in America.
As the name suggests, this organization, located at Florida will provide critical assistance, especially where there are humanitarian disasters caused by natural disasters such as a hurricane, earthquakes, flooding, and several other natural disasters. Apart from these, we will also provide humanitarian services to the homeless and hungry through the organization of outreaches to neighborhoods with high cases of prostitution and violence (especially gun-related).
Founded by 3 friends driven by the passion for service to humanity, we have been able to raise over $120,000 as a startup funding. Although this is significant, our operations going forward will largely depend on donations from individuals and groups. Monies realized will be fully channeled into all the services we will be providing.
Our services are not only limited to these as we will also be providing counseling services to victims of domestic violence and rape. Reach Out! has put in place several marketing measures aimed at spreading the word about our services, in addition to soliciting funding from donor groups and individuals. However, our marketing will not be limited to this alone as we will be soliciting the assistance of volunteers to help us achieve our targets.
Our Vision at Reach Out! is to provide critical services essential to the progress of humanity. Our nonprofit aims at contributing significantly to alleviating the most prevalent societal problems, leading to a safer and better America.
We have a mission of reaching the unreached. To achieve this objective, total commitment to the ideals of a better and prosperous human race is necessary. This is what drives our nonprofit. We have plans of spreading our services across the United States and Canada within the shortest possible time (5 years from the commencement of operations).
As mentioned in the section above, our services are diverse and include all forms of humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering experienced by disaster victims and the needy. Some of these include victims of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and the homeless. Others include victims of rape, domestic violence, and drug addicts. Our nonprofit services are targeted at significantly alleviating these negative and harmful effects. These services are a capital incentive, which makes this nonprofit to be reliant on the assistance of donor groups and individuals.
We have plans for further expanding our services to cover the entire United States and Canada within the first 5 years from the date of commencing our operations. However, at present, our services will be available in Florida .
Our marketing plan covers a wide range of areas. The marketing plan is targeted at spreading the word about our services. There are several other similar nonprofit organizations. However, we do not see them as competitors, but as collaborators. Hence, our nonprofit activities will be tailored to take advantage of the leverage offered by these nonprofits. As a measure to enhance our presence nationally and internationally, we have a website that will showcase all our services and information about us.
To make our services much more effective, micro stations will be spread across our target areas. These are patterned to act as first responders in the event of a natural disaster. Also, we will collaborate with national agencies to function effectively whenever there are humanitarian challenges. Electronic and print media channels will be used to spread the word about our services. This is in addition to the use of social media space.
Although we will kick-start our non-profit operations with the sum of $120,000, we will invest a reasonable part of this into marketing. Through this, we intend to raise significant funding for our nonprofit. Using the current trends and available information on the cash flow of non-profits , we have come up with an impressive 3-year financial projection. This is summarized in the chart below;
- First Year $120,000
- Second-year $300,000
- Third Year $500,000
This nonprofit business plan seeks to address the most recurring problems faced by humanity, which are the problems of safety, shelter, and food. Solving these problems alone significantly improves the quality of life and engenders progress in society. Reach Out! seeks to pursue these objectives to find lasting solutions to the problems faced by man.
NONPROFIT BUSINESS PLAN FOR A YOUTH ORGANIZATION – EXAMPLE
NAME OF BUSINESS: THERESA YOUTH FOUNDATION TABLE OF CONTENT
- Executive summary
- Mission statement
- Vision statement
- Aims and objectives
- Organization and personnel plan
- Startup cost
- Marketing analysis and strategy
- Sources of income
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Theresa Youth Foundation is a nonprofit agency that is aimed at providing mentorship to young people, this agency will partner with high schools, colleges in the district. We are focused on helping young people live better lives and results would reflect in their friendships, interpersonal skills, and general etiquette.
Because of poor mentoring and constant failures in the classroom, our youths have lost hope in the successes that await them in the future if only they can patch their lives together.
Theresa Youth Foundation will operate by pairing a youth to a mentor for ten months.
Mentors will receive constant training to serve these young people better and also participate in weekly meetings to discuss their progress.
As time goes on, Theresa Youth Foundation will come up with a comfortable learning platform that will be a very important resource to the young members of the population, those who aim to be mentors and the community as a whole.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission at Theresa Youth Foundation is to empower young people in the possibility of a great future and support them in achieving great feats.
VISION STATEMENT
We at Theresa Youth Foundation believe the world can be a better place through the refining of the young.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Theresa Youth Foundation is focused on creating mentorship for the at-risk youths, we will pair a supportive adult volunteer to one referred youth. We will set up four distinct programs at Theresa Youth Foundation;
- Higher Ground
This activity will engage young people who are already in the juvenile court system.
- Trailblazer
At-risk young students participate in the program of support with their various volunteer mentors.
- Lunch Friends
This is not only for children in elementary schools but also for colleges as well.
This is for young people who have been suspended from school.
ORGANIZATION AND PERSONNEL PLAN
Theresa Youth Foundation will have a management group that consists of the board of directors and the agency’s executive director.
Theresa Youth Foundation will have the following staff;
- The grant coordinator who is in charge of fundraisers and general finances of the agency.
- The Mentor training coordinator, who is in charge of recruiting volunteers for mentorship and also sees to their training.
- The youth referral coordinator, who studies each volunteer and does proper matching with youths for mentorship.
- Office manager, who controls the general affairs of the office and documentation.
START-UP COST
Theresa Youth Foundation has the following expenses for a startup;
Rent $1,000 Brochures $8,000 Consultancy $10,000 Legal affairs $1,000 Insurance $500 Transportation $7,000 Total startup expenses cost $27,500.
- We identify troubled young people
- Offer elementary schools children the guide they need to fall back into school activities
- We serve as development models to those in high school
- We offer group activities to college students as we believe proper social life will help them become better.
MARKETING ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY
Our program is aimed at young members of society and we are aware of the ever-growing number of them that are failing in school or not getting the proper mentorship from parents.
- Youths who have stressors
- Families with many children
- Caring adults who will volunteer to be mentors
- Religious organizations
SOURCES OF INCOME
Theresa Youth Foundation will generate revenue from federal and state contracts, grants from private firms, and business sponsorship.
Money is also generated for Theresa Youth Foundation from the general public cash donation, legacy gift, corporate giving, food, and appreciated stock.
This Non-Profit Organization is founded by Theresa Stones and her husband Michael Stones, both have been in the news for so many humanitarian activities. Theresa Stones is a woman who not only loves children but is also keen on seeing the end of juvenile deliquescence.
In the future, we hope to expand our agency to other cities and even go beyond the shores of the United States of America.
Related posts:
- Starting a Nonprofit Organization for Youth with No Money
- Sample Business Consulting Firm Business Plan
- Sample Egg Production Business Plan
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Strategic planning Free Nonprofit Business Plan Templates Get free Smartsheet templates By Joe Weller | September 18, 2020 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.
BUSINESS PLAN TEMPLATE DISCLAIMER Any articles, templates, or information provided by Smartsheet on the website are for reference only. While we strive to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accura cy, reliability,
Business planning is a way of systematically answering questions such as, "What problem (s) are we trying to solve?" or "What are we trying to achieve?" and also, "Who will get us there, by when, and how much money and other resources will it take?"
A nonprofit business plan describes your nonprofit as it currently is and sets up a roadmap for the next three to five years. It also lays out your goals and plans for meeting your goals. Your nonprofit business plan is a living document that should be updated frequently to reflect your evolving goals and circumstances.
Free Non-Profit Business Plan Template - PDF | Word - eForms Home » Non-Profit Non-Profit Business Plan Template Updated January 09, 2023 A non-profit business plan is a written roadmap for a non-profit organization. It serves to communicate the core purpose, funding needs, and action plan of the organization.
Key Takeaways. Your nonprofit business plan should have an executive summary section summarizing the entire plan and providing an overview of the organization's mission, goals, and strategies. Your organization overview section will cover your organization's foundational elements like name, type, legal structure, location, and history.
confidential page 4 2. organization overview 2.1 organization background 2.2 mission statement and vision statement 2.3 opportunity
Growthink's nonprofit business plan template below is the result of 20+ years of research into the types of business plans that help nonprofit organizations (NPOs) to attract funding and achieve their goals. Follow the links to each section of our nonprofit business plan template: 1. Executive Summary.
business, nonprofits also need to consider the alignment with mission, organizational background and structure, and evaluation of both financial and social impact. This outline for a business plan is a guide for research, planning, and writing a business plan for nonprofit social enterprises. The sections below are provided as a roadmap for the ...
A nonprofit business plan is a living document that should lay out your business and financial goals and a strategic plan for how your organization grows. Below are three sample nonprofit business plans to help guide you in creating your own nonprofit business plan. Download our Ultimate Nonprofit Business Plan Template here
Where can I download a Nonprofit Business Plan PDF? PlanBuildr's nonprofit business plan template and example will help you to quickly & easily complete your nonprofit organization plan today.
Download Now. This is a sample nonprofit business plan template in word which the process of planning for a nonprofit organization's business is discussed deeply. Illustrations can be of great help to make you understand concepts better. Hence, this template consists of such illustrations.
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.
Write a fundraising plan. This part is the most important element of your business plan. In addition to providing required financial statements (e.g., the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement), identify potential sources of funding for your nonprofit. These may include individual donors, corporate donors, grants, or in-kind ...
Initiative 1: Expand our tutoring and case management programs to serve more students. Initiative 2: Conduct research on best practices in nonprofit education and implement these practices in our programming. Initiative 3: Hold fundraising events and seek corporate sponsorships to generate revenue for our nonprofit.
Any articles, templates, or information provided by Smartsheet on the website are for reference only. While we strive to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the website or ...
The One-Page Business Plan is an innovative approach to business planning that captures the essence of any organization, project, or program on a single page using keywords and short phrases. Here's an example template.
Sample business plans from nonprofit organizations with which The Bridgespan Group has worked. For nonprofit organizations, the business-planning process offers a rare opportunity to step back and look at the organization as a whole. It is a time to connect the dots between mission and programs, to specify the resources that will be required to ...
The value of these hours is approximately $195.0 billion.1. The Board of Director's is comprised of individuals whose backgrounds consist of ___ (years' experience in the non-profit industry.) (Example: John Smith, Executive of the Board: John has 15 year of experience as a non-profit organization as a director.
Coming up with a non-profit blueprint does not have to be overly complicated. Whether it is a non-profit housing business plan or a non-profit ministry business plan, the steps below are sure to be of use. Step 1: Specify Your Organization's Goals. The key to any plan, especially something like a non-profit strategic plan, is to be clear with ...
Through this, we intend to raise significant funding for our nonprofit. Using the current trends and available information on the cash flow of non-profits, we have come up with an impressive 3-year financial projection. This is summarized in the chart below; First Year $120,000. Second-year $300,000.
This non-profit business plan in PDF format may be used by any non-profit organization. It covers the factors to be considered for creating a successful plan. ... Business Plan for NonProfit Organisation Funding. Details. File Format. Doc; Docx; Size: 665.1KB Download Now. Business Plan for NPO Finance. dsd.gov.za. Details. File Format. Doc ...
Sample from Growthink's Ultimate Non-Profit Business Plan Template: [Organization Name], located at [insert location here] is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to at-risk you in Westchester County, NY. Since 20XX, [Organization Name] has helped over 10,000 teenagers learn valuable skills and become more education-focused in order