Business Planning Resources for a Non-Profit Organization

It's common KNOWLEDGE that people starting a for-profit or non-profit business should write a business plan. And it's common PRACTICE that most people don't. The reasons why people don't write them are as varied as the reasons why they should but the excuses of "I don't know where to start" or "what goes in it" or "I don't have the time" or "I just want to start" are simply NOT acceptable. Granted, no one is saying that you should spend months writing a business plan (although, maybe you should) or that the business plan is an inflexible bible to be adhered to no matter what. However, once you realize your business plan is a flexible document to guide you, not command you, then you will see why spending a few hours or days working on it matters. Plus, it will  really test your commitment and help you face the reality and seriousness of what you plan to start. If poring over your business on paper agonizes you then maybe doing it for real will haunt you. Finally see your business plan as an opportunity to discover not only how much money you need and expect to earn but also what other key areas need to be addressed from legal to logistics to marketing.

Some general tips: Try to be as specific as possible about the kind of business you're starting and don't be afraid of researching your industry and surveying your potential market. To help guide you as you build your business plan, I have compiled a list of business planning resources with a main focus on non-profits.

• Business Planning | The Free Management Library
  An exhaustive resource for business planning in general, with a special section focusing on nonprofits. Includes sample nonprofit business plans. 
• Nonprofit Incorporating | The Business Plan
  This pdf article by Donald A. Griesman gives "guidance to people who are considering starting a nonprofit tax exempt corporation. It is not intended to be a full and detailed step-by-step manual about starting a nonprofit corporation, however."

• Human-Centered Design Toolkit | HCD Connect
  The Human-Centered Design (HCD) Toolkit was designed specifically for NGOs and social enterprises that work with impoverished communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The free kit, available for download here, walks users through the human-centered design process and supports them in activities such as building listening skills, running workshops, and implementing ideas.
• Sample Nonprofit Business Plans | BridgeSpan Group
  "Combined with their overview article, Business Planning for Nonprofits: What It Is and Why It Matters, the 3 sample nonprofit business plans on their site can act as guides for your own organization's plan."

How To Write A Business Plan for Non-Profit Organizations |eHow.com

Here's a brief step by step overview on writing a non-profit business plan.

SCORE Model for Business Success

"While most of SCORE’s work has focused on small businesses, over the years it has assisted some startup and emerging non-profit organizations, particularly on business issues. As a result of these experiences, SCORE strongly believes that to be effective, competitive and sustainable, non-profits must not only be caring and creative, they must run their operations as businesses. This guide is about a great American institution and a powerful agent for change: the non-profit charitable organization."

• Business Planning Tools for Non-Profit Organizations | SCORE Foundation
  "This new, expanded edition of our initial guidebook represents the second phase of an initiative by SCORE and The Office Depot Foundation to assist nonprofit organizations in building their capacity to serve their communities."

• Nonprofit Business Plans | Bplans.com
  "Nonprofit organizations have a unique set of needs and requirements. That's why these sample business plans for nonprofit organizations and social enterprise businesses can help you get started on the right foot." Note that this is a company that sells business plan software.
• Small Business Administration
  "Are you thinking about starting a business of your own? Explore the topics below to learn the aspects of starting a business, plus find information you need to succeed." Although this agency is geared towards helping for-profit small businesses, you can find a wealth of information for your non-profit.
• Strategic and Business Planning for Nonprofits | National Council of Nonprofits
  "The “new normal” for strategic planning engages the staff and board in defining strategy, committing to measurable goals, approving strategic objectives as well as practical and realistic implementation plans, and on an ongoing basis revisiting the strategies as the organization's internal and external environment changes." Check out their resources for help in writing your business plan.
• Business Plan for Nonprofits and Social Enterprises | Nonprofits Assistance Fund
  "Business plans are a common tool for entrepreneurs when starting or growing a business enterprise. The process of researching, planning, and crafting a business plan can be very beneficial for a nonprofit organization. For nonprofits that are considering a social enterprise as a part of their program activities, developing a business plan is an essential step. This business plan outline was created for nonprofits wishing to embark on earned income ventures. The plan is similar to many business plan templates with the addition of questions on mission, organizational background and structure, and evaluation."
• Nonprofit Business Plan Development: From Vision, Mission and Values to Implementation | Healthcare Georgia Foundation [PDF]
  This pdf guide presents an overview of the steps in the planning process, (including SWOT analysis), vision and mission statement development, and goal setting.
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