Running a a nonprofit organization presents additional constraints compared to traditional enterprises. Therefore, when venturing into this distinct sector, it becomes imperative to possess a clear and meticulously crafted vision of the objectives you aim to achieve.

This article will provide you with a nonprofit business plan template to help you with all your nonprofit endeavors. From income statement through marketing plan, hitting the target market, and balance sheet, we will go over all the essentials when it comes to running a successful nonprofit organization. 

Whether you need to raise money or just ensure the ongoing success of your nonprofit, a business plan outlines how you can achieve all of those goals and can help you out in strategic planning.

So, if you are interested in successful business plans and running a nonprofit organization – we have a treat for you! Let’s dive in!

Nonprofit business plans usually are created as a document where you can outline the whole business planning process. Many nonprofit organizations use this plan to meet their basic financial needs, strategize for future objectives, create a comprehensive overview of how the whole organization operates, and overall – see the scope of it all.

Every single nonprofit organization’s plan will differ based on its focus, financial details, and outreach events they are planning. Such a document comprises many different elements, which we will analyze in more detail further in the article. What is important for now is that this is the way the organization grows, and without a nonprofit business plan outline, it’s more of a coin toss than a successful business. 

So, if you want to find out how to write a nonprofit business plan and see some templates as well, of course – free of charge, let’s get into some details.

First of all, we will go over the software we will be utilizing for this particular project. As there are plenty of programs out there to help you out with this endeavor, we will be counting on the old-and-gold Microsoft Office package. It is one of the most popular sets of programs on the planet, with millions of satisfied users. And because of that, the accessibility of the Microsoft Office formats is incredible. Everyone who has ever been in a work environment has at least had a taste of some of those programs. So, sending, receiving, and editing all of your ideas will be much easier.

Additionally, you can get a Microsoft Office Key for just a few dollars at Royal CD Keys. It’s a bargain if you consider that it’s a lifetime subscription, and you can utilize it for whatever kind of non- or for-profit business plan and other needs you may have as well.

Be sure to check out the templates as well, as they enhance the scope of possibilities of these programs, especially in this scenario, where you must create a rather grand document for this particular purpose.

Let us now dive into some templates we will be recommending for this particular usage.

Non-Profit Business Plan Template #1

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First of all, we have a relatively basic operational nonprofit business plan for you to utilize. It has everything you need to create your very own non-profit business plan. You can find there a detailed executive summary, the problem and the solution part, target market, competition, with current alternatives and competitive advantages, product or service offerings, marketing, timeline and metrics, and financial elements for you fill out on your own. Most people will be satisfied with this template, as it provides all the necessities, without confusing the user with multiple additional options, that they will never utilize.

Non-Profit Business Plan Template #2

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Next up, we have a business plan template straight from Microsoft, so you know it’s something grand. The best thing about this template is that it has an incredible scope. It has a detailed executive summary section, with highlights, mission statement, and keys to success parts to it. 

Additionally, this template allows you to not only present all the necessary elements, like location, interior, etc., but also manufacturing, suppliers, and overall financial management. In all cases, it’s just a big time and effort investment that can be great if you want to have a detailed plan for all circumstances. 

Most people don’t need this high-end operational plan. They would rather have something that helps them raise funds, have a well-presented financial statement, and that’s it. So, there is a plan in our arsenal if you need a bigger gun; we just don’t think that it’s for everyone.

Non-Profit Business Plan Template #3

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And finally, to balance things out – we have a one-page business plan for those who just need to quickly write things down. This strategic plan is all about efficiency. It’s short, straight to the point with everthing on one page. From What-How-Who, through marketing efforts, ending on the situational analysis (SWOT), 

it’s great for people who want to have something short and concise as their business plan. Of course, you may say that there are some cuts made here and there to make it worthwhile, but for primary purposes – this will probably suffice.

A non-profit business plan can be helpful in plenty of situations, from developing the financial status of the organization to keeping a clear mission statement in mind, ensuring a better decision-making process, and more effective resource allocation. When it comes to strategizing, business plans are the best way to make most nonprofit organizations feel better about their program costs and operations section. Here are some expected benefits of creating this kind of business plan.

Mission

You can’t have a nonprofit organization without a proper mission statement. With a clear goal and vision in mind, you will be able to present the organization’s purpose, the target audience of your concept, and the outcomes you are hoping to achieve.

Business Planning

Next, we have the business planning aspect. Practically any nonprofit exists to help people in this way or another. But not all of them work equally efficiently. The reason is usually the problem with the structure of such an organization. Even though you are not creating for-profit businesses, you must think and act like one. Plan your programs, resources, finances, see where your resources are poorly allocated and move them around if necessary. That is how successful nonprofit operates.

Fundraising

Next, we have the fundraising aspect. A business plan is an excellent way of approaching new donors and sponsors and, overall – making the process more accessible. If you have a business plan ready, it shows that you are a professional taking their work seriously, and it will be much easier to get significant donors interested in your plan.

Sustainability

A well-crafted business plan serves a crucial role in not only providing financial projections but also establishing a robust sustainability strategy. By outlining diverse revenue sources, effective fundraising tactics, prudent budgeting options, and other financial instruments, it becomes possible to address the nonprofit's financial requirements comprehensively and devise effective measures to fulfill them.

Communication

Additionally, you can easily share it between stakeholders and other exciting parties, like donors. They can review the plan to make informed decisions about investing in your nonprofit. Furthermore, by sharing the plan with volunteers, partners, and community members, you foster trust and cultivate stakeholder support, strengthening your organization's foundation.

Common Goal

A business plan can also help you out in presenting a common goal for the board of directors and other stakeholders. If you have a clear goal in mind, you can share it with interested parties so that they can understand it and see if they agree with the premise.

Review and Analyze

Next, this benchmark can help you measure your organization’s progress and impact. This would mean monitoring and evaluation of programs and services you are utilizing. Additionally, you will be able to assess the organization’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to make it even better and more helpful.

So, now that we know what a non-profit business plan is, let’s list what you should include in it. Of course, some things on this list will be prone to changes, as you will probably not need all of these elements in every nonprofit organization’s business plan, but these are some of the most common ones to keep in mind. Let’s dive in!

Executive Summary

First off, we have the executive summary. It’s one of the critical elements of every non-profit business plan, as it is a brief overview of the organization's most essential elements, goals, and tactics to achieve them. Although it is listed as the first position on our list, it’s usually written at the very end of the whole process as it is, indeed, a ssummary of all the elements of the business plan. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when writing this part.

• First, you need to clearly state the non-profit's mission and highlight how you will approach the topic uniquely.

• Key objectives – next, be sure to create a summary of all your primary goals and objectives that you want to achieve. 

• Target Beneficiaries – find specific groups or communities you want to impact with your program. 

• Organizational Structure – create a brief outline of the non-profit organization structure, highlighting the most critical positions and the board of directors.

• Sustainability – basically – describes how the non-profit will go about fundraising strategies and revenue sources. Highlight the unique approach you will have when it comes to your partnerships to ensure the organization’s financial sustainability.

• Impact – next, think about what your operation is willing to make. Consider your organization’s past accomplishments, and present the success stories your company had.

• Future Plans – additionally, present your organization’s strategic vision for your goals, with all the expansion plans, new programs, and services. 

• Call to Action – and finally, add the call to action at the end of your program, what your organization seeks to accomplish, and all the other potential partnership opportunities. 

Organizational Description

Next, you need to create a description of your organization and provide a detailed plan of your non-profit’s background, structure, and purpose. It will help the recipients better understand what your organization is about, its background, and what you are trying to achieve. Here are some key elements to keep in mind.

• Name and Structure — this is probably the most apparent element; you need to clearly state the official name of the organization and its legal structure. 

• Mission Statement – next, you need to create a concise and compelling statement about the non-profit's mission. This should present all the things that this organization wants to address in society and how it will do that. 

• Vision – additionally, be sure to include the company’s vision for the future and the essential values for this particular nonprofit. 

• History and Background – This part should explain the backstory of your organization, what you achieved in the past, and your plans for the future. 

• Initiatives – and finally, we have the initiatives section of your business plan, where you should provide all the programs that align with your mission statements, your objectives, and the problems the organization is willing to address. 

Programs and Services

The next section provides you with all the in-depth information about the initiatives and activities you will accomplish with your fundraising plan. Here are some key elements to keep in mind in that section.

• Program/Service Overview – first, start with a general overview of your program/service. Explain all the activities that will be made and how they will align with your organization’s mission. 

• Program/Service Description – you need to describe each program or service in detail with specific information about what it is all about, how it operates, and what it is trying to accomplish.

• Impacts and Outcomes – showcase the intended impact and outcomes your program aims to achieve. Highlighting these key aspects will enable you to communicate the positive changes and benefits that will result from your actions. Clearly articulate the beneficiaries and the specific communities that will experience the effects of your program.

• Deliverables – next, outline all the specific deliverables from each solution, program, or service you will provide. 

• Implementation Strategy – lastly, outline the implementation plan for effecting these changes. Provide a detailed account of the steps involved in the process, clearly illustrating the actions required to bring about the intended outcomes.

Organizational Structure

The next stop on our list is the organizational structure of your non-profit organization. It’s essentially an overview of all the roles and responsibilities people have in the nonprofit. If done right, it can help you better understand how the non-profit is organized and what is the decision-making process. Let’s go over some key elements.

• Leadership Team – here, you need to put all your company's key positions. This usually means the executive director/CEO, board chair, and senior management. Be sure to describe each person’s responsibilities and qualifications.

• Board of Directors – here, you need to present the board's composition with all their responsibilities. Additionally, you can add details about members' specific roles in governance and how frequently they meet.

• Staff Roles and Responsibilities – this is where you should outline the staff members' roles and responsibilities within the organization. This can mean the managers, administration, and other key personnel summarizing why they were chosen and what they bring to the table in different programs.

• Volunteer Roles – you must also describe what roles you are preparing for the volunteers and how they contribute to the non-profit’s mission. Be sure to present their day-to-day operations and how they can benefit the company as a whole.

• Organizational Chart – here, you should include an organizational chart that represents the company's hierarchical structure. This will make that much easier for stakeholders to understand the design of the nonprofit at first glance and how different positions and roles supplement each other. 

• Committees and Task Forces – present all the committees and task forces with their purpose and composition. That will help the people involved to better understand their roles in different sections. Additionally, it can be great for outside as it will show the purpose and composition of varying task focus. 

• Decision-Making Processes – and finally, explain how the decisions are being made and the essential elements of a centralized or decentralized decision-making model. This can mean all the approvals and disapprovals of the not-for-profit company.

Marketing and Fundraising

Next, we have the marketing and fundraising section of the organization’s business plan. In essence, you must present all the different approaches for promoting the organization’s mission and getting the financing necessary for the whole thing to run smoothly. Let’s review some key elements in that section of our business plan.

• Target Audience – be sure to identify the specific target audience in this section, as it will influence your marketing and fundraising efforts. This can mean many different things, like individual donors, big sponsors, and grants.

• Branding and Messaging – next, you need to present your company's branding strategy. That would mean all the essentials of a nonprofit’s visual identity, like logo, tagline, and the most important points to consider. Present how the brand will reflect the mission of the organization. 

• Marketing – here, you need to present all the marketing channels and strategies that you will use to reach the target audience. Whether it’s some traditional media outlets or digital platforms, include them in your summary.

• Awareness Campaigns – next, explain the specific awareness campaigns or initiatives you are planning for your organization. Include a timeline for it as well.

• Fundraising Strategies – next, you need to put out the necessary fundraising strategies to get financial support. This can include individual giving campaigns, corporate partnerships, and grant applications. Be sure to present all the unique elements of your fundraising efforts.

• Donors and Stewardship – be sure to outline all the necessary elements to get donors and supporters. Find out ways to gain recognition and how you will be communicating with those individuals.

• Partnerships and Collaborations – next, you need to explain how you will use your partnerships for marketing and fundraising. Those could be cross-promotion events, shared resources, and anything in between. 

• Fundraising Events – and finally, fundraising events. One of the key elements of financing non-profit organizations. Be sure to include as much detail as possible, like the target audience, expected goals, and how much funds you are predicting to raise. 

Financial Plan

Next, we have the financial plan action of our business plan. As you can imagine, you will need to feature all the goals and objectives you have for your financial sustainability. Ensure to present how to keep the organization’s financial health in check, as it can be a problem for potential donors if it’s not done correctly. Here are some things to consider in this section.

• Revenue Streams – first of all, you need to present all sources of revenue for the non-profit. Whether those would mean grants, sponsorships, fundraising events, membership fees, individual donors, or something else – be sure to include that.

• Fundraising Strategy – here, it’s best to describe the overall strategy for fundraising you will be implementing. Present how you will generate financial support and what companies/individuals you can count on. 

• Budget – be sure to create a detailed budget with income and expenses. It’s best to break it down into categories. You should be rather strict with your math, as it can be a statement that’s important for your future donors.

• Financial Projections – with that information, provide realistic financial projections for the next three to five years. See how your organization behaved in the past, and adjust accordingly.

• Cash Flow Analysis – additionally, include the cash flow statement with anticipated inflows and outflows of cash. You will be able to assess if your organization can meet its obligations.

• Contingency Plan – create a contingency plan if something goes wrong. Present all the risks and challenges that may impact your organization’s financial stability. Have a plan for financing issues, as those can be a “to be, or not to be” kind of situation.

• Board and Staff Involvement – and finally, describe the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors and other important staff members regarding financing. Focus especially on oversight and management, as those elements can be potential issues in the future review. Board members especially should be presented with a detailed list of responsibilities when it comes to overseeing the financial effectiveness of the nonprofit.

Evaluation and Impact Measurement

And finally, be sure to include different methods for assessing and measuring your progress as an organization and whether or not the outcomes and objectives you have put out are being realized. Additionally, identify the risks and challenges you may be facing with strategies to eliminate them.

Thank you so much for checking out our article on all the elements that go into a non-profit business plan. The most important thing for any non-profit organization is to stay operational and ensure funding so that potential partners in the financial section will not doubt the organization’s repudiation. 

Most nonprofits start small and grow with the help of potential donors, so be sure you have an impact plan for all the potential roadblocks you may encounter. Additionally, it’s best to have a foundation that will help you in your long-term goals, with the right people in the right places in your company. 

Non-profit organizations generally try to help the world, so keeping their names clean and out of trouble is essential. Of course, there can be many issues when running a successful nonprofit organization, but if you set specific goals, you will be able to meet them in no time with the right plan.

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