{"id":3964,"date":"2023-05-10T16:18:48","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T16:18:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildapricotlive.local\/?p=3964"},"modified":"2025-05-12T05:29:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T05:29:38","slug":"nonprofit-business-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/nonprofit-business-plan","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Nonprofit Business Plan in 12 Steps (+ Free Template!)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-nonprofit\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">starting a nonprofit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is figuring out how to bring your vision into reality. If there\u2019s any tool that can really help you hit the ground running, it\u2019s a nonprofit business plan!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a plan in place, you not only have a clear direction for growth, but you can also access valuable funding opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, we\u2019ll explore:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why a business plan is so important<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The components of a business plan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to write a business plan for a nonprofit specifically<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We also have a few great examples, as well as a free nonprofit business plan template.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s get planning!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is a Nonprofit Business Plan?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A nonprofit business plan is the roadmap to your organization\u2019s future. It lays out where your nonprofit currently stands in terms of organizational structure, finances and programs. Most importantly, it highlights your goals and how you aim to achieve them!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These goals should be reachable within the next 3-5 years\u2014and flexible! Your nonprofit business plan is a living document, and should be regularly updated as priorities shift. The point of your plan is to remind you and your supporters what your organization is all about.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This document can be as short as one page if you\u2019re just starting out, or much longer as your organization grows. As long as you have all the core elements of a business plan (which we\u2019ll get into below!), you\u2019re golden.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Business Plan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While some people might argue that a nonprofit business plan isn\u2019t strictly necessary, it\u2019s well worth your time to make!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are 5 benefits of writing a business plan:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secure funding and grants<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did you know that businesses with a plan are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fundingforgood.org\/statistics-about-strategic-planning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">far more likely to get funding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than those that don\u2019t have a plan? It\u2019s true!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When donors, investors, foundations, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/grant-writing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">granting bodies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and volunteers see you have a clear plan, they\u2019re more likely to trust you with their time and money. Plus, as you achieve the goals laid out in your plan, that trust will only grow.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solidify your mission<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order to sell your mission, you have to know what it is. That might sound simple, but when you have big dreams and ideas, it\u2019s easy to get lost in all of the possibilities!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writing your business plan pushes you to express your mission in the most straightforward way possible. As the years go on and new opportunities and ideas arise, your business plan will guide you back to your original mission.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From there, you can figure out if you&#8217;ve lost the plot\u2014or if it&#8217;s time to change the mission itself!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set goals and milestones\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step in achieving your goals is knowing exactly what they are. By highlighting your goals for the next 3-5 years\u2014and naming their key milestones!\u2014you can consistently check if you&#8217;re on track.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonprofit work is tough, and there will be points along the way where you wonder if you&#8217;re actually making a difference. With a nonprofit business plan in place, you can actually see how much you&#8217;ve achieved over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attract a board and volunteers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting volunteers and filling <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/nonprofit-board-positions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonprofit board positions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is essential to building out your organization\u2019s team. Like we said before, a business plan builds trust and shows that your organization is legitimate. In fact, some boards of directors actually require a business plan in order for an organization to run!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An unfortunate truth is that many volunteers <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realizedworth.com\/2009\/04\/03\/enough-is-enough-when-volunteers-should\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get taken advantage of<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With a business plan in place, you can show that you\u2019re coming from a place of professionalism.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research and find opportunities<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writing a business plan requires some research!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along the way, you\u2019ll likely dig into information like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who your ideal donor might be<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to find potential partners<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What your competitors are up to<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which mentorships or grants are available for your organization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the best business model for a nonprofit like yours<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this information in place, not only will you have a better nonprofit business model created\u2014you\u2019ll also have a more stable organization!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free Nonprofit Business Plan Template<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re feeling uncertain about building a business plan from scratch, we\u2019ve got you covered!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is a quick and simple free nonprofit business plan template.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feel free to add anything else that you think might be important\u2014but this will make sure you have all the basics set!<\/span><br \/>\n<script charset=\"utf-8\" type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/\/js.hsforms.net\/forms\/embed\/v2.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<script>\n  hbspt.forms.create({\n    region: \"na1\",\n    portalId: \"7302225\",\n    formId: \"7a900280-552a-4a7f-9604-c2faafaa8453\"\n  });\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic Format and Parts of a Business Plan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know what a business plan can do for your organization, let\u2019s talk about what it actually contains!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some key elements of a business plan:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Format<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First of all, you want to make sure your business plan follows best practices for formatting. After all, it\u2019ll be available to your team, donors, board of directors, funding bodies and more!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your nonprofit business plan should:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be consistent formatted<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have standard margins<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a good sized font<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the document to-the-point<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Include a page break after each section<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be proofread<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sections<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curious about what each section of the document should look like?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the essential parts of a business plan:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Executive Summary: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is your nonprofit\u2019s story\u2014it\u2019ll include your goals, as well as your mission, vision and values.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Products, programs and services: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where you show exactly what it is you\u2019re doing. Highlight the programs and services you offer, and how they will benefit your community.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Operations: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This section describes your team, partnerships and all activities and requirements your day-to-day operations will include.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/nonprofit-marketing\"><b>Marketing<\/b><\/a><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your marketing plan will cover your market, market analyses and specific plans for how you will carry out your business plan with the public.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Finances: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This section covers an overview of your financial operations. It will include documents like your financial projections, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/nonprofit-fundraising-plan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fundraising plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, grants and more<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Appendix: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any additional useful information will be attached here.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll get into these sections in more detail below!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Write a Nonprofit Business Plan in 12 Steps<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling ready to put your plan into action? Here\u2019s how to write a business plan for a nonprofit in 12 simple steps!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Research the market<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a look at what\u2019s going on in your corner of the nonprofit sector. After all, you\u2019re not the first organization to write a business plan!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How your competitors\u2019 business plans are structured<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What your beneficiaries are asking for<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential partners you\u2019d like to reach<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your target donors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What information granting bodies and loan providers require<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of this information will show you what parts of your business plan should be given extra care. Sending out donor surveys, contacting financial institutions and connecting with your beneficiaries are a few tips to get your research going.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re just getting started out, this can help guide you in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/naming-your-nonprofit\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naming your nonprofit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> something relevant, eye-catching and unique!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Write to your audience<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your business plan will be available for a whole bunch of people, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Granting bodies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loan providers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prospective and current board members<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Volunteers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each of these audiences will be coming from different backgrounds, and looking at your business plan for different reasons. If you keep your nonprofit business plan accessible (minimal acronyms and industry jargon), you\u2019ll be more likely to reach everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019d like, it\u2019s always possible to create a one page business plan AND a more detailed one. Then, you can provide the one that feels most useful to each audience!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Write your mission statement<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your mission statement defines how your organization aims to make a difference in the world. In one sentence, lay out why your nonprofit exists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few examples of nonprofit mission statements:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wattsoflove.org\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watts of Love<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a global solar lighting nonprofit bringing people the power to raise themselves out of the darkness of poverty.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/coachart.org\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CoachArt<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> creates a transformative arts and athletics community for families impacted by childhood chronic illness.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetrevorproject.org\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Trevor Project<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fights to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a single sentence, each of these nonprofits defines exactly what it is their organization is doing, and who their work reaches. Offering this information at a glance is how you immediately hook your readers!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Describe your nonprofit\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that your mission is laid out, show a little bit more about who you are and how you aim to carry out your mission. Expanding your mission statement to include your vision and values is a great way to kick this off!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use this section to highlight:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your ideal vision for your community\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The guiding philosophy and values of your organization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The purpose you were established to achieve<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t worry too much about the specifics here\u2014we\u2019ll get into those below! This description is simply meant to demonstrate the heart of your organization.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Outline management and organization<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you put together your business plan, you\u2019ll want to describe the structure of your organization in the Operations section.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This will include information like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Team members (staff, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/nonprofit-board\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">board of directors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The specific type of nonprofit you\u2019re running<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Location\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re already established, make a section for how you got started! This includes your origin story, your growth and the impressive <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/nonprofit-talent\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonprofit talent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you\u2019ve brought on over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Describe programs, products and services<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This information will have its own section in your nonprofit business plan\u2014and for good reason!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It gives readers vital information about how you operate, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The specifics of the work you do<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How that work helps your beneficiaries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The resources that support the work (partnerships, facilities, volunteers, etc!)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/nonprofit-membership\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">membership<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> base or a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/subscription-business-model\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">subscription business model<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Above all, highlight what needs your nonprofit meets and how it plans to continue meeting those needs. Really get into the details here! Emphasize the work of each and every program, and if you\u2019re already established, note the real impact you\u2019ve made.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try including pictures and graphic design elements so people can feel your impact even if they\u2019re simply skimming.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Create an Executive Summary<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Executive Summary will sit right at the top of your business plan\u2014in many ways, it\u2019s the shining star of the document! This section serves as a concise and compelling telling of your nonprofit\u2019s story. If it can capture your readers\u2019 attention, they\u2019re more likely to read through the rest of the plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Executive Summary should include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your mission, vision and values<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your goals (and their timelines!)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your organization\u2019s history<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your primary programs, products and services<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your financing plan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How you intend on using your funding<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This section will summarize the basics of everything else in your plan. While it comes first part of your plan, we suggest writing it last! That way, you\u2019ll already have the information on hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also edit your Executive Summary depending on your audience. For example, if you\u2019re sending your nonprofit business plan to a loan provider, you can really focus on where the money will be going. If you\u2019re trying to recruit a new board member, you might want to highlight goals and impact, instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Write a marketing plan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/nonprofit-marketing-plan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonprofit marketing plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is essential to making sure your mission reaches people\u2014and that\u2019s especially true for your business plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your nonprofit is already up and running, detail the work you\u2019re currently doing, as well as the specific results you\u2019ve seen so far. If you\u2019re new, you\u2019ll mostly be working with projections\u2014so make sure your data is sound!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter what, your Marketing Plan section should market research such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beneficiary information<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Information on your target audience\/donor base<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Information on your competitors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Names of potential partners<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data is your friend here! Make note of market analyses and tests you\u2019ve run. Be sure to also document any outreach and campaigns you\u2019ve previously done, as well as your outcomes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, be sure to list all past and future marketing strategies you\u2019re planning for. This can include promotion, advertising, online marketing plans and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Create a logistics and operations plan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Operations section of your business plan will take the organizational information you\u2019ve gathered so far and expand the details! Highlight what the day-to-day will look like for your nonprofit, and how your funds and resources will make it possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to make note of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The titles and responsibilities of your core team<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The partners and suppliers you work with<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance you will need<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Necessary licenses or certifications you\u2019ll maintain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of services and programs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what and how <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of your business plan. Lean into those details, and show exactly how you\u2019ll accomplish those goals you\u2019ve been talking about!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Write an Impact Plan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Impact Plan is a deep dive into your organization\u2019s goals. It grounds your dreams in reality, which brings both idealists and more practically-minded folks into your corner!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where your Executive Summary lays out your ambitions on a broader level, this plan:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clarifies your goals in detail<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlights specific objectives and their timelines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breaks down how you will achieve them<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shows how you will measure your success<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Impact Plan will have quite a few goals in it, so be sure to emphasize which ones are the most impactful on your cause. After all, social impact is just as important as financial impact!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking of\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Outline the Financial Plan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the main reasons people want to know how to write a nonprofit business plan is because of how essential it is to receiving funding. Loan providers, donors and granting bodies will want to see your numbers\u2014and that\u2019s where your Financial Plan comes in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This plan should clearly lay out where your money is coming from and where it will go. If you\u2019re just getting started, check out what similar nonprofits are doing in order to get realistic numbers. Even if you\u2019re <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-organization-with-no-money\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">starting a nonprofit on a tight budget<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, every bit of financial information counts!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, map out your projected (or actual) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/nonprofit-revenue-streams\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonprofit revenue streams<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expected membership contributions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Significant donations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In-kind support<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fundraising plan<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then, do the same with your expenses:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Startup costs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salaries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical bills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Web hosting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Membership management software<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subscription<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costs of programs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your nonprofit is already up and running, include your past accounting information. Otherwise, keep working with those grounded projections!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make sure you have all of your information set, include documents like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Income statement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cash flow statement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balance sheet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This information comes together to show that your nonprofit can stay above water financially. Highlighting that you can comfortably cover your operational costs is essential. Plus, building this plan might help your team find funding gaps or opportunities!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Include an Appendix<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your appendix is for any extra pieces of useful information for your readers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This could be documents such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Academic papers about your beneficiaries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Publications on your nonprofit\u2019s previous success<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Board member bios<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Organizational flow chart<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your IRS status letter<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure your additions contribute to your nonprofit\u2019s story!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of Business Plans for Nonprofits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are two great examples of nonprofit business plans. Notice how they\u2019re different depending on the size of the organization!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonprofit Recording Co-op Business Plan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This sample <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bplans.com\/nonprofit-recording-co-op-business-plan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonprofit business plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows what a basic plan could look like for a hobbyists\u2019 co-op. If your nonprofit is on the smaller, more local side, this is a great reference!<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What we like:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Details on running a basic membership model<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emphasis on what it means to specifically be a sustainable cooperative<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A list of early milestones, such as hitting their 100th member<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clarification that all recordings will be legal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonprofit Youth Services Business Plan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This sample <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bplans.com\/nonprofit-youth-services-business-plan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonprofit business plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is for a much larger organization. Instead of focusing on the details of a membership model, it gets deeper into programs and services provided.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What we like<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The mission is broken down by values<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A detailed look at what each program provides<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A thorough sales plan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key assumptions are included for the financial plan<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Create a Nonprofit Business Plan With Confidence<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope this sheds some light on how creating a nonprofit business plan can help your organization moving forward! Remember: you know what you want for your organization. A business plan is simply a tool for making those dreams a reality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a membership program part of your business plan? Check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WildApricot<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s award-winning membership management software!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/register.wildapricot.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">60-day free trial<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019ll have all the time you need to fall in love with what we have to offer.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The first step in starting a nonprofit is figuring out how to bring your vision into reality. If there\u2019s any tool that can really help you hit the ground running, it\u2019s a nonprofit business plan! With a plan in place, you not only have a clear direction for growth, but you can also access valuable&#8230; <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/blog\/nonprofit-business-plan\" aria-label=\"Continue reading How to Write a Nonprofit Business Plan in 12 Steps (+ Free Template!)\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":4012,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3964","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-organizational-management"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Write a Nonprofit Business Plan in 12 Steps (+ Free Template!) - WildApricot<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn why a nonprofit business plan is so important and how to write one! 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