Jennifer J. Writes

As the first month of the year is nearing the end, have you written your non profit business plan for 2023?

Yes, nonprofits need a business plan.

And not just for the current year. A good plan includes your plans to scale over the next 3 years, 5 years, and beyond. Just like your Funding Strategy, your organization needs a roadmap.

Must haves in your plan

Executive Summary

A good executive summary is key-if a busy donor, grantor, prospective board member, or potential volunteer is going to read one thing, this summary is that document.

Short, no more than 2 pages, this is your chance to answer key questions about your organization.

• Who you are – an overview of your structure, including key people
• Your mission statement
• What problem are you seeking to solve
• How you are going to solve that problem
• A brief but compelling story of your organization
• Your funding strategy that includes your fundraising outlook

Remember, busy people are reading this summary. Write in short sentences with no more than 10-15 words per sentence. Think of a newspaper or your favorite news site.

You can gather and retain a good amount of information in minutes when reading a well-written article. That is how this executive summary should read.

Mission statement

This statement should be 1-2 sentences long. It tell why you do what you do and how you execute on that mission. You can elaborate on your plans in this section but your mission statement is the backbone of your business plan and for that matter, your organization.

Marketing plan

Now the fun begins!

How do you plan to reach your audience?

Be sure to include social media, your website, community events, partnerships, press releases, advertising, fundraisers, etc. Who are your key community supporters?

And speaking of these things… you need a brand identity. If you haven’t already, spend the time to choose your colors, create your logo, letterhead, email signatures, social media themes, and a website design that pulls it all together.

A cohesive brand speaks to a strong and cohesive organization.

Financial plan

This doesn’t have to be audited financial statements but it should be a general overview of where you stand financially and where you want to be.

People can’t help if you don’t tell them how.

Are you low on cash? Share how you plan to remedy this and share how others can help you solve this problem.

Do you need donations that support your organization? I.E. Food, blankets, coats, children’s school supplies, etc.

Writing this part of your business plan can feel daunting but it’s not. Look at it as the perfect opportunity to ask for what you need. Your organization exists to solve a problem and unless others know the financial piece of your problem, they cannot fully contribute.

Close this section with a positive. Share a success story about resources for a project that you received, how you used them, and future plans to grow that project.

Operational Plan

What does a day in the life of your organization look like?

This is your chance to shine and show how you make your mission, those contributions, and your marketing a reality.

Show how your organization is in a unique position to operate in your community. What sets you apart from other nonprofits in your area? Do not mention them by name or speak negatively but do speak to what makes you different as you serve.

Who operates your day to day plan? This is where you introduce your key staff which transitions nicely into the next section of your business plan: Your Team.

Next Steps

Still with me? We are halfway done with your business plan! Get to work on these first sections and look for part 2 tomorrow.

If you have questions or are simply too busy to write your business plan, schedule a time with me and I’ll write your business plan, start to finish.