Well, let’s be clear, we tricked you a little when we said that there are ten easy steps to follow if you want to write a business plan for a nonprofit organization. Not all of them are simple. However, all of them are perfectly doable. What is important, you should not postpone writing it, thinking that it is too hard. The longer you wait, the less your motivation to finish it is. So, start right away and use the following steps to keep going.
Step #1. Define a goal of your business plan
“Writing a business plan” is not a goal itself. You want something to happen with the help of this business plan. For example, you want to attract the attention of grant organizations or corporate sponsors. Or, as an option, you are writing a sample business plan for yourself, to see if the whole idea of starting a nonprofit organization can be realized in current circumstances. The goal often defines the content of a business plan, so it is a good place to start.
Step #2. Set up a timeframe you are comfortable with
If you don’t have a timeframe in which you need to finish your business plan, you will never start actually writing it. If your timeframe is too tight, you may feel discouraged from the very beginning and compromise of quality. Both options are not desirable. Deciding on a timeframe, remember that we live in the real world, and you will face interruptions, emergencies, etc. At 15% to the initially estimated timeframe.
Step #3. Study a classical business plan structure
The goals differ, but the structures are similar. It all depends on which type of nonprofit organization you are working with/for. For example, if some product is involved, you cannot ignore a Production part of your business plan, even if this production is not for profit. Write down parts of a classic business plan which are applicable to your organization and get to know more about how to write them.
Step #4. Address an expert for assistance if you feel like it
Again, writing a business plan can’t be a goal. You have other goals and a business plan is just one of the means you use to reach those goals. The faster and at the better level you complete this task, the sooner you receive a needed result. If you are not sure you can complete this document on time on your own, address a professional writing service e.g. WriteMyPaperHub with your “I need someone to write my business plan” request. Share information, upload documents, make a payment, and proceed with other tasks that require your attention.
Step #5. Don’t be ashamed to write a Marketing part
Many specialists in nonprofit fields feel uncomfortable with promotion, marketing, merch materials, etc. It happens because we are taught to feel that nonprofit organizations should look selfless and should not be too much talking about themselves, hoping people will notice them anyway. It just doesn’t work anymore. If you want to attract people, gather donations, impress potential donors, you have to think about marketing and present it adequately in your business plan.
Step #6. Use a SWOT-analysis system
A description of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats should be a part of any business plan. Think about what will help your nonprofit organization to survive, thanks to which strengths it will attract donors and which weaknesses you see in it from the very beginning. Describe opportunities for development and growth and mention potential threats. Don’t think that mentioning threats and weaknesses makes you look bad. It makes you look professional.
Step #7. Describe your first year in detail
If the goal of this business plan is to find donors and investors, show them how you are going to operate for the first year. The first year is the most important and riskiest at the same time. If you can convince your readers that you know how to deal with the obstacles and close the first period without closing an organization themselves — you have all the chances to succeed.
Step #8. Write realistic conclusions
Being positive and thinking positive is a great choice, but it doesn’t impress people who can potentially invest money in your nonprofit organization. Positive thinking never impresses people with money — they like when risks are assessed and you are prepared. So, make your conclusions and offers realistic, based on numbers and cautious. Of course, you don’t have to be shy about your goals, but make sure to present some leverage.
Step #9. Check the numbers once again
If you make some mistakes in structure or even leave some grammar mistakes, you will be understood and forgiven finally. If you mess with numbers, you will look like a fraud, and it is not a goal you pursue here. Ask for help from experts or friends to double-check after you.
Step #10. Proofread your business plan
Polishing time will give you an opportunity to read everything you have written once again, look for some omissions, add last-minute adjustments. Make sure your writing is simple enough and leaves a good impression.
Once you are done writing your business plan or done proofreading a business plan prepared by an expert writing service, take a long breath and feel proud. There are many people willing to complete what you’ve just completed, and no more than 8/10 do it. So, good job!
