Reader Question Of Week: Non-Profit Business Planning

This week's reader question is "how to go about creating the proper business plan to get federal, state, or private funding for a non-profit organization".

The world of non-profit organizations has under gone change. Non-profit supporters are expecting the non-profit to be managed in a similar capacity as a regular business. Sound business practices are a requirement for all non-profits. Without financial profits, a non-profit cannot achieve its social mission.

Creating the proper plan for operating successfully and obtaining funding will include:

Executive Summary:

This section covers a summary of the key points of the document including: the funding requirements, use of funds, and the social services provided.

Non-Profit Description:

An outline of the services the non-profit will provide, and society benefits.

Market Plan:

Just as in the private sector, social non-profits need to take a clear look at whom they are serving and describe the need in the marketplace. Also, define how your social program will be different and exist among other non-profits serving the same segment of society.

Financial Requirements:

A non-profit will have financial needs supported by government grants and donors. This section of the plan will demonstrate the budget, start-up financing requirements and overall expenses.

Management Team:

The non-profit will have describe its team's experiences relating to achieving its fiscal and social responsibilities.

An excellent business plan sample for non-profits can be found in the Small Business Information Section Biz Plan Samples . For more resources on non-profit organizations, visit About.com's Non-Profit site run by guide Robert DeMartinis.