When you are passionate about a cause, it is easy to focus on the work you want to do right now. But to build a strong organization that will last, you need a plan for the future. A non-profit business plan is that plan. It is a written document that acts as a roadmap for your organization. It explains your mission, who you serve, how you will do your work, and how you will pay for it. It is the single most important document for a new non-profit and a vital tool for established ones.

A business plan is not just for businesses that want to make a profit. For a non-profit, the “profit” you are trying to make is a positive change in the world. Your business plan shows funders, your board, and your community that you have a thoughtful, strategic plan to make that change happen. It is a key part of your strategic planning process. This guide will break down the 7 essential sections of a great non-profit business plan to help you create a document that is clear, compelling, and ready to guide your mission to success.

Section 1: The Executive Summary

The executive summary is the front door to your business plan. It is a short, one-page overview of your entire plan. It should be clear, concise, and exciting. Many people will only read this one page, so it needs to grab their attention and make them want to learn more. It is the very first section of your plan, but you should always write it last, after you have finished all the other sections.

What to Include:

• Your Mission: A one-sentence statement of your purpose.
• The Problem: A brief description of the need you are addressing.
• Your Solution: A summary of your key programs and services.
• Your Impact: A few key numbers or a short story that shows your success.
• Your Financial Needs: The total amount of money you need to run your programs for the year.

Section 2: Programs, Products, and Services

This is the “what you do” section of your plan. Here, you will describe in detail the specific programs and services you offer to your community. For each program, you should explain:

• What it is: A clear description of the program’s activities.
• Who it serves: The specific population you are helping.
• The need it meets: How does this program help solve the problem you identified in your mission?
• Your goals for the program: What are the specific, measurable outcomes you hope to achieve?

This section should be filled with the powerful stories that are the heart of your non-profit storytelling. It is your chance to bring your work to life and show the real, human impact you are making.

Section 3: Market Analysis (Your Community Needs Assessment)

In this section, you will show that you have a deep understanding of the community you serve and the problem you are trying to solve. This is where you present your research. You need to show that there is a real, documented need for your work.

Key Questions to Answer:

• What is the problem? Use data and statistics to show the size and scope of the problem.
• Who is affected? Describe the demographics of the population you serve.
• Who else is working on this problem? List other non-profits or agencies that are doing similar work. Explain what makes your approach unique and how you collaborate with others.

This section shows funders that you have done your homework and that your programs are a smart and necessary solution to a real-world problem.

Section 4: The Marketing and Fundraising Plan

This is one of the most important sections of your business plan. It explains how you will get the word out about your work and how you will raise the money you need to do it. A strong fundraising plan is a key part of good non-profit financial management.

Your Marketing Plan

Your marketing plan should outline the strategies you will use to reach new supporters. This is where all of your digital tools come together. It should include:

• Your Website: How will you use your website to tell your story and attract supporters?
• Email Marketing: How will you build your email list and keep your subscribers engaged?
• Social Media: Which social media platforms will you use and what kind of content will you share?
• SEO: What is your plan to show up on Google when people search for your cause? This should include a plan for using the Google Ad Grant.

Your Fundraising Plan

Your fundraising plan should be a diverse mix of different strategies. You should outline your goals for each of the following areas:

• Individual Donors: How will you find and ask for gifts from individuals? This includes your year-end campaign and other appeals.
• Major Gifts: What is your plan for building relationships with major donors?
• Grants: Which foundations will you apply to? This is your grant writing plan.
• Corporate Support: How will you approach businesses for corporate sponsorships?
• Events: Will you host a fundraising event?

Section 5: The Operations and Management Plan

This section describes the people and the structure behind your non-profit. It shows funders that you have a strong, capable team in place to carry out your mission.

Section 6: The Financial Plan

This is the section where you show the numbers to back up your plan. It should include your financial projections for the next three years. This shows funders that you have a realistic plan for financial sustainability.

Your financial plan should include:

• Your Statement of Financial Position: A snapshot of your current assets and liabilities.
• Your Projected Statement of Activities: A year-by-year budget for the next three years, showing your projected revenue and expenses.
• Your Cash Flow Projections: A forecast of your cash on hand to show that you can manage your money effectively month-to-month.

Section 7: The Evaluation Plan

How will you know if you are successful? This final section of your plan explains how you will measure your progress and your impact. It connects back to the goals you set for your programs in Section 2.

For each of your main goals, you should list the key metrics you will track. This shows that you are a results-oriented organization that is committed to learning and improving. Our guide to measuring what matters can help you choose the right metrics for your organization.

Your business plan is the story of your future. Make it a good one.

Conclusion: Your Roadmap to Impact

A non-profit business plan is a powerful tool. It forces you to think through every aspect of your organization, from your big-picture vision to your day-to-day operations. The process of writing the plan is just as valuable as the final document. It will help you get your whole team on the same page and give you the confidence to move forward with a clear sense of purpose. A great business plan is your roadmap to a stronger, more sustainable, and more impactful future.