Do I need to have a business plan if I want to start a non-profit organization? – Seward, NE
Starting a non-profit is very similar to starting a business. The organization has a mission, values, target groups it will serve, and leadership decision makers. The main 2 differences is the leadership structure and the ability to be self-sustaining. I believe a business plan of something like it, can assist and organization define its goals and a path to achieve them. A non-profit is no different. What do we want to do? These are steps to get there. Usually in a non-profit, a board of directors has the ability to represent the organizational leadership. A challenge that some non-profits have is that group has differing opinions on leadership, direction, and values of the organization. The more people you have involved, the more chance you have in a disagreement. Therefore, clearing stating these items within a business plan can help with a clear direction in the future. Another challenge is the inability to sustain and support itself. The market usually determines the value of something, by showing they want it and paying for it. In a non-profit organization this path of support must not only be specific, but also executed consistently for the long term, defining this within a business plan can help achieve this goal.