Business Plan Outline[1]
The following outline of a typical business plan can serve as a guide.
Executive Summary
Market Analysis
NGO Description
Organization & Management
Marketing & Sales Management
Service or Product Line
Funding Request
Financials
Appendix
Introduction
Give a short description of the NGO and its goals.
Discuss the ownership of the NGO and the legal structure.
List the skills and experience you bring to the table.
Discuss the advantagesyou and your NGO have over other NGOs working in
the same area
Marketing
Discuss the services offered.
Identify the demand for your services.
Identify your niche, its size and locations.
Explain how your services will be promoted.
Explain the promotion strategies.
Identify sources of funding, including grants, contracts, and individual
contributions.
Develop strategies for obtaining grants, contracts, and individual contributions.
Financial Management
Explain your source and the amount of initial equity capital.
Develop a monthly operating budget for the first year.
Develop estimates for the monthly cash flow for the first year.
Provide projected income statements and balance sheets for a two-year
period.
Discuss your breakeven point.
Explain the method of compensation for employees.
Discuss who will maintain your accounting records and how they will be
kept.
Work with a tax accountant to meet the requirements of Internal Revenue
Code section 501(c)(3).[2]
Provide "what if" statements thataddress alternative approaches to any
problem that may develop.
Operations
Explain how the NGO will be managed on a day-today basis.
Discuss hiring and personnel procedures.
Discuss insurance, lease or rent agreements, and issues pertinent to your
organization.
Account for the equipment necessary to produce your services.
Account for production and delivery of services.
Concluding Statement
Summarize your goals and objectives and express your commitment to the
success of your NGO.
[1]Adapted the United States Small Business Administration Web site:
[2]Charitable organizations are exempt from federal income tax; in addition, contributions made to charitable organizations by individuals and corporations are deductible under Code section 170.