non profit business plans

Question:
I am preparing to begin a non-profit organization. Although I have experience writing business plans for regular, for-profit entities, I am not sure what is expected from a non-profit business plan, and what similarities the two might have.

Further, although I am familiar with fundraising as involves seeding a for-profit entity, again, I am not sure what differences to expect in fundraising for a non-profit organization.

Any sample non-profit business plans, first hand advice, pointers to other resources, etc., etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Not too many differences you'll agree as I invite you to be my guest and review "fund-raising-ready" affirmations in an article on my website:

"Check Out Your Organization's Fund-Raising Readiness And Learn The Secret Of Fund-Raising Success"

Since you are preparing to begin a non-profit organization, it would be helpful to know now what elements must be at work to raise funds for its support --- at start up and for the future.
I am preparing to begin a non-profit organization. Although I have - experience writing business plans for regular, for-profit entities, I am - not sure what is expected from a non-profit business plan, and what - similarities the two might have. Nonprofit strategies/business plans are much more customer/client focused. Whereas a for-profit business plan deals with how to move as much product/generate as much revenue as possible, a nonprofit business plan will focus on how to serve as many people within the mission of the organization, with as much quality as possible. That isn't to say a nonprofit business plan *can't* include strategies for generating revenue, however.

- Further, although I am familiar with fundraising as involves seeding a - for-profit entity, again, I am not sure what differences to expect in - fundraising for a non-profit organization. I think of fundraising as asking for investments in an organization as well. Instead of the "investor/donor" getting a financial return on their investment, however, they get an impact on the community, per the organization's mission. Recognition of donors is great -- recognition on a plaque in the doorway, etc. -- but the primary reason for a donor to invest in your organization is because that person/company believes in your mission and wants to make a difference.

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