Writing a nonprofit business plan can be a daunting and intimidating task for many. Because it’s quite hard to know where to start, what to include, how to raise fundings, and many more similar questions.
Well, it’s easy to get stuck and try making it perfect.
But what if there was a simpler way to plan and present your business idea?
That’s where a one-page nonprofit business plan comes into play!
Wondering how to craft?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. This guide and free template will help you learn more about the one-page business plan for nonprofits and what to include in it. Let’s dive right in.
Why should you start with a one-page nonprofit business plan?
A one-page nonprofit business plan is a quick, concise summary of your nonprofit organization. It’s an effective tool to establish a strong foundation for your organization.
It involves a clear and simple structure that allows you to focus on what matters the most, without getting lost into the long, detailed sections.
Here are a few compelling reasons why to start with a one-page plan:
- Using a one-page plan enables you to clarify your organization’s vision, goals, and target audience, funding strategies, and actionable steps—all on a single page.
- A single-page plan format makes it easier to share your business’s essential aspects with potential donors, volunteers, board members or partners, increasing engagement and support.
- This concise plan instills you to stay focused on your nonprofit’s core purpose and main objectives, keeping your team aligned without overwhelming them with pages of details.
- While seeking for input or feedback, a one-page plan allows potential stakeholders to effortlessly capture your core concepts and provide valuable advice.
- A one-page plan outlines your nonprofit’s key points and serves as a practical tool to test or validate your business idea without drafting a complete plan.
One-page nonprofit business plan example
Now, let’s make your plan creation process smooth with an example.
Here’s a one-page nonprofit business plan example with each section filled out to demonstrate what to include. You can use this example as inspiration.
| Business Identity
We provide mentorship, resources, and financial assistance to underserved small businesses, helping them grow and thrive through education, access to capital, and networking opportunities. |
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| Problem worth solving
Many small businesses, especially in underserved communities, face challenges in accessing the knowledge, capital, and networks needed to sustain and grow their operations. |
Solution provided
SBEI offers free educational programs, mentorship, low-interest microloans, and networking events to empower small business owners with the tools they need to succeed. |
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Target Market Underserved small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and start-ups in urban and rural areas. |
Competition Local chambers of commerce, government small business programs, and private microloan providers. |
| Sales and Marketing | |
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Marketing Strategies Outreach through community organizations, partnerships with local governments, digital marketing, social media campaigns, and participation in small business expos. |
Sales Channels Website, online listings (Zillow, Realtor.com), in-person property viewings, and real estate agent referrals. |
| Execution | |
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Milestones |
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Team Sarah Thompson (Executive Director), Michael Reed (Program Manager), Emma Garcia (Finance Director) |
Partners & Resources Local banks, community colleges, Small Business Administration (SBA), chambers of commerce, and other local nonprofits. |
| Financial Plan | |
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Revenue Streams Donations, grants from foundations, corporate sponsorships, and government funding. |
Expenses Program costs (mentorship, education), operational costs (staff salaries, marketing, office rent), loan disbursements, and event hosting expenses. |
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Funding Required $500,000 for program expansion, microloan fund growth, and operational costs. |
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SWOT Analysis
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Strong community ties, access to diverse funding sources, and an experienced team of business advisors. | Limited national recognition and dependency on external funding sources. |
| Opportunities | Threats |
| Expansion into rural areas with high demand for small business support and potential for increased government grants. | Economic downturns leading to reduced donations and grant opportunities, and increased competition from other nonprofits. |
How to use the one-page nonprofit business plan template?
Having a one-page business plan template is a quick and easy way to kickstart your nonprofit business venture. In just a few steps, you can lay out your goals, initiatives, and funding strategies in a simple, organized manner.
- First, enter your contact information and download the one-page plan template in a format you like (PDF, Google Docs, Excel, or Word).
- Gather key business data you’ll need, such as market research data and basic financial reports, to fill out the template accurately.
- Go through the template sections and complete all the fields like Business Identity, Problem/Solution, Target Market, and Financial Plan.
- Double-check the details and ensure its accuracy. Fix incorrect or misleading information to make it polished and professional.
- Your plan is almost ready! Share it with trusted advisors, partners, or mentors to get feedback and improve it.
- Once you’ve made final changes, send it out to investors or use it for internal purposes.
Download one-page nonprofit business plan sample
So, are you ready to write your one-page nonprofit business plan from scratch? But not sure where to begin? Download our free one-page business plan sample for nonprofits to jump-start.
This template has already helped thousands of entrepreneurs get started, and I hope it does to you as well. With its clear, step-by-step instructions, you can easily create your one-page plan that focuses on what really matters.
Summary
After exploring this guide and having a free template, it’s much easier for you to craft your one-page nonprofit business plan.
But, need more assistance presenting your plan?
Try using our one-page business plan creator. It helps you develop an investor-ready single page plan more efficiently within minutes. All you need to do is simply enter a few details and let its advanced AI assistant generate your plan.
The best part—it’s all for no cost! So, why wait? Start planning today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a one-page business plan be used for all types of nonprofits?
Yes, a one-page business plan can be used for all types and sizes of nonprofits. Because it helps provide clarity, focus, and flexibility, making it easier to communicate your fundraising efforts. It’s also useful for organizations that need to share their goals and strategies concisely.
How can a one-page business plan help with fundraising for a nonprofit?
A one-page business plan can significantly help in fundraising for a nonprofit as it gives funders a clear, concise overview of your organization’s core values, objectives, and initiatives. Since it’s brief and to the point, it quickly illustrates your funding needs and use of funds to potential donors.
Can small nonprofits benefit from using a one-page business plan?
Absolutely! Using a one-page business plan can greatly benefit small nonprofits. It helps them summarize their mission, goals, and financing requirements in a simple, clear format. So, it’s easier for them to share their business purpose with donors and supporters without spending too much time on detailed planning.
Can I adapt my one-page business plan as my nonprofit grows?
Of course! You can quickly adapt your one-page business plan as your nonprofit organization grows or evolves. Due to its simplicity and flexibility, you can update it easily and reflect your new objectives, programs, and funding needs. This will keep your plan relevant and up-to-date.
