Given the dearth of publications on business planning for nonprofits, Business Planning for Enduring Social Impact by Andew Wolk and Kelley Kreitz is a welcome addition to the Foundation Center’s library collection.
In the introduction, the authors state that planning based on social entrepreneurial principles can be used to identify new opportunities within a particular social problem, develop innovations that lead to new approaches, demonstrate accountability, and secure revenue sources to achieve financial stability.
Step one, “Planning to plan,” helps you get the process up and running by explaining how to select your working group, establish a stakeholder update process and approval dates, and conduct a gap analysis to build on existing information and avoid duplicating work. Step two’s goal is to create a Social Impact Model, which articulates your organization’s hypothesis about the best way to address your target social problem.
Step three focuses on developing an implementation strategy, such as deciding on the time period your business plan will cover, and figuring out how you will develop the capacity necessary for implementing your strategies. The final section explains how to compile the sections of your plan into one document, write your executive summary, secure final approval, and prepare for your “road show.”
The appendix provides a sample “business plan for growth” that’s over 100 pages long and can be adopted to your needs.
Business Planning is the first in a series of Root Cause How-to Guides which will provide practical advice for organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors dedicated to solving social problems. It can be found in the library under call number 660 WOL.
Robert Bruno
Catalog/Reference Librarian, The Foundation Center
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