How to Write a Nonprofit Business Plan | Starting a Nonprofit

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Need some support / help developing parts of your business plan? My Idea to Official training (part of my Founder to Full-Time Academy) guides you through it: foundertofulltime.com/​

[@muyivushafiq8389]

It took me a full hour watching this while taking notes and contemplating. Thanks!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Happy to hear it was helpful!

[@mojo9291]

This came at exactly the right time: the day before our first serious concept/business plan meeting. We pulled up your channel, preparing to watch a few videos for direction. Our intention was to put *exactly this plan* together. Imagine our surprise when here it was, all in one video in a clear, digestible format. Thank you so much!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

YAY! Love those kinds of moments. Hope all goes well for you!

[@WalkingTall-f1j]

WOW, you are Incredible! I've been volunteering my whole life, while running my construction company. I'm retired from construction and I want to do this for thecrest of my life!I know I can help hundreds of millions of people!!!!!!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks so much for watching Tom!

[@mcdubyad]

Such a helpful video! I love the succinct approach! This is how it should be done.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LorettaHenderson-m5d]

Thank you for the information you provided. Very helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad to hear it!!

[@yettastokes]

Thank you for this very helpful video. I am starting my business plan and you have given me really great motivation and information to assist with this venture.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephendverner]

Write executive summary last…..pro tip. Thank you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Great tip!

[@lout5481]

Thank you Amber! I’m just starting on my nonprofit business journey, so I’m trying to build my knowledge base. Your video and others that you’ve produced, lay a good foundation. I hope to update you on my progress in the future. 😊 Louis

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So happy to hear the videos are helpful!! Thank you so much for watching!

[@vitumbikongwira1022]

We have just started a youth organization in Malawi, Lilongwe city at area 23 at masambabise and we are called Active Youth Organization, through your teaching we have learned alot.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad to hear the videos have been helpful!!

[@AndyVdrifts]

Not started yet the vicar of my church loves the vision I belief God has given me to help youth from broken homes and deprived area's thank you for your video, I have been asked to put a business plan together

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Good luck!

[@williamspratley6565]

Hello, my name is William, and I'm in the planning process for the startup of my non-profit organization. I truly appreciate this profound wisdom it was very informative. The name of my upcoming organization is The Mentoring Group, Inc. Our goal is to provide mentorship to at-risk youth from the ages of 8-17 without fathers in their lives.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for sharing your passion William!

[@jenniferharris7319]

This is awesome to hear about. The reality is this is SO needed for 18 to 25 years old too. I will be praying for your group.

[@roselinecollins2985]

Hey William, how's this going for you? Have you started your business yet? Can I connect with you because I would like to do something similar.

[@dinnymolefhi2602]

Amazing... thank you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jirehs.society]

Thanks for sharing this wealth of knowledge

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

My pleasure!

[@Queen_Nae]

This is definitely a lot to wrap my head around. But thank you so much for this information.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Of course!

[@drjamesmohebali]

I can't believe how helpful that video is! You lay everything out so completely and really get to the deeper meaning behind each of the sections, and why they're so important. It helps me to think through the aspects of starting a nonprofit that I wouldn't have considered. I'm so grateful to have this clear presentation with high quality content and no fluff. Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😊 Thanks so much for watching!

[@juanawashington9597]

Thank you! I'm starting a non-profit because of this information!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@daniellemccormick3539]

Thank you for making this video I have started an NFP for Domestic Violence

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks Danielle!

[@daniellemccormick3539]

@@AmberMelanieSmith are you able to accept me joining the FB group:)

[@themaverickprepper8690]

this time I'm taking notes!!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! :)

[@bioklcrawford]

Thank you for this clear, informative, and detailed knowledge!!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jenniferlynn3721]

Thank you for the video!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pulengtwala8934]

Hi Amber, thank you so much....I m empowered...

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm glad to hear it!

[@daitonswafi6220]

Yes I have already started on my nonprofit organization and am really in need of fundraising strategy

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

That's important for sure! I have some other videos on fundraising, they may be helpful!

[@stefanobaldasseroni]

This video made me feel way more confident about my project and how to proceed with my ideas. It is so beautifully and clearly explained that I am ready to write an effective and engaging plan. Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad! Thank you so much for watching!

[@jen2196]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cjplay2]

Thank you for your tips! Here is a KZbin tip for audio. If you do not need stereo (narrative/exposition-heavy videos), upload with a mono audio. This will eliminate an issue I heard on this video. It drifted from left, to center, to left... This can inadvertently shift your vestibular system. By outputting mono only, it will remove this issue. Another video you did on 7 items you wish you knew before beginning sounds just fine.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks!

[@evahmoseki8971]

❤ you are just what I needed. Thank you Amber💫

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I hope the video was helpful!!

[@FrankD90210]

I love all your videos. You give great advice and every video is packed with info. Thank you!!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you so much Nick!!

[@vitumbikongwira1022]

Amber your amazing, i have enjoyed the lesson

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@JimDen-k1s]

Thank you for your help God bless you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it is helpful!

[@bayroberts9473]

Amazing. Thank you ☀️✨☀️🥰

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@NoorFatima-fq6cl]

Very informative, thank you! Could you provide any format of this business plan.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad it was helpful! The components are broken down in the video if that helps and I know there are some templates online.

[@happytodayou]

Thanks big time Amber for this Topic (How to Write a Nonprofit Business Plan) at Amber Melanie Smith University 😍 I sooooo, appreciate you & how you present. I have joy writing a Business Plan, and there's a story why this task brings me joy!! I'll share soon. "Happy Today" Thank you my 👌SHERO 👌

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're the best Jennifer! Excited to see what you do!

[@silasnherera3728]

Amber that was excellent presentation. I am just starting my NGO, and this is exactly what I need. Can you share one or two templates of business plan please?

[@sarahlyndsaywilliams2563]

You are So AWESOME Amber!!! :)

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😊

[@wednesdaysworld1471]

Your channel has helped us so much! Way more than any other. Thank you❤❤❤

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Happy to help!

[@ekisfamous2558]

This was so inspiring! Thank you so much

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad it was helpful!!

[@PiotrTheGreat]

This is the first video I watched after coming up with my non-profit biz idea. Great primer. Clear and concise info and good recommendations for followups. ::thumbs up::

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

YAY! Glad it was helpful!

[@HanifaOmar-dx9kh]

thank you for your great information, could you address me any sample of directions that how to open the organization? please send the link or the name of the book.

[@MattArredondo-fy8qr]

I just started I not trying to lite it get overwhelmed is thier and way where it can be easier, because my nonprofit is to help me to make sense of it all that my daughter was murdered by her boyfriend then he killed him self my plans is to proven it happing to a nother daughter sister, mother ex and living a son or daughter not having their mother to experience being raised with them .I want to help that child in trying to understand why to provide a scolerships for them to get a good education in helping them so they could have a good start in life. I didn't mean to vent.some times it helps to talk about it . But thank you for your help in all the videos you have out thier

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing your story, Matt.

[@jozzymarie]

I love the way you teach. Thank you very much for putting this information together. I am looking to start a non-profit and I haven't got the slightest clue on how to do that. You are are helping a ton. ;)

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! I'm glad the videos are helping! :)

[@aichatatoure8086]

Hello, please does this work for an existing NGO that's has already tackled other problems but needs to go for something new.?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Sure! You can use this format / process to map that out too!

[@faevoryn6578]

Terrific video! Thanks!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad you liked it!

[@Axecapoeiracomoxvalley]

Interested in who gets paid salary and how much and who determines this?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Check out some of my videos about being a CEO / working with your board! The board agrees to the CEO's salary.

[@hyojinlee]

This is great, thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome!

[@kemicaduty-wright4152]

Amber thank you so much for your ideas. Do you support organizations in Dallas Tx.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! I hope these videos support anyone around the country (or world)!

[@designshedorg6973]

Hi Amber! This is super clear and concise, thank you so much for breaking this down! Question for you, would you advise sharing the biz plan with potential board members? Given some info sensititives, are there any approaches on when, how and why to share?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

There's some merit to doing so, because you want buy-in from Board members in order for them to be passionate and committed!

[@BrettFillmore]

Part 5 - don't I need the BP completed in order to attract board members to serve?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Not necessarily! Sometimes having your Board members participate in the business planning process can help them feel a sense of passion and ownership alongside you for the cause, which engages them to help more with fundraising, etc.

[@enockpascal2924]

Thank you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome! 😊

[@Danielle-dq1dv]

Hi do you know where i can find a nfp template?

[@megdalenagonzalez-mounce1776]

Aww man, this is the first of your vids I came across without captions. =,(

[@TheFlowofJesus]

Hi, thanks so much for sharing and explain this information. I have begun the process as far as claiming a domain name, and creating a logo and where I got stuck was making sure that I completed the 1023EZ form, 501c3 and placing the right information and pay for it. The other thing is making sure I Trademark the logo as well, and eventually trying to come up with programs that go along with mental health organization for children? Help? 😇

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I would say go in the opposite order if possible! Developing effective programs is more important than the logo/trademark etc. Having solid programming will help you get funding a lot faster.

[@DaGreatGod21]

How long should an executive summary be?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'd think a few paragraphs at most.

[@bestymusic4845]

Thank you for the video. I am trying to start a charity which will involve helping people with mental health issues but I am struggling to find trustees. I would be super grateful for some help.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! I have some info about how I work with folks on my website, that may be a good starting point: foundertofulltime.com/

[@tableofthruth8525]

Thank you Amber! You are an angel 😇. You made me save thousand of hours of work as an Executive Director.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@Electric-vl5qi]

What are annual federal taxes for Wyoming non-profit.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm not sure what you're asking - can you clarify your question?

[@mw_05]

What if you do not have an experinced team what can you do

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Everyone can learn! :) I would say you can connect to networks in your community that have the skills you need to see if anyone can advise you or join your board, and then create a list of training you and the team needs.

[@mw_05]

I'm planning to do an athletics championship does it fall under non profit organizations.

[@Axecapoeiracomoxvalley]

Is this Canada or US? I searched Canadian so wondering

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I think the basic business plan format could probably work in either US or Canada, though of course the filing requirements for nonprofit status will be different.

[@bladerubber]

Thankyou!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Are you working on your business plan? What are you getting stuck on? What parts were easiest? Share!

[@vangeliapresident8395]

financial forecasting! How/where do I research for this? I have a passion but not sure what the cost to run it will be at this time because it is still in the start up process.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I think the best thing to do for that is create goals for your program first - then you can research what expanding your programming will cost, then you'll know what expenses to project out a few years. :)

[@oldperson2112]

I really wish you had spent more time on the Proposed solution section. This is the part that is most confusing to me.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! Say more! What specific aspects of that are the most confusing?

[@drumlivenews1673]

Please assist me I need to structure a business plan for NGO from scratch

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

My video about making a business plan may help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fonZnK1ooZeBiK8

[@carolynmurphy9521]

I started my nonprofit business plan but on a regular business plan.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

There are definitely similarities!

[@themaverickprepper8690]

EXCITING NEWS!!! I just took a quick look and I found that the Veterans Administration itself has been putting out papers promoting the benefits of exactly the type of NPO I'm forming!!! Does this mean a large government grant for my NPO is in my future????

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

That's great! There are never any guarantees of grants (and you may need to prove your impacts for awhile before you might be competitive for grants) but definitely something to keep on your radar. :)

[@themaverickprepper8690]

@@AmberMelanieSmith I have had a lot of years doing this on my own with no funding, support or organization. I have lots of people that can attest to my past work. It's just gotten to the point that I can no longer continue without help. I sent out emails to all the city, state and national elected officials that represent me since my work does help veterans and I'm hoping they will want to help.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@themaverickprepper8690 I totally get that. This work is hard for sure! I think with a business plan / case for support and sharing the record of impacts you've had, there could be someone out there who is a good fit -- sometimes it's a matter of meeting as many people / funders / businesses as you can before you find them. I've had sponsors who I built a relationship with for 4+ years before they ever donated, and now they donate every year! It's all about people knowing you exist, and building relationships - keep at it!

[@VPOTOPDOWN]

Is there anywhere I can find free template for nonprofit biz plan?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm sure there are some online!

[@sikhanyisiwemangove9508]

Hello, l have started non profit organization but, I am stuck how can l get donations

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Have you developed the fundraising section of your business plan?

[@donaldschifferl5147]

Can you give me a list of these things. I am so ADHD that I need all the help I can get. I'm in pursuit of building a children's home for 12 children.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! I don't have a written list yet, but will add it to my blog soon. foundertofulltime.com/blog/

[@donaldschifferl5147]

@@AmberMelanieSmith thank you. I can do all the construction work but the red tape paper work is another story.

[@elidoreen1991]

i need some help

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

What's your question?

[@bryannebambobwalya7834]

How can i personally get intouch with you? Have got a lot of questions

[@tinybeso]

It's been really difficult to figure out how to put all of my ambitions into words.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yeah, I get that... What's your "Why"? Why are you doing this? What problem do you want to solve or address?

[@staceycarter9823]

I do not have a business head AT ALL however I really want to start a non profit to Empower Women and Girls through Self Awareness and self Defense. I am a Police Officer. I am having a hard time with how to go about getting this started.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I think a business plan is a good starting point - it gets you to think about how you would execute on the idea and study the community needs!

[@anillandge]

Plz send non profit businesses plan temple

[@nanaikpoku7531]

I want to start my own organization Please I need help and support

[@BigMomma2324]

I want to start a non profit business feeding and housing the homeless in my area

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you for sharing your vision Tia!!

[@all-in-onelifeloop]

ITS HARDDDDDD

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I know 😱

[@all-in-onelifeloop]

@@AmberMelanieSmith I have good moments and not so good moments. The worse part is feeling you could do so much better if the people you consider just understood to consider you but im taking it step by step day by day as a physically challenged founder. Im almost there

[@leroyfrederick4122]

❤

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

:)

[@DonRJW]

Yeshua bless you Amber

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@margaretburtch2683]

My name is Margaret my non profit is Better Life Starts. I need your help I need a new team an board my 501c3 number. I started to give up until I watched your podcast

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You got this! Start by writing out your business plan and that will help you plan how to get a team on board.