Lessons Learned Guiding Principles

  • In many respects a business plan is like a program proposal or plan, and some funders use the terms interchangeably. 

  • Driven by the strategic plan, a business plan forecasts the revenues and expenditures for each initiative cash flow from one or more programs – or funding streams…


  • In many respects a business plan is like a program proposal or plan, and some funders use the terms interchangeably. 

  • Driven by the strategic plan, a business plan forecasts the revenues and expenditures for each initiative cash flow from one or more programs – or funding streams. 

  • The business plan must ensure that the new initiative will be full cost recovery or generate a surplus (though some initiatives may intentionally run a deficit). The expenses must include an appropriated cost for administration and overhead or it will not contribute to organizations growth and sustainability.

  • A business plan should be created for each new initiative; as well, a master business plan can be created which integrates the forecasted flow from all programs/services provided.  It is in this process that you explore and envision a financial model and its fit with your mission.


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Food For Thought

Often agencies become too reliant on a strategic plan.  It is important to set clear intentions and to have an idea of where you want to go, but don’t get too tied to the results.  There are too many things that we have no control over.  Only try to control what you can control and do that well.

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