Business Plans for Not-for-Profits
Align Your Mission with Strategy and Compliance
Supporting Australian Charities to Achieve Sustainable Growth and Governance
In Australia, not-for-profits and charities face unique challenges. Beyond delivering on their purpose, they must meet strict governance standards, satisfy ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission) compliance requirements, and secure sustainable funding.
A clear, practical business plan helps your not-for-profit organisation maintain financial health, drive your mission forward, satisfy your board, and build confidence with funders and stakeholders.
At Suzzanne Laidlaw Business Coaching, we support Perth charities and not-for-profits by creating board-ready business plans that align your vision with your operations while ensuring your organisation thrives in a competitive funding and regulatory environment.
Why Do Australian Not-for-Profits Need a Business Plan?
A professionally developed business plan is essential for:
Meeting ACNC reporting and compliance obligations.
Presenting strategic clarity to your board for approvals and oversight.
Strengthening applications for government grants and private funding.
Securing sustainable revenue streams beyond donations.
Aligning your team and volunteers with your long-term goals.
Building governance frameworks that protect your organisation..
Common Challenges We Solve for Not-for-Profits
Many charities and not-for-profits approach us when they experience:
A lack of clear strategic direction and priorities.
Difficulty maintaining sustainable funding year-on-year.
Disconnected leadership and limited board engagement.
Pressure from compliance obligations without clear processes.
Difficulty demonstrating measurable social impact.
Uncertainty navigating risk management and operational sustainability.
What’s Included in a Not-for-Profit Business Plan
We guide Perth charities through a collaborative planning process, resulting in a tailored business plan that:
Defines your mission, vision, and values.
Creates measurable goals tied to your social impact.
Outlines a sustainable funding model and revenue strategy.
Maps operational plans for service delivery and growth.
Identifies governance structures and board responsibilities.
Integrates risk management and compliance frameworks.
Provides the financial forecasting required for board approval.
Why Boards Expect a Business Plan
In Australian not-for-profits, boards are legally responsible for ensuring the organisation is well-governed, financially viable, and operating in line with its purpose.
A business plan provides your board with:
Clarity around strategic priorities.
Accountability through documented objectives.
Transparency to support informed decision-making.
Confidence to approve funding, staffing, and new initiatives.
Is This Right for Your Not-for-Profit?
This service is ideal for:
Registered charities needing board-ready business plans.
Perth not-for-profits applying for significant funding.
Community organisations developing sustainable revenue models.
Family-run charities navigating succession or leadership changes.
Volunteer-led organisations needing clearer direction and governance.
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Private Facilitation
Engage in private group facilitation for you and key business partners, perfect for tailored strategy sessions or corporate events. Your investment will be based on your needs.
$9,995 + GST
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2-Day Workshop
Join a focused, small-group workshop led by a professional coach, with opportunities for peer brainstorming. Ideal for bringing key decision-makers together.
$3,495 AUD + GST (1 seat)
$3,995 + GST (2 seats) -
Online Business Plan
Create your business plan from anywhere through our online course. Self-paced modules and videos provide step-by-step guidance.
Investment: $995 AUD + GST.
Explore More Insights on Business Planning
FAQ about Business Plans for Not-For-Profits
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Strategic planning for not-for-profits is a structured process that defines your organization's goals, strategies, and actions to fulfill your mission and make a meaningful impact. It helps align board members, staff, and stakeholders toward a shared vision.
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A business plan helps not-for-profit organizations clarify their purpose, identify funding sources, manage resources effectively, and ensure long-term sustainability. It’s essential for grant applications, donor engagement, and internal decision-making.
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Strategic planning in the not-for-profit sector focuses on mission-driven outcomes rather than profits. It includes community impact, stakeholder involvement, and sustainable service delivery, all while aligning with the organization’s values.
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Without a strategy, businesses tend to react instead of plan. A solid strategic plan helps you stay focused, aligned, and ready for challenges before they arise. It’s your roadmap to long-term success.
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Key elements include a clear mission and vision, goals and objectives, stakeholder analysis, performance metrics, and a roadmap for implementation. Effective plans also include risk management and funding strategies.
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A good strategic plan is a living document. I recommend reviewing it at least once a year to ensure it aligns with market changes, internal growth, and new opportunities..
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Yes. Suzzanne specializes in facilitating strategic planning workshops that include board members, executive teams, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and buy-in across the organization.
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Yes. Boards, government bodies, and major funders often require not-for-profits to present a clear business or strategic plan. It shows how the organisation intends to achieve its mission, use resources wisely, and measure its success.
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A not-for-profit business plan should include an executive summary, mission and vision, programs or services offered, market and stakeholder analysis, operational plan, governance structure, funding strategy, and measurable goals.
Feedback That Speaks Volumes
Suzzanne has been awarded global leader in business planning for multiple years running, placing her at the top of over 1,000 coaches worldwide.
As one of Australia’s top business coaches and strategic planning consultants, her passion lies in helping business owners to strategically and proactively plan and build a leveraged business model for success
We’ll help you to strategically plan a model that works for you, as we understand every business is unique.