An orphanage business plan is not a typical document but can be required if you either (a) run an existing orphanage and need to apply for public funding (a grant) or a bank loan to continue/expand operations, or (b) plan to start a new orphanage and need to seek private investment or government funding to get it off the ground. The core question in this business plan, as you might guess, is whether you plan to operate as a non-profit. While the not-for-profit structure is the most common way that orphanages are founded in the Western world, there are for-profit versions as well and you'll need to decide early on, if you don't know already, which path to follow. From here, a good business plan for an orphanage should show:
• The occupancy of the facility
• The location/geographic boundaries it will service
• The age range of wards you'll accept
• The level and type of care provided
• The market need in your particular area
A pro forma financial model, if you are incorporated as a 501(c)(3) like most orphanages are, will show not a traditional revenue forecast and break-even point but a gradual diminishing of funding over the life of operations, buoyed by new infusions of capital when required. Soliciting private donations might not require a full formal business plan – in fact, you might do better with a document that pulls at the heartstrings rather than swimming in facts and figures. But a government grant or institutional investment will surely require a complete business plan, and that does mean piecing together a complete market analysis and 3-5 year pro forma. Need help? The business plan writing group at MasterPlans.com, in Portland, Oregon, can work with you to make a strong orphanage business plan. Call a consultant today to learn more about our methods: (877) 453-2011.
