FINAL PROJECT OVERVIEW

Demonstrate an understanding of the non-profit sector

FINAL PROJECT OVERVIEW
Students throughout the course have been introduced to the areas of responsibility of managers of non-profit organizations and provided a broad overview of the management challenges of the non-profit sector. For the Final Project, you are going to create an Executive Summary / Mini-Business Plan for a new not-for-profit organization in BC.

The goal of the Final Project is to answer marketing and public relations questions. The Final Project achieves seven (7) main outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the non-profit sector;
- Identify the challenges and main management issues of the non-profit sector;
- Explain the principles of leadership and strategic management in a mission-based organization;
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of the board;
- Recognize the role of each management function (marketing, human resource, finance) in effectively managing a non-profit organization;
- Describe the main tools and methods used in non-profit marketing and fundraising; and
- Describe the main characteristics of financial management in a non-profit organization.
Students will complete this Final Project independently. 

ASSESSMENT
The Final Project is worth 25% of the Total Mark. The Assignment will be marked out of 60 and the following is a summary of the allocation of marks within the Assignment:
- Vision and Mission - 5 marks
- Objectives and Priorities - 5 marks
- Board Composition - 5 marks
- Operations and Human Resources - 20 marks
- Marketing and Public Relations - 10 marks
- Finance and Fund Development - 10 marks
- Structure and Presentation - 5 marks

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS
Students throughout the course have been introduced to the areas of responsibility of managers of non-profit organizations and provided a broad overview of the management challenges of the non-profit sector. For the Final Project, you are going to create an Executive Summary / Mini-Business Plan for a new not-for-profit organization in BC.

Being as concise as possible (though still in paragraph form), students will build an Executive Summary / MiniBusiness Case addressing the following areas (and questions listed within):

VISION AND MISSION (5 Marks)
Your non-profit business plan should start off with an articulation of the core values and your mission statement.
What is the organization’s mission, its purpose for existence and role in our society? What is the organization’s vision for itself?

OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES (5 marks)
For a non-profit, an impact plan is as important as the financial plan. A non-profit seeks to create social change and social return on investment, not just a financial return on investment. Turn your purpose and motivation into concrete accomplishments your non-profit wants to make and set specific goals and objectives.

Identify the challenges and main management issues of the non-profit sector

What are the organization’s objectives? How might you measure success? What are the priorities (a minimum of two (2) priorities) over the next 1 – 3 years?

BOARD COMPOSITION (5 marks)
What officers does the organization have on its Board of Directors? Are there certain skills all Board member must have? Are there skills some Board members must have? Are there certain other criteria (Industry?
Background? Passion?) that all or some Board members must have?

OPERATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES (20 marks)
An operational plan describes how your non-profit plans to deliver activities. In the operational plan, it is important to explain how you plan to maintain your operations and how you will evaluate the impact of your programs.
What services does the organization provide? How are those services to be provided? How does your non-profit benefit the community?

Don’t skimp out on program details, including the functions and beneficiaries. This is generally what most readers will care most about. However, don’t overload the reader with technical jargon. Try to present some clear examples.

The operational plan should give an overview of the day-to-day operations of your organisation such as the people and organisations you work with (e.g partners and suppliers), any legal requirements that your organisation needs to meet (e.g if you distribute food, you’ll need appropriate licenses and certifications), any insurance you have or will need etc.

In the operational plan, also include a section on people/team. Describe the people who are crucial to your organizations and any staff changes you plan as part of your business plan.
Is there a specific envisioned structure for the organization? How many people involved will be employees of the organization? How many people involved will be volunteers? 

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS (10 marks)
A marketing plan is essential for a non-profit to reach its goals. Describe in detail all marketing activities: any outreach activities, campaigns, and other initiatives. Be specific about outcomes.
How will you promote and communicate the goals and programs of your organization? Who is your target market, positioning, and key messages? Who might be your competitors?
Include photographs, brochures, and other promotional materials.

FINANCE AND FUND DEVELOPMENT (10 marks)
This is one of the most important parts of your non-profit business plan. Creating a financial plan will allow you to make sure that your non-profit has its basic financial needs covered. What are your sources of funds of revenue? What are the main fund development activities for the organization? Are there any grants you’ve received, significant contributions, and in-kind support? Have you identified gaps in your funding, and how you will manage them? Is there a plan for what will be done with a potential surplus? Have you included any essential startup costs (if required)?