NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas from Coursera

By the end of this guided project, you will be able to use the Nonprofit Business Model Canvas to create, deliver, and capture value for your Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). The canvas serves as a blueprint to help you to design, and operationalize your idea in a more systematic approach. The Canvas is 9-block visualization tool derived from the popular Business Model Canvas, but modified to fit into the NGO context. Essentially, the canvas helps you and your team to answer pertinent questions relating to strategic decision-making, allocation of resources, or developing proposal for grants. Because the canvas makes it easy for you to share ideas and solicit feedback, it’s therefore a quick communicate and strategic planning tool.

For us to practically demonstrate how to use the Nonprofit Business Model Canvas to conduct analysis and make informed decisions, we will use a spreadsheet to analyze an NGO startup as a case study. Example of the case study would empower you to apply the model to your organization or any other NGO of your choice. The project is for social entrepreneurs who want to make positive impact on the lives of others. Also, for social investors or donors that want to understand the operations of an NGO. At the end of the project, you will be able to use the canvas to creates and delivers value for your beneficiaries and other stakeholders

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Demonstrates how the Nonprofit Business Model Canvas is used to analyze NGOs and make informed decisions

Ideal for social entrepreneurs who want to make a positive impact on the lives of others

Helps social investors and donors understand the operations of an NGO

Teaches how to use the Nonprofit Business Model Canvas to create and deliver value for beneficiaries and stakeholders

Provides a case study to demonstrate the practical application of the model

Designed for those with little to no prior knowledge of the Nonprofit Business Model Canvas

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas with these activities:

NGO Field Experience

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Volunteering at an NGO provides practical experience in applying the concepts learned in the course to real-world scenarios.

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Reach out to local NGOs or social service organizations
Inquire about volunteer opportunities that align with your interests
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule
Actively participate in NGO activities and learn from experienced practitioners

Mentorship Program

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Seeking guidance from a mentor with experience in NGO management can provide valuable insights and support in applying the Nonprofit Business Model Canvas.

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Identify potential mentors within your network or through professional organizations
Reach out to your chosen mentors and inquire about their availability
Establish regular meetings or communication channels to seek guidance and feedback

Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder

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The Business Model Generation book provides a comprehensive overview of the Business Model Canvas framework, which forms the foundation of the Nonprofit Business Model Canvas used in this course.

View The Invincible Company: How to Constantly... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and Part 1
Review the Business Model Canvas template
Focus on how the Canvas can be applied to NGOs

Three other activities

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Canvas Design Development

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Creating a Nonprofit Business Model Canvas will enforce knowledge of the Canvas structure and implementation.

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Review course material on Nonprofit Business Model Canvas
Identify the key elements of your NGO
Map out key elements onto the Canvas
Review and iterate on the Canvas

Canvas Implementation Best Practices

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Following guided tutorials on Canvas implementation best practices will provide you with a deeper understanding of how to effectively use the Canvas in your NGO.

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Locate relevant tutorials on reputable platforms, such as Coursera or LinkedIn Learning
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
Take notes and apply the best practices to your own Canvas

Industry Networking Events

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Attending industry networking events allows you to connect with professionals in the social impact sector and learn about current trends and best practices.

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Identify relevant industry events or conferences
Attend the events and actively engage with attendees
Exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations

Career center

Learners who complete NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Development Director

As a Development Director, you are responsible for leading the fundraising efforts of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). You work closely with donors, grantmakers, and other stakeholders to secure funding for the organization's programs and services. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of fundraising and strategic planning for NGOs. You will learn how to develop a compelling case for support, identify potential funding sources, and manage donor relationships. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Development Director.

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Program Manager

Program Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the programs and services of an NGO. They work with staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries to ensure that programs are meeting the needs of the community. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of program management and evaluation. You will learn how to develop a program plan, track progress, and measure impact. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Program Manager.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers are responsible for researching and writing grant proposals to secure funding for NGOs. They work with program staff to develop a compelling case for support and identify potential funding sources. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of grant writing. You will learn how to develop a grant proposal, identify potential funders, and manage the grant writing process. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Grant Writer.

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Executive Director

Executive Directors are responsible for the overall leadership and management of an NGO. They work with the board of directors to set the strategic direction of the organization and oversee the implementation of programs and services. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of strategic planning and management for NGOs. You will learn how to develop a mission statement, create a strategic plan, and manage financial resources. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as an Executive Director.

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Nonprofit Consultant

Nonprofit Consultants provide advice and support to NGOs on a variety of topics, including strategic planning, fundraising, and program evaluation. They work with NGOs to improve their operations and achieve their goals. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of nonprofit consulting. You will learn how to assess the needs of an NGO, develop a plan for improvement, and provide ongoing support. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Nonprofit Consultant.

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Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs are individuals who use their business skills to create and implement solutions to social and environmental problems. They often start their own NGOs or social enterprises to address these issues. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of social entrepreneurship. You will learn how to develop a business plan, identify potential funding sources, and manage a social enterprise. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Social Entrepreneur.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address social and economic issues. They build relationships with community members, develop strategies for change, and mobilize resources to achieve their goals. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of community organizing. You will learn how to build relationships, develop strategies for change, and mobilize resources. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Community Organizer.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues to inform decision-making. They work with policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders to develop and implement solutions to social and environmental problems. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of policy analysis. You will learn how to research and analyze policy issues, develop policy recommendations, and advocate for change. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Policy Analyst.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and services to individuals and families who are facing challenges. They work with clients to identify and address issues related to mental health, poverty, and addiction. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of social work. You will learn how to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and provide ongoing support. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Social Worker.

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Teacher

Teachers provide instruction and support to students in a variety of settings. They work with students to develop academic, social, and emotional skills. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of education. You will learn how to develop lesson plans, create a positive learning environment, and assess student progress. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Teacher.

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Counselor

Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. They work with clients to identify and address issues related to mental health, relationships, and career. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of counseling. You will learn how to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and provide ongoing support. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Counselor.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct studies to collect and analyze data on a variety of topics. They work with stakeholders to identify research questions, design studies, and disseminate findings. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of research. You will learn how to develop research questions, design studies, and analyze data. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Researcher.

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Journalist

Journalists research and write stories about current events and social issues. They work with editors and publishers to develop and produce content for newspapers, magazines, and websites. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of journalism. You will learn how to research and write stories, interview sources, and develop a strong understanding of current events. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Journalist.

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Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. They work with clients to resolve legal issues, negotiate contracts, and represent them in court. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of law. You will learn about the legal system, how to research and analyze legal issues, and how to advocate for your clients. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Lawyer.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses to improve their operations and achieve their goals. They analyze business processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop solutions to problems. The NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas course can provide you with a valuable foundation in the principles of business analysis. You will learn how to analyze business processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop solutions to problems. This knowledge and skills will be essential to your success as a Business Analyst.

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