Are you considering the option to expand your NFP? If so, it is an exciting time for any business whether you are a for-profit or non-profit organisation.

Expansion generally comes with the realisation that your business is doing well. However, in order to do better, some internal changes have to be made. Growth is a good thing, provided you are prepared for it both logistically and financially. It may not be for everyone, and it may not be for you; but it is something you need to consider once you reach the crossroads. Should you grow or look to stay the same size?

It may be that you need to source alternative offices to cater to your expansion plans. Perhaps you need to hire more staff and have no room to house them in your current location. Maybe you are looking to add an additional office interstate. Any plans to grow nationally will create a lot of extra paperwork as you setup your charity and register – so you will need to be prepared for this.

Maybe you are satisfied with your current offices but are looking to expand or alter the programs you offer to the public. This type of expansion may come with its own set of paperwork. Again do your research before you put any plans into action. Growth can be a frightening prospect  – especially for the board who may not be convinced that you have the necessary funding to take it to the next level.

Taking the step from a small nonprofit to a medium-sized one can only be done with strong support in play. Do you have the backing of an organisation to help you with the funding? Have you secured a grant to assist your expansion plans? Funding for this type of move can be difficult to come by.

If you are just entering the research stage, remember that sourcing one form of aid to assist you is recommended over and above a large number of small donors. A clear plan of action will need to be laid out. As a nonprofit with a board to report to and a general public to appease, the growth of your business can’t be entered into lightly. You will need to ultimately identify a for-profit organisation who is a good fit for your mission and who can benefit as a result of their donation. Remember, that any assistance from an outside business may come with some trade-off or bargain, which may or may not sit well with the board. Your source of growth may even originate from the unlikeliest of sources. Consider all forms of stakeholder support before you make a decision.