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[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Business planning for social return on investment

Elizabeth M. Lewis, MBA1, Fiona E. Nauseda, BA2, and Judith B. Seltzer, MPH, MS1. (1) Center for Health Reform and Financing, Management Sciences for Health, 165 Allandale Road, Boston, MA 02130-3400, 617-524-7799, elewis@msh.org, (2) Electronic Products Group, Management Sciences for Health, 165 Allandale Road, Boston, MA 02130-3400

Purpose: MSH has designed and delivered, in Bolivia and Ghana, a business planning program that uses an expanded format to allow NGOs to draft business plans that project social--as well as financial--return on investment. It positions NGOs to broaden their funding streams to include non-traditional funders seeking to fulfill their social goals by sponsoring measurable gains in the health of the disadvantaged. Data/information used: The curriculum incorporates metrics to: 1) track and measure the attainment of marketing goals; 2) assess their financial health and project sales revenue; and 3) compare specific health and welfare indicators before and after the introduction of new products and services financed through the business plans. Methods: The Program is designed around a blended learning model to build expertise in such areas as: capturing and packaging breakthrough ideas; identifying target markets and marketing strategies; determining the best complement of staff to develop the ideas; and navigating the financial aspects of a business plan, including social and some financial return projections. Major results: Six out of eight Bolivian NGOs completed the Program, and four business plans have received funding to date. Of these, two organizations received 100% of funds requested; another received 20% of its funding; and the fourth received 25%. The Ghanaian organization received 100% of its funding from an internal investment fund. Recommendations/policy implications: As traditional funding sources dwindle, the BPP approach can help organizations to diversify and be more proactive as they seek funding for their initiatives.

Learning Objectives:

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Management Sciences for Health (MSH); PROCOSI (NGO network in Bolivia); and Ghana Social Marketing Foundation (GSMF)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by Management Sciences for Health.

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

From Planning to Sustainability: Is the Journey Too Long?

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA