This section provides an overview of basic facility planning information to assist your organization in taking a step back to:

• look holistically at your organization,
• identify your true facility needs, and
• frame several options available to you.

In this process, you may find new opportunities available to you, or discover unforeseen organizational ramifications - both in the short- and long-term. To use this section, you can download this space planning manual in its entirety, or click on the individual topic. A guide to leasing and real estate terms is also available to help you in your planning process.

Space Crisis Planning

• Crisis planning for facilities leasing/purchase
• In a Space Crunch? Questions to ask yourself

Organizational Planning

• Change, Facilities & Program Choices
• Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Program

Basic Facility Planning

• Assessing Options
• Planned Change and Facilities
• Analyzing Your Space Needs
• "How Much Will It Cost?"
• Comparative Analysis of Costs: Rent vs. Buy

Facility Options

• Leasing Basics
  • What is the non-profit's role?
  • What are the roles of outside consultants?
  • What will the costs be?
  • Will the monthly costs rise over the term of the lease?
  • What if the space needs renovation?
  • What are the other negotiating points?
• Buying Space

Moving

• Guide to Moving - you will be linked to the Nonprofit Finance Fund website.
• Moving Schedule - A worksheet of tasks to manage week by week if you're doing a move.

Planning More Fully

This section was adapted from workshops that accompany in-depth workshops conducted by the Nonprofit Finance Fund ((c) 2000), and does not cover in-depth financial assessment, management and/or fundraising/financing.

The larger the project you plan to undertake, the more complex the factors to consider. The following organizations have continuing services or have mobilized to assist non-profit organizations in real estate planning. As you undertake your planning process, we encourage you to contact these organizations about workshops, consultants and financing options:

• Nonprofit Finance Fund
• Northern California Community Loan Fund
• CompassPoint Management Center
• ArtHouse

© 2000 - 2007 orgSpaces.org. All rights reserved. Feedback or Resources to List? Tell us: spacefund@ncclf.org