A fundraising plan is a strategically written blueprint of annual efforts to raise money, increase visibility, and basically keep you sane. Also known as a fundraising calendar, this piece of revenue-generating paper is crucial to the livelihood of any business. Whether you run a startup, nonprofit, charity, or school, an effective fundraising plan provides guidance for the marketing strategy and tactics needed in order to survive any development mayhem. Plus, when you are thinking of fundraising ideas, the internet is the place to go. For example, if you are planning on raising money for your local church, but are not sure where to start, a site like https://get.tithe.ly/blog/church-fundraising-ideas could give you a few tips to get started. No matter who you raise money for, I’m sure they will appreciate all your efforts.
End Goal
The best starting point for a fundraising plan is at the END. What is your overall fundraising goal? Exactly how much money do you need to raise in order to stay MORE THAN afloat? Think about the needs of your organization/business and determine an exact number. Be sure to include your goal for the next 3-5 years as well.
The Mission
What is the purpose of this venture? Why do you need the amount you stated in question #1? What is your operating budget? What will raising the money do for your business/organization?
Tactics
You have answered how much money you need to raise and what it will mean for your business/nonprofit. Now, let’s take a look at HOW you plan to achieve your financial goals. A popular way of raising funds and creating awareness is the use of charitable equipment such as wristbands. If you’re involved in a fundraiser of your own, you might want to have a look at somewhere like SleekWristbands.com, as they can provide you with the products necessary to create awareness and funds for your chosen money-raising effort. When you are attempting to raise funds you should go into detail about what strategies will make certain amount of money until you reach your total fundraising goal. For example, if you plan to host a gala raising $10k and a mailing campaign raising $3k, these tactics will equal your total fundraising goal of $13k. Proven fundraising tactics can include:
- Events
- Mail campaigns
- Mobile giving campaigns
- Individual giving (asking known major donors for donations)
- Radio Broadcasting
- Telemarketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Participatory fundraising campaigns (like read-a-thons, cook-offs, etc.)
- Website Donations
- Go Fund Me Campaigns
Engagement
How will you creatively engage donors? It has been proven that the Return on Investment (ROI) rapidly declines if fundraising programs are deemed stale or stagnant to donors. How will yours be different?
Return on Investment (ROI)
How much will it cost to fundraise effectively? Are there any high cost purchases, like advertising? What is the expected Return on Investment? In other words, do you expect to break even, above or below?
Karnitia Holmes is the founder of Polished Consulting, a boutique firm specializing in grant writing and fundraising consulting to nonprofits and purposepreneurs everywhere. Visit her page at www.polishedconsultinggroup.com for more info!
Randy Chorvack says
I agree that you should creatively engage donors so that they don’t lose interest and keep donating. I’ve noticed that the more fun a fundraiser is, the more money it tends to make. That way you get donors of all ages interested in your company or charity. You reach a bigger audience and therefore get way more money.
Elaine Rau says
Thanks for sharing Randy!