Fact Sheet: Fundraising Basics
Fundraising is one of the most important activities your organization will undertake. When designing your fundraising plan, keep the following considerations in mind:
Setting organizational goals
Fundraising goals are based upon organizational goals. Take the time to decide carefully what your organization plans to do: What are the programs and services that you wish to provide? These goals must be realistic, based upon your mission, your available financial resources, available staff, the current economy, the programs provided by similar organizations, and government regulations.
Evaluating your current fundraising plan
To evaluate the effectiveness of your current fundraising plan, you must identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities in various areas: planning, Board of Directors, volunteers, staff, financial resources, donor research, fundraising support systems, fundraising techniques, and public relations.
Setting fundraising goals
Fundraising goals must be realistic. If you know that you have been able to gather approximately $2,000 each year from donations, you will probably be able to count upon this $2,000 in the next year. And if you wish to launch a new self-help program that costs $1,000, then you must plan to be able to raise this additional $1,000.
Setting a fundraising budget
Income can come from the annual fund, corporate gifts, foundation grants and restricted grants. At the same time, it costs money to raise money. Expenses could include personnel, supplies, printing, postage, telephone costs, photocopying, travel, entertainment, staff, equipment, and charities registration.
Setting an action plan
As you set your goals and budget, an action plan will naturally emerge. Prepare a calendar for the year with all of your fundraising events and tasks and with the projected fundraising goals for each of these events. See NCSTAC's "Fundraising Basics" technical assistance manual for an example of a fundraising action plan.
Writing a case statement
A case statement is a concise document explaining your organization's activities and funding needs to potential donors. See NCSTAC's "Fundraising Basics" technical assistance manual for an example of a case statement.