Fundraising Plan:
Why Summer is the Best Time for Annual Fund Planning
Yes, it’s March. But not too early to talk about the summer, the end of the 2nd quarter and the beginning of the 3rd. Why is this the best time to do your annual fund planning? Because this is when there’s a bit of a lull between the spring and fall fundraising season. True, it’s not as much of a slow time as it used to be, but it still is not as hectic as other times of the year.
My experience has taught me that an annual fund plan should really include two fiscal years: the end of one and the beginning of the next. Why? Because you don’t want to be stuck at the end of the year with no plan for the next, especially if you’re also running an end of year campaign.
What you will need:
- Data
- Imagination
- Timeline
- Goals
Data
Between now and let’s say, July, gather your data. Run reports that you can save or set up queries that you can use repeatedly. Review gifts received every week! Make notes. This will help build your plan.
Did you have a plan last year? What worked? What didn’t?
Do you have historical data, at least the last three years, if not more? You are looking for trends and connecting donations to appeals and campaigns. I’m assuming you have a CRM. QuickBooks, Excel and an email platform are not enough to track your donors and maintain historical information.
Imagination
Imagination may seem like an odd ingredient for your annual planning but consider how you will be communicating with your donors and prospective donors. Donors are more sophisticated, tech savvy, and particular about where their money goes and how it’s used. They want to know.
Your message should always be donor focused. What do they care about? How can you share your story in a creative, imaginative, interesting way? What worked last year? What did not? Ask others to help. Now is the time to recruit your in-house and/or volunteer committee.
Timeline
I’m a visual person. I need to see the months and write in my deadlines and all the steps necessary, as well as holidays and vacations. This practice makes my colleagues, who have grown up with computers, crazy! But it works for me. I can see the conflicts and the overlaps. Wherever I’ve worked, I’ve kept my 12-18-month plan on the wall so everyone can see where we are and what’s coming up.
Goals
What are your goals? Here’s some examples: dollars raised, retained donors, new donors, increase recurring donors.
The bottom line is, take the time to plan. Use the method that works best for you and your team. You will be that much closer to success.
Good Luck!!
Check out the next episode of my podcast, “About Fundraising: The Podcast” where I will go deeper into creating The Plan. Tune in to About Fundraising: The Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
At DMGroupConsulting, our goal is to help you achieve your goals. Schedule a free 30 minute consultation.
