Strategic Planning For Fundraising

How important is strategic planning for fund raising? Vitally important. A fundraiser without a strategic plan is like sailing in unfamiliar territories with neither a map nor provisions. You never really know where you are going and what you will encounter along the way. You might end up shipwrecked or you might get lucky and discover untold treasures. However, are you willing to take the same reckless risk and gamble away opportunities to raise money for your own good cause?

If you know what is best for your organization, you would not go unprepared. You would determine where you are going and what steps you would take to get there. This is strategic planning. It is taking control of your campaign and stirring it towards success.

But, perhaps before we discuss formulating a plan for your fundraiser, we need to look at the root of this campaign. It is not just about the need for money. If you look at it, the fundraising came about from a strategic plan formulated at the onset of your organization. Therefore, the planning actually came on quite early. Back when you were still determining the what’s, who’s, and why’s of your group, you started planning. When you assessed your constituents’ needs and determined what kinds of services to provide them, you planned to raise funds for them. Your fundraising therefore, is a necessary step that has been calculated in your strategic plan to achieve your organization’s vision for its future. Simply put, you’ve already organized your plan of actions. Fundraising and strategic planning go hand in hand.

With that said, it is safe to say no fundraising goes without strategic planning. You cannot raise funds without some degree of calculation. You take necessary steps. With your organization’s goals clear on your minds, you take control. How exactly do you start taking control? This is a task done by your planning committee. That is, the group of people who would play key roles in the formulation and implementation of your campaign. The planning committee, after reaching a consensus, prepares the blue print. It determines specific objectives, desired outcomes, and the measures to be taken to achieve them. It should cover other specifics such as setting timelines, monitoring progress, evaluation, and budgeting too.

Strategic planning for fund raising is done to maximize profit while minimizing risks. This cannot be done by working with theories alone. Testing, analysis of the market, and other such measures should be taken before finalizing a plan. It may sound complicated, but when the rewards come, it will be well worth it.