By Tom Sack
It’s April 2025 (already!) and you’ve just completed your new strategic plan or revised your current one. You’ve assessed the political, economic, and operational factors affecting your organization, and you’ve identified your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Your next step is to put in place the means to execute that strategy which falls on two primary pillars: how you deliver your mission and services to your constituency, and how you fund that work.
You’ve assembled a passionate and dedicated team intent on delivering your mission and improving your programs. Just as your team follows a structured plan to achieve organizational goals, your fundraising efforts must also be guided by a well-thought-out plan.
However, fundraising often feels like a secondary priority, competing for time and resources. The good news? When strategically planned, the fundraising side can be as rewarding as delivering your mission. Now is the time to put this plan in place and this article will guide you through the key steps.
Why a Fundraising Plan Matters
A fundraising plan provides a structured roadmap for your financial sustainability, ensuring your programs remain well-funded and resilient. Here are the essential elements:
- Establish financial goals. Start with your end in mind. Use your budget to identify how much funding you need and when. Setting clear financial targets provides direction and focus for your efforts.
- Assess and diversify your income sources. In 2025, political and economic landscapes are constantly shifting. Relying on a single funding stream is risky. Build a diverse portfolio that includes:
- Annual donors
- Planned giving
- Capital campaigns
- Corporate philanthropy
- Grants (private, local, federal, and foundations)
- State and local tax credits
- Congressionally directed spending, or earmarks, as they used to be called
- Impact investing to provide bridge funding for your programs or capital projects
- Develop specific activities aligned with goals. Outline clear activities for reaching your financial targets. Assign responsibilities to staff, leadership, board, consultants. Establish timelines and clearly define expected outcomes. The SMART goal framework (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) can be helpful here.
- Schedule periodic plan reviews. Regular reviews ensure your plan remains relevant and adaptable to changing conditions. Assess progress, identify potential risks, and adjust tactics accordingly.
- Communicate and engage with stakeholders. Keep your stakeholders informed and involved, including staff, board members, civic leadership, political leadership, and the communities you serve.
Take Action
Just as a strategic plan guides your organization’s mission, a fundraising plan is essential for financial sustainability. Taking the time to develop a robust fundraising strategy with your leadership team and board will help you navigate the uncertainties of 2025 and ensure the long-term success of your mission.
The time to act is now—gather your team, map out your fundraising roadmap, and secure the resources needed to thrive!