Thoughts on nonprofit fundraising plans

I have created four fundraising plans since June 1st for clients. Keep in mind that I work only with smaller human rights, animal rights, domestic violence, homelessness, refugee, and immigration organizations. No higher ed, hospitals, or large, national groups.

The highest invoice for one was $4,500. That was a two-year plan with some initial support. Note: support and implementation are additional to fees for the fundraising plan by itself.

Most of them cost $3,000. Every one of them brough value to my client, value that they believe surpassed their initial investment.

Most nonprofits do not have a fundraising plan. I see it as a requirement often in job searches: applicant must create an organizational fundraising plan.

I believe wholeheartedly in fundraising plans. I have seen them catapult fundraising when initiated, among many positive outcomes. Of course, you can have a fundraising plan and go nowhere if you do nothing with the plan.

If you create a fundraising plan, be sure to have the capacity to implement it. Be specific with who is accountable for what.

A fundraising plan may not be for every nonprofit. I have yet to meet one where it wouldn’t benefit them, their staff, and those they serve.

Do you need a consultant to create a fundraising plan for you? Definitely not. If you’ve wanted to create a plan for many months (or years!), and haven’t done one yet, perhaps connecting with a consultant could be helpful.

If you’ve considered a fundraising plan and would like to talk, send me a note.