Creating a Fundraising Plan Presented by Mayme Patthoff Jill Paulsen OCAN/GEAR UP Conference September 8, 2003
Why is Fundraising Important? Achieve organizational goals Sustainability Strategically diversify your revenue portfolio General vs. program-specific funds
Common Fundraising Methods Direct solicitation Direct mail Telemarketing Grants Earned Income Ventures Special Events Others
What is a Fundraising Plan? The framework for your fundraising program Similar to strategic planning Living, working document Produces results Does not take time, saves time
Why Plan? Make more $ Develop more volunteers Understand what works (and why) Target future plans & understand past mistakes Engage key constituencies
4 Stages of Effective Fundraising 1. Research 2. Plan 3. Conduct 4. Evaluate
Conducting Your Development Audit Assessing strengths & weaknesses Planning Leadership Volunteers Resource development staff Financial resources Donor research Fundraising aids Fundraising techniques Public relations Fundraising environment
Key Components of your Fund Plan 1. Mission & Values Organizational & Fund Development 2. Goals Strategic & Financial
Key Components (continued) 3. Strategies Communication, cultivation & solicitation 4. Case for Support Why mission matters? Why your program is the solution to the problem.
Key Components (continued) 5. Benchmarks (measurement) 6. Assignment of Responsibility
Key Components (continued) 7. Timetable 8. Resources 9. Monitoring progress & evaluating performance
Key Players: Who to Involve Planning/development committee Board CAP manager/executive CAP Staff
Case Study: RCAP Established 1997 FY97 Budget: $30,000 FY04 Budget: $400,000 Executive Director, Program Director (advisory services and financial aid), Development Director, Assistant 4 advisors in 10 of the 18 county high schools
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Conclusion: Bringing Your Plan to Life Be flexible Set clear goals and objectives Integrate it into big-picture strategic planning Don’t get bogged down in paperwork. Make sure the fundraising plan leads to action. Get organizational buy-in Stay mission-driven
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