Creating a development plan can feel like trying to build a house without blueprints—you're grabbing tools and materials, but there’s no clear path to the finished product. A well-crafted plan is your nonprofit’s roadmap to fundraising success, helping you focus your efforts, allocate resources wisely, and hit your revenue goals. Let’s dive into how you can create a nonprofit development plan that works for your nonprofit, all while avoiding the overwhelm.

Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Development Plan

If your nonprofit is operating without a clear development plan, you’re not alone. Many nonprofits find themselves in reactive fundraising mode, constantly hustling to catch up on revenue needs without a strategic path forward. But here’s the reality: a nonprofit development plan isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for sustained growth. A good plan will keep your team aligned, your board engaged, and your mission moving forward.

1. Set Clear and Specific Goals

The first step in creating your fundraising plan is setting clear, specific, and measurable goals. This isn’t just about saying, “We want to raise $100,000.” Be intentional:

• Annual Revenue Goals: What’s your target revenue for the year? Break it down by each fundraising source—grants, individual giving, events, corporate sponsorships, etc.
• Program Goals: Are there specific programs that need funding? How much is required to fully fund them?
• Donor Acquisition and Retention: How many new donors do you want to acquire? What’s your retention goal?

Pro Tip: Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to ensure your objectives are not just wishful thinking but actionable targets.

2. Identify Your Key Fundraising Strategies

Once your goals are in place, it’s time to outline the strategies you’ll use to meet them. This section of your nonprofit development plan is your playbook—it defines the key fundraising activities your nonprofit will focus on.

Here’s a look at some common strategies you might include:

• Individual Giving: Appeal campaigns, major gifts, monthly giving programs, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Grants: Researching opportunities, writing proposals, and maintaining funder relationships.
• Events: In-person galas, virtual fundraisers, and community events.
• Corporate Partnerships: Sponsorships, cause marketing, and employee giving programs.
• Planned Giving: Cultivating legacy gifts through wills, trusts, and bequests.

Pro Tip: Diversify your revenue streams to avoid becoming overly dependent on one source of funding. A healthy mix of individual giving, grants, and events can help stabilize your nonprofit’s finances.

3. Define Action Steps and Assign Roles

The success of your fundraising plan depends on execution, which means every strategy needs a set of action steps and assigned roles. This section is all about breaking down each fundraising strategy into manageable tasks and determining who will be responsible for what.

• Action Steps: List each specific action required to implement the strategy. For example, if one of your strategies is major gift solicitation, your action steps might include identifying prospects, crafting personalized pitches, and scheduling meetings.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Assign each task to a specific person—whether it’s your development director, an enthusiastic board member, or a volunteer. This helps ensure accountability and keeps your plan from gathering dust on the shelf.

Pro Tip: Be realistic about your team’s capacity. If you’re a small nonprofit, prioritize the strategies that have the highest return on investment and are achievable with your current resources.

4. Create a Fundraising Calendar

A nonprofit development plan without a timeline is like a GPS with no directions. A fundraising calendar is your roadmap, laying out when each fundraising activity will happen throughout the year.

• Monthly Giving Push in January: Kick off the year by promoting monthly giving. Set up a campaign that runs for 4 weeks.
• Grant Deadlines in Q2: List all grant application deadlines for the year. Be sure to include time for writing, review, and submission.
• Fall Appeal Campaign in October: Plan your direct mail or digital campaign to coincide with end-of-year giving.

Pro Tip: A well-thought-out calendar will help you avoid the dreaded “feast or famine” cycle of fundraising by ensuring consistent revenue throughout the year.

5. Develop a Budget for Your Plan

Don’t skip this step. Your nonprofit development plan isn’t just about raising money; it’s also about understanding what it costs to raise that money. Outline the expenses associated with each strategy, including staff time, marketing materials, event costs, and more.

• Direct Mail Costs: Printing, postage, and design fees.
• Event Expenses: Venue rentals, catering, and decor.
• Software Subscriptions: CRM, email marketing, and donor management tools.

Pro Tip: Calculate the return on investment (ROI) for each fundraising strategy to ensure you’re maximizing your dollars spent.

6. Measure Success and Adjust as Needed

Last but not least, make sure your fundraising plan includes a system for tracking progress and evaluating results. Regularly review your fundraising performance against your goals, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plan if something isn’t working.

• Key Metrics: Track metrics like donor retention rate, average gift size, and fundraising ROI.
• Review Meetings: Schedule quarterly reviews with your team to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.

Pro Tip: Use data to drive your decisions. If a strategy isn’t performing as expected, analyze why and tweak your approach. Flexibility is key to a successful development plan.

Bringing It All Together

Your nonprofit development plan is more than just a document—it’s your strategic partner in fundraising. By taking the time to outline your goals, strategies, and action steps, you’re setting your organization up for success. And remember, your plan isn’t set in stone. It’s a living, breathing guide that should evolve alongside your nonprofit’s needs. So get started today, and watch as your fundraising takes off in new and exciting directions.

Ready to create a winning fundraising plan without starting from scratch? Grab our comprehensive Development Plan Template, designed specifically for nonprofits like yours. It includes easy-to-follow steps, action-packed strategies, and all the tools you need to map out your fundraising success. Don’t miss this opportunity to simplify your planning process and boost your fundraising efforts. Get your Development Plan Template today and take the first step toward a more sustainable future for your nonprofit!

When it comes to nonprofit fundraising, every dollar counts. But what if you could double the impact of every donation your organization receives? That's the magic of matching donations, a powerful strategy that can propel your fundraising efforts to new heights.

Why Matching Donations Work:

• Psychology of giving: Studies show that people are 84% more likely to donate when their contribution is matched. This taps into social proof, reciprocity, and a sense of urgency, making donors feel like their contribution is truly making a difference.
• Bigger impact: Turning a $20 donation into $40 or a $100 gift into $200 empowers donors and makes them feel like they're driving real change.

Finding Matching Donors:

• Corporate partnerships: Look for local businesses or corporations aligned with your mission. Many have matching gift programs for employees.
• Major donors: Approach your most generous supporters about matching funds for specific campaigns or events.
• Online platforms: Crowdfunding sites and social media can connect you with matching donors. Platforms like RallyUp even have built-in features.

Entice Potential Contributors:

• Be transparent: Clearly explain the matching process and the potential impact of their gift.
• Use visuals: Progress bars, graphs, and impact stories can motivate donors and show them the finish line.
• Tell compelling stories: Connect donors emotionally to your cause through powerful narratives.
• Offer brand recognition: Partnering corporations love seeing their logo on your social media, website, and event materials.

Building Lasting Relationships:

• Thank your donors: Personalized notes or recognition events show sincere appreciation.
• Provide regular updates: Keep donors informed about your progress and the impact they're helping create.
• Engage on social media: Respond, share, and make them feel like part of your community.

Matching donations are more than just a strategy; they're a game-changer. By understanding the psychology behind them, finding generous partners, and building strong relationships, you can unlock a world of possibilities and double your impact for your nonprofit.

So, go forth, double your impact, and watch your mission soar!

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Have you ever felt a pang of awkwardness when reaching out to a donor after a long silence? You're not alone. But what if I told you a simple "hello" could have a bigger impact than you think?

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology explored the power of casual check-ins. Researchers found that even brief interactions – a phone call, a quick email, a thoughtful text – can significantly strengthen connections.

This might seem counterintuitive, especially with donors you haven't spoken to in a while. But the study revealed an interesting twist: the more unexpected the outreach, the greater the positive impact. So, that donor you haven't heard from in years? They might be pleasantly surprised to hear from you!

Why does this work? Remember, humans are social creatures who crave connection. Peggy Liu, the study's lead author, points out that initiating contact, even after a gap, can feel daunting because we worry about how it will be received. But the research suggests our fears are often unfounded. In most cases, people appreciate being remembered and reached out to.

So, how can you apply this to your donor relationships? Here are a few tips:

• Personalize your message: Go beyond a generic template. Mention something specific about their past support or interests.
• Keep it brief and informal: A quick email or text expressing your appreciation and curiosity about their well-being is enough.
• Focus on connection, not just fundraising: While you can mention your organization's current initiatives, prioritize rekindling the relationship.

By reaching out with genuine warmth and interest, you can remind your donors why they connected with your cause in the first place. And who knows, they might just surprise you with their renewed engagement!

Remember, every donor is worth the effort. Don't be afraid to break the silence and build bridges of understanding. You might just discover that a simple connection can pave the way for future support and lasting relationships.

Ever dream of a steady stream of donations flowing effortlessly into your organization? That's the magic of recurring giving, where supporters choose ongoing contributions instead of one-time gifts. Think of it as a monthly giving program that fuels your mission with reliable, predictable income.

Why It's a Win-Win for Nonprofits:

• Predictable income: Say goodbye to rollercoaster fundraising! Recurring donations provide a stable financial foundation, allowing you to plan and budget with confidence.
• Reduced workload: No more chasing down individual donations. Your team can focus on what truly matters: carrying out your mission and engaging supporters.
• Deeper donor relationships: Recurring donors are your champions, passionate about your cause. Regular communication fosters loyalty and strengthens your community.

Boosting Fundraising with Recurring Giving:

• Effortless giving: Donors love the convenience. They set it up once and forget it, knowing their impact continues.
• Increased giving potential: Smaller, regular contributions add up quickly, often exceeding one-time gifts in the long run.
• Reduced acquisition costs: Retaining existing donors is far cheaper than attracting new ones. Recurring giving keeps your best supporters engaged and invested.

Why Recurring Donors are Your Rockstars:

• Rock-solid loyalty: Studies show 75% of recurring donors stick with their plans for at least six months, many for years.
• Double the generosity: Recurring donors are 75% more likely to make additional one-time gifts within a year.
• Bigger impact: On average, one-time donations from recurring donors are higher, amplifying their overall support.

Building Your Monthly Giving Program:

1. Get tech-savvy: Ensure your donor management system accepts, tracks, and reports recurring donations seamlessly.
2. Make it easy: Prominently display the recurring donation option on your website and donation forms.
3. Automate communication: Send monthly receipts and keep donors informed with targeted updates.
4. Segment your supporters: Tailor your communication to resonate with your recurring donor base.
5. Prioritize user experience: Allow donors to update payment information easily and effortlessly.

Tying The Ask To Your Mission:

This is important enough to call out separately. Don't just beg for money. Make your appeal about your mission. Craft compelling messages that showcase the impact recurring donations have on real lives. Show, don't tell. Share stories of the people your organization helps, the challenges you overcome, and the brighter future you're building – all thanks to the steady support of your monthly donors.

Inviting Supporters to Join the Program:

Once you've branded your program and honed your mission-driven appeals, you can create powerful tools:

• Branded social media assets: Eye-catching graphics and videos that tell your story and explain the program's benefits.
• Email templates: Personalized messages that resonate with different donor segments, highlighting the impact their monthly gift can make.
• Website landing page: A clear and concise explanation of the program, with easy signup options and FAQs.

Finding Your Monthly Champions:

Start by looking within your existing donor base:

• Lapsed donors: Could they give smaller, regular amounts instead of one large gift?
• Gradually increasing donors: Perhaps they're ready for a monthly commitment.
• Periodic donors: They already give multiple times a year. Make it easier for them!
• Engaged volunteers and supporters: They're passionate – invite them to join the giving circle!

Promoting Your Program:

• Targeted email campaigns: Segment your database and send personalized invitations.
• Website call to action: Add a prominent "Join Our Monthly Giving Program" button.
• Social media spotlights: Share inspiring stories of your recurring donors and their impact.
• Post-donation ask: Don't be shy! After a one-time gift, offer the option to join the program.

Connecting and Thanking Your Donors:

• Monthly email receipts: Keep them informed and engaged with regular updates.
• Impact stories and photos: Show them the real-world difference their gifts make.
• Personalized thank-you notes: A handwritten message goes a long way.

Managing and Growing Your Program:

• Track key metrics: Monitor growth, donor retention, and campaign effectiveness.
• Run regular reports: Identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Test and adapt: Experiment with different messaging and outreach strategies.
• Celebrate successes: Recognize and reward your monthly giving heroes!

Remember, a successful recurring giving program isn't a set-it-and-forget-it affair. It's a continuous cycle of nurturing relationships, showcasing impact, and making it easy for your most passionate supporters to fuel your mission one month at a time.

Also, recurring giving isn't just a fundraising tactic; it's a powerful relationship builder. By nurturing your recurring donors, you'll unlock a sustainable source of funding and cultivate a community of passionate supporters who fuel your mission for years to come. So, unlock the transformative potential of recurring giving and propel your mission forward!

In the dynamic world of social media, TikTok has evolved from its roots in music and dancing videos to become a global sensation, with over three billion downloads worldwide. As leaders in the nonprofit sector, it's essential for us to recognize the tremendous potential this platform holds.

TikTok is not merely a source of entertainment; it's a powerful tool for nonprofits to connect with a vast and engaged audience. The magic of TikTok lies in its ability to make content go viral. It offers unique opportunities for building awareness and raising donations, making it an attractive platform for organizations like ours.

Furthermore, TikTok has become a vibrant community, fostering creativity, meaningful connections, and opportunities for learning. It is shaping a new generation of activists, making it a prime choice for nonprofits looking to expand their reach, fundraise, and create compelling content without the need for advanced technical skills or production capabilities.

Launched in 2016, TikTok surged in popularity in the United States in June 2020 as young people sought entertainment during the pandemic. Today, it boasts a global presence in more than 150 countries, surpassing even Google and its services like Google Maps and Gmail in terms of accessibility. TikTok's popularity now rivals Instagram and is on the verge of overtaking Facebook.

While initially associated with a youthful audience, TikTok has transcended age barriers, captivating adults with its short, visually appealing content, especially videos. This is where our nonprofit organizations can make a significant impact.

Let's explore four essential steps for nonprofits to leverage this influential social media platform:

Immerse Yourself in TikTok's World

Dive into TikTok to observe emerging trends, the creative use of music, and the content that garners the most engagement. TikTok is a platform where people often follow trends, be it dances, music, or audio clips, and adding their unique twist to resonate with their audience. Additionally, voiceovers, where audio clips are overlaid onto videos, are both popular and straightforward to create. Nonprofits like the Catskills Animal Sanctuary, Jacksonville Humane Society, Nashville Humane Association, United Way, and the American Red Cross have effectively used such videos to raise awareness and tell their stories. While TikTok content is relatively easy to produce, investing in basic equipment like dedicated cellphones for video creation and different types of lighting can enhance the quality of your content.

Highlight Impactful Stories and Messages that Drive Donations

As nonprofits begin creating content on TikTok, they should integrate it into their existing social media strategy and communication campaigns. Explore ways to share your TikTok content across multiple platforms. Features like auto-captioning and text-to-speech conversion can make your videos more accessible. Consider creating challenges, providing informative videos, collaborating with marketing partners, and launching fundraising campaigns to leverage TikTok's potential. For example, the Movember Foundation has successfully used TikTok to promote its awareness campaigns, maintaining a consistent message and imagery across all marketing channels.

Explore Fundraising Opportunities

Once your nonprofit has established a following on TikTok, however modest, investigate the platform's fundraising features. TikTok offers donation stickers that can be added to videos and live streams to collect donations. You can also display "Fundraiser" tags, allowing users to link your nonprofit in their profile. To use these features, organizations need to create profiles on platforms like Tiltify and Benevity Causes to ensure that donations reach the right destination.

Engage with Millennials and Gen Z

TikTok's audience is predominantly younger, with over 50% under the age of 34. This demographic, comprising Millennials and Gen Zers, is digitally savvy, socially conscious, and passionate about various causes, including the environment, social justice, animal rights, and freedom of expression. They represent the future wave of donors. Engaging with these generations, particularly through TikTok, is an opportunity to tap into a passionate, tech-savvy, and socially active audience. For example, nonprofits like Diversability, focused on individuals with disabilities, have found success on TikTok by sharing videos created by and for people with different abilities.

These steps are just the beginning for nonprofits looking to harness the power of TikTok. It's clear that TikTok is here to stay, and investing time and effort in this platform can yield significant benefits for organizations like ours. Many nonprofit social media teams are already integrating TikTok into their strategies, alongside platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to expand their audience, raise awareness, and thrive in the digital age.