Yes, You do Need an Annual Fundraising Plan
Many nonprofit organizations operate without a formal fundraising plan or clear fund development strategy. Quite often, these organizations are well-led and doing meaningful work with the resources they have. But without a plan, they are almost certainly leaving money on the table—and limiting their potential for growth and impact.
When I first started working at the Beltrami Humane Society, an organization that depended heavily on community support, I quickly learned that while we were fundraising constantly, we did not actually have a fundraising plan. Activities were happening, but there was no structure behind them. We had not defined clear goals, assigned responsibilities, established timelines, or thought intentionally about how different fundraising efforts fit together. We simply knew we needed money to fulfill our mission, and we were willing to try just about anything to get it.
That experience is far more common than many nonprofit leaders like to admit.
There is no shortage of resources on how to create an annual fundraising plan. A simple online search will yield countless articles, templates, and guides. Rather than reinvent the wheel, my goal here is to highlight a few foundational elements every fundraising plan should include, why they matter, and the impact they can have. My hope is that this brief guide provides clarity—and motivation—to get started.
Your Team
First, you need a fundraising team.
You cannot—and should not—do all of your fundraising alone. While it is technically possible, you will raise less money and reach far fewer people if the work rests on one set of shoulders. A strong fundraising plan clearly defines who is involved, what each person brings to the table, and what their specific responsibilities are.
Identify strengths, assign ownership, and get the right people in the right roles. When fundraising becomes a shared effort, momentum builds, accountability improves, and results follow.
Fund Diversification
You have likely heard the phrase, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” The same principle applies to fundraising.
If 70 or 80 percent of your revenue depends on a single event or funding source—such as an annual gala—you are assuming significant risk. What happens if weather, timing, or external circumstances derail that event? A diversified fundraising plan forces you to step back and look at multiple revenue streams and intentionally decide how much you expect from each.
Greater diversification does not eliminate risk, but it does absorb it. When one source underperforms, others can help stabilize your organization.
Vision
Just like a strategic plan, a fundraising plan must be visionary.
People do not give to budgets—they give to impact. A compelling fundraising vision connects dollars to outcomes and paints a clear picture of how contributions will make a difference in the community. Set goals that are ambitious but realistic, and challenge your organization to think beyond survival.
A strong fundraising plan is not simply about raising money. It is about multiplying your mission and expanding your reach.
There are many additional components you may choose to include in a comprehensive fundraising plan, but these three elements provide a strong foundation. Build your team, diversify your funding sources, and cast a clear and compelling vision. When you do, your fundraising plan will become more than a checklist—it will become a catalyst for greater impact.
If you need help getting started, please contact us at Mustful Strategic Consulting. We have been in your shoes, and we understand the challenge of planning amid the daily demands of nonprofit leadership. Let’s talk and get you on the path to greater impact.