One of the most overlooked elements of a successful fundraising plan is a well-defined Annual Development Plan. This article helps you create and execute your development calendar.
Download the free Bloomerang Sample Development Plan Template.
Why Have a Development Plan?
Purpose of a development plan:
To create cohesive objectives and clear fundraising goals for the year.
The purpose of putting it in writing is effective communication for your team, board, and organization, of what your team is working on.
Parts of a Development Plan:
Governance tasks
Communication tasks
Development tasks
Grant tasks
Development Plan Prep Work
Reports from your CRM:
SYBUNT Report
Amount raised by each of last year’s appeals
Amount raised via Pledges (revenue)
Amount raised via Recurring Gifts
Amount raised by each of last year’s events
Additional information you need:
Cost of each of last year’s appeals
Grant Management Schedule
Cost of each of last year’s events
Overall fundraising goal for your upcoming year/fiscal period
A copy of organization by-laws
Questions to Answer
What is your Fiscal Year?
When do Board Members start their new terms?
Do you have an annual meeting prior to the start of the board year?
If it a membership event, or something where members/donors vote? Mark the mailing date for the invitation four weeks earlier than that under Communication.
Do you meet with the incoming Board President to plan development committee assignments?
What are the expectations of your board, and how do you interact with them?
When are your board meetings for the year?
What materials will the development team need to have prepared for these meetings?
When is your budget approved?
Incorporate Your Plan into Bloomerang CRM
Set your fiscal year in Bloomerang CRM.
Create Campaigns, Funds and Appeals for your new year.
If you need new reports (versus updating saved reports), create these reports.
If your Development team sends reports to the Board President before board meetings, schedule these reports.
Create Pledges and Notes for Grant Application Tracking.