Archive for December 2025
From Reflection to Results: Setting SMART Fundraising Goals That Actually Move the Needle
In the last step of fundraising planning, we focused on reflection—looking honestly at what happened in the previous year and using it to inform the new year. That work typically results in a simple 1–2 page summary that outlines: This reflection phase is powerful because it grounds your planning in reality—not wishful thinking. But reflection…
Read MoreReflect, Review, Refine: Your First Move in Effective Fundraising Planning
Goal: Understand what worked, what didn’t, and where to focus your energy in 2026. 1. Gather All Relevant Data 💗 Collect the full picture before analyzing. 2. Create a Master List of Fundraising Activities 💗 Looking at the information you gathered, document everything that brought in revenue the previous year. List each activity separately so…
Read MoreFundraising Planning Piece by Piece: The Components
Last week we looked at when you should begin to craft your fundraising plan, this week we look at how – its components. You don’t need fancy software or an army of consultants (though they can help 🙂). Many successful nonprofits start with a simple document or spreadsheet. At minimum, your plan should answer these…
Read MoreA Fundraising Plan That Works: Start Early, Stay Consistent, Stay Aligned
By Kia Chatmon, Heart for the Community Last week, we introduced the concept of a fundraising plan – why it matters, what it contains. This week we look at the mechanics of creating it. Timing: When Should I Create It? You know how every January we promise ourselves we’ll finally get organized: eat better, call…
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