Before getting into tactics, ask yourself these things:
Do we know our organisation’s values and vision? Values are the framework for every fundraising decision — from what campaigns to run to what partnerships to accept. Your vision is your reason for being. It’s what your community connects with. If your team can’t articulate it clearly and consistently, that’s the first thing to fix.
What are our organisation-level objectives? Start with SMART goals. Your objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, result-driven, and time-bound. Fundraising doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it serves the organisation’s broader goals.
Do our fundraising objectives support the organisation-level objectives? They should align closely with your vision and values. What does fundraising need to achieve for your organisation to achieve its mission?
Do we have a diverse fundraising portfolio? Relying on a single revenue stream is risky. Are your eggs in one basket? An honest audit of where your money comes from — and what each stream costs to maintain — helps you spot vulnerabilities before they become crises.
Are we tracking ROI? If you’re not measuring the return on your fundraising spend, you’re guessing. Know which programs deliver the best return, which channels convert, which donor segments respond to what. This is how you do more of what works.
