Effective fund development begins with a plan. A sustainable Fund development plan for a sustainable organization will:
- Address the organizational history in fund development and how the plan can enhance current funding sources;
- Review the current financial support from businesses, individuals, government, funders, sponsorships and other research;
- Recognize the roles of the Board and staff in fund development and how funding goals will meet the agency or project budgets;
- Clearly describe the organizational Case Statement stating why potential donors would give to the organization;
- Identify specific fund raising practices at this organization (Annual Campaign, Major Gifts, Sponsorships, Planned Giving, etc.);
- Describe how the fund development function will be incorporated into the day-to-day activities of the organization including marketing and communications;
- Include implementation action plans, resources available to assist in the fundraising process and timetable; and
- Be regularly reviewed and updated (at least annually).
For an example of how a Fund Development Plan is put together we have developed a Fund Development Plan Outline that highlights some of the major headings and content areas that you should consider. Additionally we have gathered some sample Fund Development Plans through our work with charitable organizations within our Fund Development PLUS Program.
- A sample Fund Development Plan developed by a small urban based charity focused upon social outreach to adolecent girls.
- A sample Fund Development Plan developed by Literacy for Life, a small rural based charity focused upon literacy.