Last week, guest blogger Michael Allison gave us the real scoop on what strategic planners need from the fundraising team. This week, we talk about what you need from the strategic planners!
A fundraiser with a strategic plan is a happy fundraiser.
A strategic plan:
- enables you to craft a powerful case for support that tells the story of where your organization is headed and how donors can help you get there
- allows you to anticipate what the organization is going to need from your development program in order achieve shared ambitions
- provides a framework for your development planning, including where you ought to invest and what you should let go of
When the strategic planning process is underway, you need to be all in! And you need to be demanding. The health of your development program depends on it.
Here are 5 things you’ll want to make sure the strategic plan covers:
- What difference is the organization going to make in the world?
A good strategic plan is externally focused. It is not about operations, but about impact. What is the problem your organization is addressing, the solution it proposes, and the specific strategy for making change? Only with this information in hand can you ask your donors to join you on a meaningful journey.
- Where exactly does philanthropy fit into the organization’s strategic vision?
You need to know where your organization is headed in terms of its revenue streams and what role fundraising plays in meeting the strategic objectives. What’s the trajectory? If fundraising represents 50 percent of the agency revenue now, what is the goal for that ratio in the coming years?
- What is the relationship the organization wishes to have with its donors?
Is the agency just looking for dollars, or do your donors fill a larger role, such as advocacy? Some nonprofits want a broad and vocal group of donors who can establish a social or political movement. Others are fine just having a few major donors provide much-needed cash. The difference in strategies is significant and you need to know which is best for achieving the strategic plan.
- How much fundraising growth is required to achieve the strategic plan?
This needs to be a reasonable and achievable projection or you need to speak up now! This is what we mean by “being present” in the planning process. It’s your job to demand realistic expectations for yourself and your team.
- How much investment will be available to grow the fundraising program?
It takes money to make money. As a Development Director, please don’t let the strategic planning process establish expectations for your program without allowing for the investment required to make it happen.
Take your seat at the strategic planning table. By ensuring that the strategic plan includes these five things, you are making sure there is organizational buy-in for your future development plans. You are also infusing your program with new levels of excitement and potential!
