Christian Leadership Alliance

Strategic HR Planning

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How to Develop an Effective Strategic Fundraising Plan

Some Thoughts about Methodology

We all know the value of living in the "information age." But when it comes to strategic planning, many of us unwittingly choose to short-circuit the flow of information by not requiring ourselves to have accurate information. Many times I have participated in meetings where a person will guess at previous results rather than getting out of their chair and going to their file to obtain a report. Guessing is no good. Often the primary value I bring to a consulting session is to simply not settle for guesses. It's very common for me to ask a person to leave the room and go find a report that will give us precise information.

I want to caution you strongly to not allow yourself, in the strategic planning process, to operate on inaccurate or partial information. Never allow yourself, or any member of your team, to "guess" about results from past efforts.

Another essential component to Developing an Effective Strategic Fundraising Plan is to begin by asking questions rather than making assumptions or statements. This is especially critical for those in positions of leadership. An assumption by leadership can set a faulty course for the journey.

A statement by leadership can be even more destructive to the planning process than a "guess." If a leader says, "Newsletters don't raise money" … then how is a person reporting to him/her going to challenge them without confrontation? Would it not be better if a question were asked than a statement made? For example, if a leader were to say, "Is it possible for newsletters to raise net income for ministry" … it empowers the employees to provide their own insights and perhaps explore new options.

A Strategic Planning Outline

Below are ten suggested steps that together form a Strategic Planning Outline for the development program. Following this outline, Steps 3, 4 and 5 are unpacked in more detail as they relate specifically to the creation of a strategic fundraising plan.

1. Identify your Mission Statement/Vision Statement.
   
2. Establish your goals for each major area of responsibility as they support your vision and mission.
   
3. Document your historical methods for achieving your goals and their effectiveness.
   
4. Establish assumptions for each major area of consideration.
   
5. Develop specific strategies for each area including all resources needed to accomplish your goals.
   
6. Review your strategic plan to assure compliance with goals and their direct support of your mission. Confirm that resources are available; if not modify the plan to acquire additional resources or downsize the plan.
   

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