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Progression Tracker
Introduction
Do You Need a Funding Plan?
Introduction to the Six Steps
Step 1: Establish Priorities
  • Organizational priorities tips & exercise
Step 2: Assess Capacity
Step 3: Set Fundraising Goals
Step 4: Identify Funding Sources
Step 5: Evaluate & Select Funding Sources
Step 6: Write & Implement Plan
Final Quiz
Sample Finance Plans
List of Case Studies
References & Additional Resources

Step 1. Establish your Organization's Priority Activities

Picture of man walking up steps.The first step in creating a sustainable fundraising plan is to establish your organization's priority activities.

Priority activities stem from your organization's goals which, in turn, stem from the mission statement. Spend some time with your staff or board members reflecting on the organization's mission and goals before you establish your priority activities. Once your priority activities are determined, they will shape not only the purpose of the fundraising, but also what strategies you will employ.

It may also be necessary to review the strategic plan that guides the long-term direction of your mission. (There are additional resources available if your organization needs to write a strategic plan.) This reflection will give you a fresh look at where you should target your efforts. It will also help staff and board members better articulate the connection between fundraising efforts and the organization's mission to your members.

Graphic depicting people sitting at a conference table reviewing a strategic plan. "The success of a fundraising campaign, both in generating funds and in developing effective programs, depends on whether an organization can develop an adequate fundraising strategy. And that strategy involves, first and foremost, the formulation of organizational goals and objectives that are understandable, meaningful and realistic."
-Barry Mastrine, author of 'How to Develop a Funding Strategy'2

On the next page, we offer some tips and an exercise for setting your organization's priorities.

Citation: See Resources, Works Cited #2



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