How to Create a Fund Development Plan That Works
If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “We need more funding” but aren’t sure what to do next — you’re not alone. Many non-profits have passion, programs, and people power… but no roadmap.
That’s where a solid Fund Development Plan comes in.
A strong plan isn’t just about chasing dollars. It’s about creating stability. It’s about moving from reacting to leading. And — most importantly — it’s about building a future where your organization can thrive without burning out the people holding it up.
Let’s walk through how to build a Fund Development Plan that actually works.
1. Start With Vision — But Keep It Real
Don’t start with money. Start with mission and vision.
Ask yourself:
What are we trying to fund — and why?
What kind of growth or sustainability are we aiming for?
What does success look like one year from now?
Then break it down into core vs. dream goals:
CORE = Bare Minimum
This includes the non-negotiables: staffing, program supplies, rent, insurance, tech. The stuff you need just to operate.
DREAM = The Pot of Gold
What would your team do with breathing room? Extra staff? An emergency fund? A new program? This is where you think big.
Aim for the dream — plan for the core.
If you fall short, your org is still standing.
2. Be Honest About Costs (Include a Real Budget)
Next step: build a real budget.
That means actual numbers. Get quotes. Check past expenses. Don’t ballpark your way through this — because nothing derails trust (or strategy) faster than guessed-at costs.
Include:
Wages or contracts
Program expenses
Software, subscriptions, insurance
Admin costs (yes, funders know you have them!)
Marketing, outreach, materials
Event or campaign expenses
A solid plan without a solid budget is just a wish list. Be clear and grounded.
3. Diversify Your Funding Streams
Now: where is the money coming from?
Don’t rely on one or two sources. A resilient organization diversifies.
Common sources include:
Grants (foundation, government, corporate)
Individual giving (monthly donors, major gifts)
Planned giving (legacy donations, wills & estates)
Fundraising campaigns (seasonal pushes, Giving Tuesday, year-end)
Corporate sponsorships
Peer-to-peer fundraising (your supporters raise funds for you)
Third-party fundraising (external organizers running events in your name)
Earned revenue (services, sales, workshops, rentals)
Calls to Action (CTAs) on your website, social, or newsletter
In-kind donations
The more revenue streams you have, the stronger your safety net becomes.
4. Assign Roles — or Outsource!
Fund development is a team sport. You need to know who’s doing what.
Ask yourself:
Who’s writing grants?
Who’s leading donor communications?
Who’s running events or campaigns?
Who’s managing tracking, receipting, and follow-up?
If you’re a one-person show or your team is maxed out, outsource it.
There is no shame in bringing in outside help. You outsource legal and accounting — fundraising is no different.
5. Build Your Timeline — and Make It Achievable
Two parts here:
a) Timeline of Actions
What’s happening each month?
When are campaign launches?
When will you build donor lists, update your website, post CTAs?
What are key internal deadlines?
Include a grant calendar — this is critical. Map out application open dates, deadlines, reporting periods, and renewal timelines. No more last-minute scrambles.
b) Timeline of Targets
Be bold — but grounded.
Don’t say you’ll raise $50,000 in Month One unless you’ve got it lined up. That kind of pressure leads to burnout.
Instead: ramp up. $5,000, then $10,000, then $20,000. Track what works. Adjust as you go.
Progress beats perfection. Always.
6. Monitor, Measure, and Adjust
Check in monthly. Evaluate quarterly. Be willing to shift.
If something’s not working, pause and pivot. If something’s doing better than expected — double down.
This isn’t about judgment. It’s about building something that lasts.
7. Don’t Forget the Story
This is a strategy doc — yes — but it’s also a storytelling tool.
Your Fund Development Plan should reflect:
Your voice
Your values
Your impact
It’s not just “how we’ll raise money” — it’s “why we’re worth supporting.”
Final Word: Scrap the Scramble
If you’re tired of the cycle — no clarity, no plan, no time — it’s time to shift.
A well-built Fund Development Plan helps you breathe. It helps you lead. It helps you raise money without losing your mission in the process.
And if you need help building one? That’s what we do.
Let’s ditch the panic fundraising. Let’s plan, together.
#AdvocateFundraising
Clarity. Strategy. Heart.
