As we move into Fall many non-profit organizations will begin putting together their 2013 budget and fundraising plan. To maximize your budget and create the best plan possible, look beyond the numbers and take a look at giving trends.
As board members and leaders of a non-profit organization our first instinct, when it comes to finances, is generally to look at the bottom line. If the balance sheet looks good, we breathe a sigh of relief. However, living ‘month to month’ is as unhealthy for a non-profit organization as it is for a family.
Because Summer is typically a slow time in fundraising, a full bank account can be deceiving. Summer is a time when many non-profits see not only a period of no fundraising events, but also a decline in regular monthly gifts. Without careful planning, the balance sheet that appeared to be on an upswing in May can quickly turn to a crisis by Fall.
On the other hand, if the organization is just a few weeks away from the largest fundraising event of the year, grim numbers can be quickly replaced with a fresh supply of donations and even new donors.
Creating a strategic plan which projects low-points in funds throughout the year is a good starting point for putting together a fundraising event plan. By noting the budget with the dates of special events from the prior year, you will have a better picture of where you are and may have a simple answer to why funds seem off one month. This method will also help to plan and place fundraising events at strategic times throughout the year.
By arming yourself with all the information, including giving trends, board members and non-profit leaders can put together a successful budget and fundraising plan for the coming year.