A Fundraising Overview

"Development is a team effort. It is an investment in the future of your organization"

When your organization is looking for long-term funding solutions, a development plan should be implemented. A development plan is not a quick fix, nor should it be viewed as a temporary solution. A Development plan begins with the basic areas of fundraising and eventually encompasses all aspects.

Development consists of the following five (5) distinct areas of fundraising.

1. Annual Appeal / Annual Fund / Direct Mail

The most well known direct mail campaign is the annual appeal, sometimes referred to as an annual fund, or annual campaign. The annual appeal is a direct mailing that is usually mailed just prior to Thanksgiving or in early December to promote giving near the holidays. Many organizations follow up in the spring with another appeal that is designed to show potential donors how much has been raised to date and how they can help support the cause. Visit our Annual Appeal page for samples, tips and ideas to make your appeal a success.

2. Grant Writing / Proposal Writing

Grants usually come from three (3) major sources. Independent Foundations/Charitable Funds, Corporations, and Government. Adequate research of potential funding sources is critical, along with a staff member or volunteer with strong proposal writing skills. Visit our Fundraising Resources section for additional resources.

3. Major Gifts / Major Donors

As your development plan is implemented you'll begin to see a pattern emerging of major contributors to your organization. Each organization sets a level of giving that they term as "major" and they focus increased time and resources on the donors that fall within that range of giving. When selecting a giving level, keep in mind that if you have more than 150 individuals classified as "major donors" it is probably time to reevaluate your giving levels. Visit our major donors page for additional resources.

4. Planned Giving / Deferred Giving

This type of giving refers mainly to "after-life" gifts but many new vehicles have been incorporated to allow donors to make "during-life" gifts that offer the tax advantages of "after-life" gifts. From Bequests to Charitable Lead Trusts, many organizations provide pamphlets or brochures highlighting these types of gifts to educate donors while informing them of your mission and how to support your cause. Visit our Planned Giving page for samples, tips and ideas to start a planned giving program in your organization.

5. Special Events

Most organizations host an annual event, whether it be a golf outing, formal dinner/dance, duck race, or fashion show. Special events provide publicity and help you identify potential supporters. Visit our Special Events page for event tips and ideas and samples.

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