Project · Fundraising & Development
Annual fund plan for nonprofits
Part of our fundraising & development support. Work on it with a coach, practitioner or cohort — and keep the result.
No credit card required · you own & control your data
You’ll walk away with
12-month fundraising calendar
Revenue goals by channel
Owner for every activity
- Typical length
- 4–6 weeks to build
- Who’s involved
- executive director (ED) and development lead, with input from the board; about 2 hours a week
Overview
What is an annual fund plan project?
An annual fund plan is a 12-month calendar of your fundraising activities, with a goal and an owner for each. When it’s done, everyone knows what happens each month, revenue arrives more evenly through the year, and fundraising is no longer something you fit in when there’s spare time.
Steps
How does an annual fund plan project usually run?
01
Look back
Review the last two years of gifts by month and by channel.
02
Set goals by channel
Split your revenue goal across events, mail, online giving, grants and major gifts.
03
Build the calendar
Place each appeal, event and donor update on a monthly calendar with an owner.
04
Check in monthly
Compare results to the plan each month and adjust.
Signs you need this
When does a nonprofit need an annual fund plan project?
The most common sign a nonprofit needs an annual fund plan project is “Fundraising happens when there’s time.” — here are the others to look for.
- Fundraising happens when there’s time.
- Revenue is lumpy and unpredictable.
- Nobody owns the calendar.
Delivery
How does Resilia deliver an annual fund plan project?
Coaching plus templates, usually 3–5 sessions. Many teams combine it with the Grow Digital Fundraising cohort.
Free to start with templates in your workspace. 3–5 coaching sessions: about $600–$2,500 — or free to you if your funder sponsors it.
Example
What does a finished annual fund plan look like?
For example, a $450K senior services nonprofit might spread a $180K individual giving goal across a spring appeal, a fall event, year-end mail and monthly donors. Each line of its calendar would name an owner and a due date.
Pitfalls
What are common mistakes to avoid?
- Setting goals by hope instead of last year’s actual results.
- Crowding every activity into the last three months of the year.
- Planning only asks, and forgetting thank-yous and updates.
Related
What is an annual fund plan project often paired with?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How detailed should it be?
Detailed enough that everyone knows what happens each month and who owns it.
How long does an annual fund plan project take?
Typically 4–6 weeks to build. ED and development lead, with input from the board; about 2 hours a week.
How much does an annual fund plan project cost?
Free to start with templates in your workspace. 3–5 coaching sessions: about $600–$2,500 — or free to you if your funder sponsors it.
Who does the work on an annual fund plan project?
Coaching plus templates; often combined with Grow Digital Fundraising.
Can we start an annual fund plan project for free?
Yes. Start self-service for free in your workspace, then add a coach, practitioner or cohort when you’re ready — or ask your funder to sponsor it.
Can our funder pay for this?
Often, yes. Here’s how to ask.
Start this project.
I run a nonprofit
Start in your free workspace — no funder needed.
Start this projectNo credit card required · you own & control your data
Advise nonprofits? See how consultants work with Resilia.