Strong budgets start with realistic fundraising goals

January 6, 2014

Strong budgets start with realistic fundraising goals

As 2014 gets underway, nonprofits should lay out a plan for meeting and exceeding fundraising goals in the next 12 months. Achieving goals does not always mean breaking all time records. Instead, nonprofits should build a budget and forecast reasonable fundraising goals that won't leave the organizations scrambling for money before the year is over.

While it's important to adopt a successful attitude, fundraising goals should be realistic so that the company has a clear picture of how it can operate. According to The Daily News in Memphis, there are some techniques that can help organizations establish fundraising goals:

  • A team commitment: Make sure everyone involved in the budget planning process understands and agrees on the current financial situation. If there is disagreement on how much the organization can make, listen to all parties and try and determine a realistic, but conservative amount to start with.
  • Commitment to the goal: Everyone involved with setting goals should understand the work required to reach them. That should include personal giving from board members as well as their participation in raising funds from others.
  • Funds for fundraising: Keep in mind that fundraising itself is not free. In addition to realistic goals, make sure a budget has money set aside that will be used to achieve the agreed upon goals. While there are many new cost-effective ways to raise money, such as Facebook and sources of crowdfunding, the meat will come traditional fundraising methods.

An accurate budget depends on fundraising goals set by members who understand how much money is available and how to get it. It's OK to plan for a banner year, but if everyone plans on putting in the extra time to achieve the new numbers.

single-post9634

Ready to chat?
Get in touch today to request a no-obligation savings evaluation.

Testimonials

Working with Marshal Whittey at First Nonprofit has been a great experience. He handles our request as a priority and goes above and beyond to resolve any issues we have in a timely manner. Marshall follows through to the end and ensures our needs are met. He has been a great resource for LSC and our “go to” for any tax questions we may have. With LSC transitioning several facilities into one federal tax identification number, First Nonprofit was able to assist and provide guidance with best practices resolving claims to each entity. Additionally First Nonprofit provided knowledge (information materials) and one on one training to HRS group with best practices to handle claims state adjudicated, fraudulent claims, and appeals. And processing information in the First Nonprofit [unemployment claims] system allows for timely information can be collected.

Lutheran Services Carolinas, Salisbury, NC

My experience with FNP has been wonderful. Unemployment in general is quite confusing and FNP has simplified the process for us. Everyone we have reached out to or worked with has been very helpful and follows up to be sure we understand the information. I am so happy we made the switch to FNP!

Stone Valley Community Charter School, Huntingdon, PA

First Nonprofit smoothed the unemployment perils for our organization during Covid. Without the ability to cap our UI exposure, we would not have been able to weather the storm. The program worked perfectly and we have come out of the pandemic ready to forge on. Thanks FNP!

Jewish Silicon Valley, Los Gatos, CA

My experience with the FNP has been fantastic. The idea of setting funds aside for the unemployment tax liability is a bedrock for nonprofit organizations like mine, namely ASHBA; what is even more advantageous is having the FNP as a custodian of those funds. 100% recommended!

American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association, Inc., Lexington, KY

I would like to comment on my experience with FNP….to date our District has saved $1,000’s of dollars by being enrolled in the First Nonprofit program. My only regret is that we did not know about this method of paying unemployment tax years ago….as I had figured about five years

ago, had we enrolled 15-20 years ago, we could have saved our small school district upwards of $500,000 in payments to IDES. Also we would have had a pretty hefty sum of money in our Reserve Account. Thankfully I attended a workshop hosted by First Nonprofit back in 2015 which got the ball rolling!

Beardstown Community Unit School District 15, Beardstown, IL

I have worked with the First Non-Profit Team for many years, and I appreciate the quick response and care that Cecilia and the team provides anytime I have questions. While there are other providers that may provide like services, First Nonprofit will always be my first choice! I appreciate you!

Innovative Services, Inc., Green Bay, WI

First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.

Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY

Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!

Neurologic Music Therapy Services of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ