The Fundraising Reality Nobody Talks About (and Why Strategic Planning is the Key)
When people think about nonprofit fundraising, they often think it’s just about asking for money. Write a grant, send an appeal letter, meet with a donor…just keep asking!
But if you’ve worked inside a nonprofit, especially a small to mid-sized one, you know it’s never that simple.
Most small to mid-sized nonprofits are trying to fundraise while juggling a dozen other priorities. They hear about a grant and scramble to apply. A board member connects them to a corporate contact, so they rush to pull together a sponsorship ask. Individual donors? That’s usually a few last-minute emails and crossing fingers.
The reality is many nonprofits don’t have a Development Department handling grants, sponsors, and donors separately. They’re expected to fundraise like a big team… but they’re not one. But here’s the truth:
-You can still fundraise strategically, even with a small team.
-It’s not about chasing money.
-It’s about building systems and strategies that make asking feel natural, confident, and sustainable.
The Fix: You Need a Plan (Not More Tasks)
Successful, sustainable fundraising isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things with a clear plan in place.
That means:
Organizing your funding streams (grants, sponsors, donors, events) in a way that feels realistic for your team
Having systems and templates that make the process easier
Shifting from reacting to opportunities to proactively building your funding base
You don’t need a massive department to do this. You need focus, a simple plan, and resources designed for real-world nonprofit life.
The Missing Link: Your Strategic Plan
Here’s something that often gets overlooked in fundraising conversations: Your strategic plan is a fundraising tool.
When you ask for support, funders want to know:
Where is your nonprofit going?
Why do you need the funding you’re asking for?
Do you have a sustainable plan to get there?
A strategic plan answers those questions.
Think of it this way: If you hop in a car with a friend and they say, “I don’t have a map, and I’ve never been here before, but let’s start driving” you’ll probably feel uneasy.
But if they show you a map, explain the route, and how you’re getting there, you’re much more likely to get on board.
Funders are the same way.
When you show them a strategic plan, you’re not just asking for money. You’re showing them the map. You’re explaining how their support gives you the gas to get from Point A to Point B, as part of a bigger journey.
If fundraising feels scattered and exhausting, you’re not alone. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
With the right systems, a clear fundraising plan, and a strategic plan guiding your organization’s direction, you can stop scrambling and start fundraising with confidence.
If your organization is interested in strategic planning, contact me today. I love helping organizations create a roadmap that will not only give your organization a clearer vision to move forward, but also one that will directly impact your fundraising success. Learn more about Strategic Planning here.
