Fundraising Planning

At Responsive Fundraising, we have strong opinions about planning. First and foremost, we believe your mission will never be accomplished if your plan relies on short-term, tactical, channel-specific solutions. We will only recommend what is timely and appropriate in order to ensure that you are developing your own strengths rather than becoming overly reliant on ours. And whereas most plans approach fundraising as an art or science, we approache fundraising by design. As planners and organizers, we are designers of meaningful experiences for those on both sides of the charitable gift exchange.

We recognize that all nonprofit organizations, large and small, regardless of their missions, raise funds in accordance with the same basic principles. The extent to which organizations execute their plans efficiently (cost per dollar raised) and effectively (goal achievement) ultimately distinguishes between the successful and unsuccessful organizations. To visualize these basic principles, we have designed a framework that characterizes three lanes, like the three beltway lanes encircling a city, running parallel to each other in concentric circles. We utilize our three lanes to facilitate this third step in Responsive’s continuum of services.

Our three-lanes approach is not a rigid, one-size-fits-all solution; rather it is a below-the-surface understanding of how effective fundraising really works. In addition to providing a framework for planning and evaluating the program’s overall performance, the three-lanes approach addresses common roadblocks that organizations routinely encounter as they cultivate their donors through greater levels of commitment as well as the roles and responsibilities between paid professionals and volunteers, the setting and assessment of goals, and the alignment of the mission.

To request a detailed proposal of what this engagement looks like, or to request a customized proposal, please request a proposal.