Connecting your Vision, Values and Strategic Plan to your fundraising ‘asks’
At TFA, we understand that fundraising isn’t just about securing funds – it’s about building real relationships and making a true impact. Donors want to feel like they’re actually part of your mission, like their contribution is making a difference in helping you get closer to your goals.
Taking the time to figure out and agree on what really matters in your work, through articulating fundraising priorities, shows donors exactly how you’re making progress toward your vision. When you can clearly communicate those key priorities, your fundraising will grow. Plus, when you’ve got those priorities nailed down, it’s easier to get your whole team on the same page – everyone knows what the focus is and how it all ties into the bigger picture – how it helps you to achieve you vision.
At TFA, we love helping clients discover their fundraising priorities. We always bring in the Board and Executive team in to the conversation. It’s key that everyone across the organisation is aligned about what you’re working towards together to achieve.
What are Fundraising priorities?
Fundraising priorities are the key areas your charity focuses on, to make sure it’s actually achieving its mission and making an impact. Fundraising priorities monetise your strategic plan, by connecting the areas of your work and the funding required to make this happen. These priorities help guide all your fundraising efforts, making sure resources are used wisely and everyone, both inside and outside the organisation, know what you’re working towards.
When you have clear fundraising priorities, it helps donors feel more connected to your work. And because you’ve set those priorities, the funds you raise can go toward whatever’s most important within those ‘buckets’, instead of donors trying to dictate what you should spend it on. If this does happen, it can be very difficult to operationally manage, let alone report on! It also means you’re less likely to end up with donations for things you don’t really need or want.
Fundraising priorities won’t change how you work or what you do – they need to be transparent, avoid ‘waffle’, and clearly explain how you are moving towards achieving your vision.
This example from Cholmondeley Children’s Foundation in Governor’s Bay, Christchurch, clearly helps to communicate areas of focus for the organisation. This shared sense of purpose helps collaboration between the Central entity and the Foundation, as well as the relevant Boards and volunteers.
Fundraising priorities are highly personal to each charity, as demonstrated in the below example from St Kevin’s College in Ōamaru.
Give in various ways
At TFA, nothing excites us more than helping organisations develop and refine their fundraising strategies for long-term sustainability and growth. Whether you need support in setting fundraising priorities, developing programmes for new streams of fundraising, or maximising current streams, our team is here to help. Together, we can turn your vision into reality and ensure that your organisation continues to thrive.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey.
