This section will help you think about how you get the money you need, and how you might do it more effectively.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS YOUR ORGANISATION AT FUNDING ITS ACTIVITIES?
Finding money is easier if you have a fundraising or revenue-generation strategy that spells out where you think the money will come from, who will try to get it and how. A fundraising strategy can also clarify how different parts of the organisation can contribute to raising money.
IMPROVING YOUR ABILITY TO FIND MONEY
Use your assessment to determine your next steps. In all cases, you should:
- Discuss the results of this organisational strength map with IFEX. We may be able to connect you with relevant reference materials, external consultants, training opportunities or a skills exchange with another IFEX member.
- Discuss the results with some of your most committed funders who may be able to support some areas of your organisational development.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS YOUR ORGANISATION AT FUNDING ITS ACTIVITIES?
1. Our organisation knows where most of the money it needs for the next couple of years will come from.
Yes
Somewhat
No
2. Most of the money we receive will be spent on activities we think are most important to fulfill our purpose.
Yes
Somewhat
No
3. Our efforts to generate income are well integrated with our organisation’s other plans and activities, e.g., strategic planning, program activities, communications.
Yes
Somewhat
No
4. Our organisation has a fundraising or revenue-generation strategy.
Yes
Somewhat
No
5. We receive revenue from a variety of sources, e.g., donor organisations, sale of products or services, membership fees, individuals, special events.
Yes
Somewhat
No
6. When we develop funding proposals, we include a realistic amount for our own administrative costs, and include the value of non-cash (or “in-kind”) contributions we receive, e.g., free labour, donated equipment.
Yes
Somewhat
No
7. One person in our organisation has overall responsibility for income-generation (or fundraising) and other people know what roles they are expected to play.
Yes
Somewhat
No
If your assessment shows that you have answered mostly “No”
• Prepare a chart of your donors over the last two or three years, showing the amounts, projects or themes they funded in each year. Analyse how and why their funding changed over time.
• Talk with people you know at other organisations about their fundraising experiences.
• Analyse and compare your successful and unsuccessful fundraising proposals. Why were some more successful than others?
If your assessment shows that you have answered mostly “Somewhat”
• Review the tips under “mostly no” to ensure that you have covered the basics.
• Review funders’ websites and communications periodically to keep current with their priorities, even if you do not apply to them for funding. Where possible, meet in-person with funders to discuss their priorities and your work.
• Maintain good relationships with your current funders. Keep them informed about your work and impact, and seek their feedback. Keep abreast of any changes in their leadership, priorities, etc.
• Do research to find out which funders support other organisations that do work similar to your own.
• Stay true to your purpose when applying for funds. (Note: People often refer to an organisation’s ‘purpose’ as its mission and/or vision.)
• Plan for different kinds and levels of funding (e.g., core funding, project funding, new initiative start-up funding). Cultivate a few funders to support your core expenditures for several years. Diversify funding for the rest of your operations.
• Share the results of this assessment with consultants in your community who can advise you on targeted ways forward.
If your assessment shows that you have answered mostly “Yes”
• Review the results under “mostly no” and “mostly somewhat” to ensure that there are no gaps in your planning.
• Keep looking for new funding. Finding new donors requires time, trust and mutual understanding. It is important to build new relationships while you are financially healthy.
• Develop a financial sustainability plan to help you assess what is secure about your financial future, what you are unsure of, and what financial risks you are facing. This will help you make informed decisions about the resources you need and the strategies you choose to seek them.
• Share the results of this assessment with consultants in your community who can advise you on targeted ways forward.
Organisational Strength Map
Use this tool to identify your organisation’s strengths and explore areas for growth and development.
Chapters
Strategic Planning Toolkit
Build your strategic plan and improve your organisation’s effectiveness with these strategic planning tools and fact sheets. Not sure where to start? Check out the Starting Points page for advice tailored to your situation.
Communications Strategy Toolkit
Effective communications planning will enable you to raise your organisation’s voice on issues that matter.
Financial Sustainability Plan
Ensure that your organisation survives and thrives by strengthening its fiscal framework.
Social Media Strategy
This step-by-step tool will enable you to build an effective social media strategy and engage your online audiences.
Website Optimisation Plan
This 10-step plan will help you improve your website’s impact and usability.