Pulling together your annual plan: A few helpful tips
You don't need to make a full-on New Year’s resolution to get your annual plan pulled together. Instead of hemming and hawing over what to take care of first, use this checklist as a jumping-off point and start the year off strong:
1) PREP AN AT-A-GLANCE CALENDAR to create a snapshot of events, appeals, reports, communications, milestones, and donor stewardship activities for the upcoming year.
Tip: Identify content themes for each month that correspond to these events and are standard across your platforms. Leave some wiggle room for current events and unanticipated shifts.
2) CREATE A FUNDRAISING DASHBOARD for the year.
Tip: Be sure to map out how your communications goals support your fundraising goals—everything is connected!
3) GATHER YOUR TEAM TO REVIEW LAST YEAR, celebrate accomplishments, and discuss hurdles.
Tip: Invite your program staff to update impact stories, quotes, and to organize photo/video assets from the year. This is a great time to update your “raw materials” that get used frequently for grant applications, web content, etc.
4) SEND TAX RECEIPTS TO DONORS per your org's policy.
Tip: Consider a companion email or thank-you video from leadership. Kick off the year with a high-quality touchpoint.