Checklist · Nonprofit
Nonprofit fundraising checklist — Step by Step 2026
This nonprofit fundraising checklist provides a step-by-step guide to help your organization maximize its fundraising efforts, improve donor engagement, and ensure compliance. From initial planning to post-campaign analysis, we'll cover essential tasks and tools like Bloomerang and Kindful to streamline your fundraising process.
Phase 01
Planning & Preparation
- 1.1critical16 hours
Define Fundraising Goals
Establish clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) fundraising goals for the year. Consider using a balanced scorecard approach.
- 1.2high24 hours
Identify Target Donors
Research and identify potential donors who align with your mission. Segment donors based on giving history and capacity.
- 1.3critical40 hours
Develop a Fundraising Plan
Create a comprehensive fundraising plan outlining strategies, timelines, and resource allocation. Include diverse revenue streams.
- 1.4high32 hours
Set up Donor Management System
Implement a donor management system like Salesforce NPSP or Blackbaud to track donor information and donations effectively.
- 1.5medium24 hours
Establish Donation Channels
Set up various donation channels, including online donation forms, mail-in options, and peer-to-peer fundraising platforms like Donorbox.
- 1.6medium24 hours
Create Fundraising Materials
Develop compelling fundraising materials, including brochures, email templates, and social media content. Ensure consistent branding.
- 1.7high16 hours
Train Fundraising Team
Provide training to your fundraising team on best practices, donor communication, and ethical fundraising.
- 1.8medium8 hours
Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Establish KPIs to measure the success of your fundraising efforts. Track metrics like donor retention rate and average donation size.
- 1.9medium24 hours
Research Grant Opportunities
Identify potential grant opportunities that align with your organization's mission. Use grant databases and online resources.
- 1.10high16 hours
Develop a Case for Support
Create a compelling case for support that articulates your organization's impact and needs. Use storytelling and data to engage donors.
Phase 02
Campaign Execution
- 2.1critical8 hours
Launch Fundraising Campaign
Officially launch your fundraising campaign across all channels. Monitor response rates and adjust strategies as needed.
- 2.2high16 hours
Implement Donor Communication Strategy
Implement a consistent donor communication strategy, including regular updates, thank-you notes, and impact reports.
- 2.3medium16 hours
Manage Online Donations
Monitor and manage online donations through your donation platform. Ensure secure and efficient processing.
- 2.4medium16 hours
Process Offline Donations
Process offline donations, including checks and cash, accurately and promptly. Record all donations in your donor management system.
- 2.5medium24 hours
Engage with Donors on Social Media
Engage with donors on social media platforms. Share stories, updates, and impact reports. Respond to comments and messages promptly.
- 2.6medium40 hours
Host Fundraising Events
Organize fundraising events to engage donors and raise funds. Ensure proper planning, promotion, and execution.
- 2.7high32 hours
Solicit Major Gifts
Identify and cultivate relationships with major donors. Schedule meetings and present personalized proposals.
- 2.8medium16 hours
Manage Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Support and manage peer-to-peer fundraising efforts. Provide resources and guidance to fundraisers.
- 2.9high8 hours
Track Campaign Progress
Monitor campaign progress against established KPIs. Use data to identify areas for improvement.
- 2.10critical24 hours
Ensure Grant Compliance
Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including reporting deadlines and spending restrictions. Use grant management tools.
Phase 03
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
- 3.1critical24 hours
Send Thank-You Notes
Send personalized thank-you notes to all donors promptly. Acknowledge their contributions and express gratitude.
- 3.2high16 hours
Provide Impact Reports
Share impact reports with donors, showcasing the results of their contributions. Highlight the difference they are making.
- 3.3medium24 hours
Engage Donors with Stories
Share compelling stories of beneficiaries to engage donors emotionally. Use visuals and testimonials.
- 3.4medium16 hours
Offer Volunteer Opportunities
Provide volunteer opportunities for donors to get involved with your organization. Engage them in meaningful ways.
- 3.5medium40 hours
Host Donor Appreciation Events
Host donor appreciation events to recognize and celebrate your donors. Create a sense of community.
- 3.6high16 hours
Personalize Donor Communication
Personalize donor communication based on their giving history and interests. Use data from your donor management system.
- 3.7medium16 hours
Solicit Donor Feedback
Solicit feedback from donors to improve your fundraising efforts and donor engagement strategies. Use surveys and interviews.
- 3.8medium8 hours
Recognize Major Donors Publicly
Recognize major donors publicly through your website, annual report, and events. Obtain their consent first.
- 3.9medium24 hours
Create a Legacy Giving Program
Establish a legacy giving program to encourage planned gifts. Provide information and resources to potential legacy donors.
- 3.10critical16 hours
Maintain Accurate Donor Records
Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in your donor management system. Ensure data privacy and security.
Phase 04
Grant Management
- 4.1critical40 hours
Submit Grant Applications
Prepare and submit grant applications by the deadlines. Follow the guidelines and requirements carefully.
- 4.2high16 hours
Track Grant Proposals
Track the status of grant proposals and follow up with grantmakers as needed. Maintain communication and build relationships.
- 4.3critical24 hours
Manage Grant Funds
Manage grant funds according to the grant agreement. Track expenses and ensure compliance with spending restrictions.
- 4.4high32 hours
Prepare Grant Reports
Prepare and submit grant reports by the deadlines. Provide accurate and detailed information on the use of grant funds.
- 4.5medium8 hours
Acknowledge Grant Support
Acknowledge grant support publicly through your website, annual report, and events. Thank grantmakers for their contributions.
- 4.6medium24 hours
Cultivate Grantmaker Relationships
Cultivate relationships with grantmakers by providing updates on your organization's work and inviting them to events. Build trust and rapport.
- 4.7medium24 hours
Research New Grant Opportunities
Continuously research new grant opportunities that align with your organization's mission. Use grant databases and online resources.
- 4.8critical16 hours
Comply with Grant Regulations
Comply with all relevant grant regulations and guidelines. Stay informed about changes in grantmaking policies.
- 4.9medium16 hours
Evaluate Grant Programs
Evaluate the effectiveness of grant-funded programs. Use data to measure impact and identify areas for improvement.
- 4.10high16 hours
Maintain Grant Records
Maintain accurate and organized grant records. Keep copies of grant applications, agreements, and reports.
Phase 05
Analysis & Reporting
- 5.1high16 hours
Analyze Fundraising Results
Analyze fundraising results and compare them to established KPIs. Identify successes and areas for improvement.
- 5.2critical24 hours
Prepare Financial Reports
Prepare financial reports on fundraising activities. Track revenue, expenses, and net income. Use nonprofit accounting software.
- 5.3medium16 hours
Evaluate Donor Engagement Strategies
Evaluate the effectiveness of donor engagement strategies. Measure donor retention rate and donor satisfaction.
- 5.4critical16 hours
Assess Grant Compliance
Assess compliance with grant requirements and regulations. Identify any areas of non-compliance.
- 5.5high16 hours
Report to Stakeholders
Report fundraising results to stakeholders, including board members, donors, and staff. Provide clear and concise information.
- 5.6medium16 hours
Identify Trends and Insights
Identify trends and insights from fundraising data. Use data to inform future fundraising strategies.
- 5.7high24 hours
Update Fundraising Plan
Update your fundraising plan based on the analysis of fundraising results. Adjust strategies and timelines as needed.
- 5.8medium16 hours
Improve Donor Management System
Improve your donor management system based on user feedback and identified needs. Ensure data accuracy and efficiency.
- 5.9medium8 hours
Share Lessons Learned
Share lessons learned from fundraising activities with your team. Promote continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
- 5.10high16 hours
Prepare for Next Fundraising Cycle
Prepare for the next fundraising cycle by reviewing past performance and planning for future campaigns. Leverage tools like Neon One.
Pro tips
- Utilize storytelling to connect with donors on an emotional level and demonstrate the impact of their contributions.
- Segment your donor base to personalize communication and tailor fundraising appeals to specific groups.
- Leverage technology solutions like Salesforce NPSP and Donorbox to streamline donor management and fundraising processes.
- Prioritize donor stewardship by sending prompt thank-you notes and providing regular updates on the impact of their donations.
- Build strong relationships with grantmakers by providing timely and accurate reports and demonstrating a commitment to grant compliance.