Chapter 12: Building a Comprehensive Fundraising Program

A comprehensive fundraising program can enable an organization to further its mission by raising philanthropic dollars. This chapter discusses the tools and resources focused on an organization’s willingness to create a multidisciplined process to raise funds.  The Fundraising Cycle is an essential planning tool that highlights the cyclical nature of securing philanthropic support. It provides a step-by-step process including identifying the case for support and organizational needs; seeking well-informed constituencies dedicated to the mission; forming a well-defined workable plan that can be monitored and adapted; informing and preparing staff, board, and other volunteers; and ensuring a high level of accountability and prudent stewardship.  

Organizational needs categorized as ongoing support, special purpose needs, capital needs, and endowment needs are captured via The Four-Legged Stool of Fundraising model. The Donor Pyramid outlines the organizational structure of donor involvement in the fundraising process starting with annual gifts to major gifts, to the capital gift, and ultimately to the planned gift. The power and success of the total development program lies in strategically and thoughtfully incorporating the essential elements for sustainable fundraising success.