Earnings Potential

Identifying specific needs and setting financial goals are vital first steps in conducting a successful fundraising campaign. 

With a clear understanding of how much money is needed and how it will be spent, supporters will be motivated and focused. Clearly stated financial goals also will give the fundraising program a benchmark for success.

The following simple guidelines will help put you on track.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals & Targets

Goals should be straightforward and emphasize what you want to happen.

1. WHAT are you going to do to achieve your goal?
2. WHAT do you want to ultimately accomplish?
3. WHY is this goal important at this time?
4. HOW are you going to achieve your goal?

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Choose a goal with measurable progress so you can see the change occur. Be specific!

“We want to raise funds with Fundscrip to buy some computer equipment” is not as measurable as “We want to raise $3,000 in 8 months with Fundscrip to purchase two new laptops for the library”.

1. How much money do you need to raise?
2. How many supporters do you have?
3. How will you know when your goal is accomplished?

Be sure and keep track of your progress in reaching your goal and you will experience the thrill of achievement that keeps you on task to reach your goals.

Once you identify the goals that are most important to you, you can then figure out ways to make them come true. Goals that are too far out of your reach won’t become a reality. But this doesn’t mean that the goal you set must be too easy.

You just need have to a reasonable expectation of achieving them within a realistic time frame. The best goals require you to stretch a bit to achieve them, but they aren’t extreme. Goals that you set too high or too low become meaningless.

Realistic means “do-able”. One dilemma faced by fundraisers is knowing the difference between wishful thinking and a realistic goal. To be realistic, a goal must be an objective one which you are both willing and able to work to achieve.

Be honest when deciding how much money your organization needs to raise and how long it will take you to raise it. Remember that unrealistic goals lead to frustration for your supporters. But be sure and set the bar high enough for a satisfying result!

A goal should have a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there’s no sense of urgency to start taking action now. Goals must have a start and end point, and a fixed duration. This will also help keep you on track.

Try our calculator and discover how many regular supporters you need to reach your goal.