Strategic Planning Guide for Grassroots Nonprofits
Complete this workbook to create a comprehensive fundraising action plan for your organization with limited staff and resources.
Understanding where your organization stands today is the foundation of effective fundraising planning.
Complete this assessment to identify your strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Be honest about your current capacity and resources.
List 3-5 fundraising strengths or successes from the past year:
List 3-5 fundraising challenges or obstacles you’re facing:
Most grassroots nonprofits raise between $25,000-$150,000 annually with limited staff. Your assessment helps identify realistic goals based on your current capacity.
A focused 90-day plan helps you build momentum without overwhelming your limited capacity.
Choose 3-5 specific activities to implement over the next three months. Small, consistent actions create lasting change.
Add 2-3 specific actions relevant to your organization:
Block 2 hours every week for fundraising activities. Protect this time like you would an important meeting. Consistency matters more than perfection.
A clear strategy helps you focus on activities with the highest return for your limited time and resources.
Not every fundraising tactic works for every organization. Choose strategies that align with your capacity and community.
Why it works: Personal relationships are your biggest asset. People give to people they know and trust.
Time investment: 1-2 hours per ask (including follow-up)
Expected return: 30-50% success rate, $50-$500 average gift
Your plan:
Why it works: Creates personal connection while reaching multiple prospects at once.
Time investment: 10-15 hours planning + event time
Expected return: $1,000-$5,000 per event (depending on attendance)
Why it works: Local funders understand grassroots organizations and have simpler processes.
Time investment: 4-8 hours per application
Expected return: 20-40% success rate, $500-$5,000 grants
Why it works: Low cost, scalable, reaches supporters where they are.
Time investment: 2-4 hours per campaign
Expected return: 1-5% response rate, varies by list size
Why it works: Board members expand your network and add credibility to asks.
Time investment: Ongoing cultivation and support
Expected return: 100% board giving + expanded network
Based on your capacity and resources, which 3 strategies will you focus on first?
Strategy #1:
Strategy #2:
Strategy #3:
It’s better to do 3 fundraising strategies well than 10 strategies poorly. Master the basics before adding complexity.
Turning your plan into action requires clear steps, accountability, and realistic timelines.
Use this guide to break down each strategy into manageable tasks and track your progress.
• Review goals and adjust plans • Prepare materials (letters, emails, proposals) • Schedule meetings and calls • Update donor records
• Make personal asks via phone or email • Send grant applications • Launch email campaigns • Connect with board members
• Host or attend events • Follow up on pending asks • Thank recent donors • Submit additional grant applications
• Thank all new donors • Update supporters on impact • Plan next month’s activities • Review and track results
Minimum Requirements:
Tool Options: Spreadsheet (free), Hibox for Nonprofits ($), Bloomerang ($$), DonorPerfect ($$)
Create templates for:
Tip: Templates save time but always personalize before sending!
Must-Have Elements:
Platform Options: PayPal Giving, Donorbox, Network for Good, GiveWP
Identify someone who will help keep you accountable to your fundraising plan:
It takes 30-60 days to establish new habits. Be patient with yourself as you integrate fundraising into your regular routine.
What gets measured gets managed. Simple tracking helps you understand what’s working and where to focus your energy.
You don’t need sophisticated systems—just consistent tracking of key metrics that matter for your organization.
Quarter: ________________
Donor Retention Rate: ______% (repeat donors ÷ total donors)
Track your fundraising activities to ensure you’re making consistent progress:
Week of: ________________
Total hours spent on fundraising this week: _______
For grassroots nonprofits, these indicators show you’re building sustainable fundraising:
Answer these questions at the end of each quarter:
1. What fundraising activities produced the best results?
2. What took more time than expected with limited return?
3. What surprised you (positive or negative)?
4. What will you do differently next quarter?
5. What support or resources do you need?
Track only metrics you’ll actually use to make decisions. A simple system used consistently beats a complex system that gets abandoned.
Explore these valuable resources to enhance your fundraising knowledge and skills:
Free and low-cost training programs specifically designed for small nonprofit staff and volunteers. Excellent resources on fundraising fundamentals, donor relations, and board development.
Comprehensive database of foundations and corporate giving programs. Free access at participating libraries. Essential for researching grant opportunities that match your mission.
Practical templates, checklists, and guides specifically for organizations with budgets under $500k. Includes sample policies, fundraising plans, and donor communication templates.
All-in-one nonprofit management platform with donor tracking, volunteer management, board communications, and training courses. Affordable pricing for grassroots organizations with comprehensive features.
Most states have nonprofit associations offering affordable training, networking events, and resources tailored to local regulations and funding opportunities. Search “[Your State] association of nonprofits”
After completing this workbook:
Remember: Progress over perfection. Small, consistent actions build sustainable fundraising systems.
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