Building a Nonprofit Strategic Plan: A 3-Month Road Map For Q1

Time is a thief.

Before we know it, we’ll be halfway through 2025. But not today!

If you’re like most nonprofits, you may not have a written fundraising plan. A whopping 57% of charities in one recent study lack one.

So, what is a fundraising plan?

It’s a written document that outlines your fundraising goals and the strategies you’ll implement to reach those goals over a specific amount of time, typically 12 months. Many organizations operate on a fiscal calendar year, from January to December, while others run from July to June.

Your plan may include owners, strategies, campaigns, events, financial goals, expenses, channels, and even a communications schedule.

Just like we don’t drive blindfolded, we don’t want to start the year without a crystal-clear fundraising plan.

Your fundraising success depends on it.

Organizations with a written fundraising plan consistently outperform those without them.

Ready to start 2025 with a detailed 3-month road map? Let’s go!

Step one: Reflect on last year

You can’t set realistic goals for next year without an honest review of your performance last year. This free questionnaire can help you analyze your data.

Step two: Brainstorm

Any good plan begins with a great brainstorming session. Ask yourself:

• What are the goals I want to achieve each month?
• Are they relevant and realistic?
• Does every goal have a strategy and an owner?
• Does each goal include revenue targets as well as expenses associated with it? For example, copywriting, design, printing, and postage.

Step three: Craft your nonprofit strategic plan

Everyone processes information differently, so pick a format that makes the most sense for you when building your nonprofit strategic plan. I love the ASPCA’s free shelter fundraising calendar. One of the things I love about it is how it includes themes and relevant holidays for animal care organizations.

Regardless of the format you choose, make sure to apply your plan to a calendar and that every strategy includes a measurable goal assigned to an actual owner.

Sample Q1 3-month road map

Q1 fundraising plan at a glance:

Make your plan your superpower

Your fundraising plan isn’t just a to-do list—it’s your not-so-secret weapon for turning big dreams into positive impact.

Reflecting on last year, setting clear goals, and assigning owners aren’t just steps; they’re the foundation for your best year yet.

But here’s a tip: don’t let your plan gather dust. Revisit it every month, tweak it as you go, and celebrate every win—big or small. A plan like this isn’t just a roadmap for you; it’s a way to rally your team and your supporters around the same goal. When you plan with purpose, you pave the way for incredible results.