The 1-page fundraising plan I'd hand my board

Hi Reader,

I'll be honest with you: most board fundraising documents are too long, too complicated, and too boring for anyone to actually use.

I've seen 20-page development plans that sat in a shared Google Drive, opened twice a year by one board member. I've seen detailed spreadsheets that were outdated before they were finished. And I've watched executive directors spend hours creating materials that didn't move the needle on board giving or board engagement.

Here's what actually works: one page. Clear. Updated quarterly. Used in every board meeting.

Here's what I'd put on it:

• The goal. One number. What are we trying to raise this year, and where are we against that goal right now? Don't make them do math. Show them the percentage.
• The top 10 donors or prospects. Who are the most important relationships in your pipeline? Who needs a call, a visit, or a personal note in the next 30 days? Name names. Board members can't help with relationships they don't know about.
• The ask. What specifically do you need from the board this month? Introductions to three prospects? Attendance at a cultivation event? Personal thank-you calls to the last 10 donors? Be specific. "Engage in fundraising" is not an action item.
• The wins. What's working? What gift or relationship moved forward since the last meeting? Celebrate progress. It motivates.

That's it. One page, four sections, updated before every board meeting. When the board can see the plan clearly, they can actually participate in it. That changes the dynamic entirely.

I have a Board Meeting Packet template that builds this kind of structure for you for the full meeting - so you can spend your energy on strategy, not formatting.

A board that understands the plan is a board that helps execute it.

Cheers,
Kayla