How to Map Your Fundraising Goals for 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ah, the start of a new year. For fundraisers, it’s a bittersweet moment—exciting because of the possibilities ahead, but daunting because everything resets to zero. Whether your fiscal year starts in January or any other month, the task of meeting your goals can feel overwhelming.

But don’t worry, fundraiser, you’ve got this! With a clear plan, manageable milestones, and some proactive strategies, you’ll crush your goals in no time. In today’s blog, we’re diving into a roadmap for your 2025 fundraising success.

Step 1: Break Your Annual Goal into Quarterly Milestones

Let’s ditch the “peanut butter” approach to goal-setting. Fundraising isn’t evenly spread across 12 months. Instead, focus on your most productive seasons. For many fundraisers, spring, fall, and November/December bring the highest returns.

Example:
If your goal is $1.2 million, break it down like this:

• Q1: $250,000
• Q2 (Spring): $400,000
• Q3 (Summer): $75,000
• Q4 (Fall and Year-End): $475,000

This approach ensures you stay proactive and avoid scrambling in the final quarter to make up lost ground.

Step 2: Revamp Your Prospect List

Your prospect list should only include donors who can close within the next 12 months. If someone isn’t ready yet, move them to a waiting list and focus on prospects who are more likely to commit this year.

For each prospect, define:

• The gift amount you’ll ask for.
• The target month to close their gift.
• A work-back plan with monthly actions leading up to the ask.

Pro Tip: Identify prospects who can be closed together, such as inviting four couples to a dinner party with your executive director and asking for $50,000 from each.

I have an awesome tool that my major gift coaching clients (and myself!) use to map out major gifts for the year. Get your FREE download here.

Step 3: Account for Organizational and Personal Distractions

Life happens. Big events like strategic planning retreats, anniversary galas, and yes, even your vacation can disrupt your fundraising rhythm. Add these distractions to your calendar early so you can plan around them effectively.

Example:
If you’re taking a two-week vacation in August, adjust your Q3 goals accordingly. You deserve the break, and proper planning ensures it won’t impact your progress.

Step 4: Align with Organizational Goals

Fundraising should reflect your nonprofit’s big-picture vision. Whether it’s a capital campaign or a new program launch, make sure your efforts align with your organization’s priorities.

Prepare giving menus and collateral to help donors connect their passions to your programs. When a donor asks, “How can I help?” you’ll have an answer ready.

Step 5: Conduct Quarterly Reviews

Every three months, assess your progress:

• Are you on track to meet your goals?
• Which prospects are responding well, and who might need more cultivation?
• Do you need to replace any prospects who can’t give this year?

Quarterly reviews allow you to course correct early, ensuring you stay proactive and avoid last-minute stress.

Starting fresh each year can feel daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to refine your strategy, set meaningful goals, and build stronger donor relationships. By breaking your goals into milestones, focusing on ready-to-close prospects, and staying flexible, you’ll set yourself up for success in 2025.

Next Steps:

• Review your prospect list and create work-back plans for key donors.
• Map out your quarterly goals and identify any distractions to plan around.
• Schedule a quarterly review to track progress and make adjustments as needed.

Here’s to a successful year of fundraising!

Want more tips to crush your goals? Listen to the full episode of Hey Fundraiser for a deeper dive into mapping your mission and meeting your 2025 goals.