SETTING REALISTIC, ACHIEVABLE GOALS
HISTORICAL FACTS.
Many organisations set unrealistic goals for themselves which bear no relationship to the structure, resources or nature of the organisation.
Unrealistic goals pay no attention to the previous subjects in these notes. They are set in a arbitrary way usually by those who have little knowledge of the 'real' fund-raising environment in which the organisation has to participate.
Negative goal setting creates feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and ultimately will lose you valuable man power and good staff. Whoever set these unrealistic goals is setting up the fund-raising activity, and all who operate it, for failure.
Make sure that your fund-raising goals are achievable (not too easy) - BUT ACHIEVABLE!
There is nothing more destructive to morale than failure.
 Fundraising
for Dummiesby John Mutz, Katherine Murray (Paperback - June 2000) |
 Fundraising
for Social Changeby Kim Klein (Paperback) |
SEQUENCE OF GOAL SETTING
1. Define "what your organisation does" by developing a "MISSION STATEMENT"
Mission Statements help keep your organisation focused on what you do. It is a good statement for publicity purposes. Referring back to a Mission Statement constantly reminds you what it is your organisation does, and helps you get back on track, if you begin to develop into some area that isn't as focused as it should be.
When you begin thinking about your organisation's fund-raising activities, keep referring back to the organisation's "Mission Statement" and ask the question: Is this activity compatible with, and complementary to "what the organisation does?"
2. Define "what your organisation needs" that requires funding. Make a "wish list", list it in priority order, and put a "guesstimate" cost against it.
3. Then look at your "Resource List" and the list of "Things to consider when you are planning a fund-raising event" and re-prioritise your "Wish List', based on the resources and opportunities available, to plan and execute a successful fund-raising event/s.
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