How do you adjust fundraising plans based on evaluation results?

Fundraising metrics for Not profits also need to continuously track the ROI while selecting the engagement mediums. A detailed metrics with both expected outputs and outcomes help identify the key engagement priorities along with frequency to bring any tangible change. With changing landscape, the indicators should also be derived based on industrial benchmarking, bifurcated by innovation and regular investments. The metrics should also outline the predictors for high donor retention and portfolio growth, which would be a function of programs/products as well. Creating RACI at evaluation stage, itself helps in evaluating the fundraising efforts effectively.

Set clear objectives: Based on the evaluation results, establish specific and measurable goals for the fundraising efforts. These goals should address the weaknesses identified and build upon the strengths.

Most important step is to first deeply understand key donor segments. Spend time playing with CRM data (go beyond obvious). It has power to reveal interesting insights to to identify what has worked in the past. 1. For instance, ask questions like: - Age (Average age of our largest/longest individual donor vs how often-which mode we talk to them). - Gender (which programs women prefers vs men). - Cause that gets top $ (cancer awareness/treatment/capital) - Geography (any correlation with team/board presence) 2. What and how: relationship/services? - X% Foundations: 2X multi-year restricted funding via large proposals by 2025. - Y% Individuals: 50% lapsed donors activated. - Z% Corporations: 80% ERG (employee resource groups) by events.

We set a multi-year plan, with emphasis on the coming year. The approach(es) are based on our current understanding of the audiences based on our metrics, which are ongoing. But it's important to make adjustments, and to do so based on results. That being said, the raw result is not the only item to be considered in making adjustments. We also look at timing (was there an event or something in the news that might have affected return?) and any other factors that may have boosted or negated our return. So, it's not just about metrics in numbers, but also about environment.

My fav 3 ways: 1. Start with fully leveraging existing quant data (70% weightage). I prefer curating CRM dashboards (can be exported in excel) to inform actions. Is a grant forecasted/ when to touch base with donor/ are there outstanding satisfaction issues/email or meeting needed, etc. 2. A good data hygiene is must. Regular data entry, vetting, analytics and team sharing is essential to maintain Single Customer View (SCV) in CRM. As a fundraiser having a 360* view of chronological data related to each donor is very helpful. 3. For CRM, Gartner, Bloomerang, Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT, Salesforce or other cloud-based tools work well. For qualitative data (30% asking why), Qualtrics, Google forms, LinkedIn Polls are preferred.

Carefully analyze the findings from the evaluation, looking for areas of improvement and identifying any gaps or weaknesses in the fundraising efforts.

Make the necessary adjustments to the fundraising strategies, campaigns, or tactics based on the evaluation results and the feedback you received. Need to put the action plan into action.

Regularly evaluate the fundraising efforts to determine whether the changes are producing the desired outcomes and if further adjustments are needed.