Here's how you can diversify your fundraising revenue streams.

Have a strategic plan that fits the capacity of the organization. Develop a strategy for relationship building to increase grant funding. Once funds are granted it’s important to report the impact of funds received and continue to cultivate relationships that will impact both parties.

Should you hang all your fundraising hopes and dream on a benefit dinner…no! Is it a core tool to cast vision? Generate excitement and energy? Form community? Meet new friends? Connect to mission? 100%. Here is my advice: Don’t start w a big gala. Incorporate it into your strategy along with a well defined major gift cultivation system. Make it just as much about energizing existing givers and enticing new. Make sure to have fun!

Fundraising events create an opportunity to foster relationships with donors. Create as many opportunities as possible to recognize sponsors. •Communication is key for engaging your audience, include an upcoming event calendar to share that includes different levels to sponsor, volunteer or donate if unable to attend. •Offer incentives for early bird registration and include any in-kind sponsors on all promo material. •Have a strategic plan to thank sponsors that exposes their name to the entire community of your organizations supporters.

I think most fundraisers know it as Planned Giving. I've been devoted to this arm of fundraising since 1997. When you're talking to the right people, including your work in their will, or other long-term plan, is a natural extension of the giving they've been doing for a long time. Planned Giving builds endowment and ensures your nonprofit's sustainability.

My #1 would be Individual Giving. At least, it belongs somewhere on the list. You want to build relationships with investment-level donors with whom you can have realistic funding conversations about your growth, plans, programs, staffing, challenges, sustainability, and how they can help. It takes time and trust to build these relationships, but they'll be enormously valuable to your work over many years.

Start with a solid development plan and let that guide you so that you are not thrown off course or sidetracked by every "opportunity" that you see. Be strategic and discerning in what you do -- not every opportunity is worth taking if you don't have the capacity or resources to execute it.

Be aware of opportunities to engage the community and share the mission of your organization. •Attend leadership seminars •Collaborate with like organizations to increase awareness •Volunteer for an Event •Build genuine relationships •Love what you do and be proud of the mission you support!

Diversified funding contributes significantly to the financial stability of a nonprofit. By tapping into a variety of revenue streams, such as individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events, organizations can create a more predictable and stable income efforts. But all of these efforts need to be organized. As a fundraising and resource development consultant, one of the most crucial pieces of advice I consistently offer to nonprofits is the necessity of a well-devised Yearly Fundraising Plan. This strategic approach not only provides a roadmap for the year ahead but also ensures that efforts are concentrated, responsibilities are clear, and goals are well-defined.

Central to these approaches is the active engagement of donors, which can be achieved through personalized communication, regular updates on the impact of their contributions, and opportunities for direct involvement such as volunteer programs or advisory roles. Additionally, leveraging digital platforms for crowdfunding and peer-to-peer campaigns can tap into broader audiences, while social media and email marketing can keep donors informed and connected. Building strong relationships with donors, recognizing their contributions, and continually assessing and adapting the fundraising plan to emerging trends ensures a resilient and diversified financial foundation.