Who is this for?
This content is designed for participants in Anti Entropy's SparkWell fiscal sponsorship program. While some context will be specific to SparkWell and may need more context, we've made these resources public because they may, nevertheless, be useful to others who may be founding or building an organization.
- Introduction & onboarding
- Mission, theory of change & impact evaluation
- Fundraising strategy & donor management (current stage)
- Financial management & budgeting
- Legal compliance & risk management
- Infosec & GDPR
- Brand development & marketing
- "Bus-proofing" & sustainability strategy
- HR systems & hiring strategy
- Board development & governance
- Revisited: Mission, theory of change & impact evaluation
- Graduation
Fundraising strategy & donor management
Why is this important?
When setting up a nonprofit, itβs essential to think about fundraising strategy and donor management because funding is what enables the organization to carry out its mission, while strong donor relationships ensure long-term sustainability. A clear fundraising strategy identifies the most effective sources and methods for raising money, aligns with the nonprofitβs goals and capacity, and reduces financial uncertainty. Donor management helps build trust, retain supporters, and grow contributions over time by ensuring donors feel valued, informed, and connected to the impact of their giving. Together, they create a stable financial foundation for the organizationβs work.
Suggested reading
Nonprofit Operations Playbook:
Other Related Readings
Milestones
Aim to complete these before your next monthly check-in:
βοΈ Suitable funding sources and/or donors determined
(Optional) Further outcomes
Consider completing these throughout the program:
βοΈ Fundraising best practices and tactics discussed
βοΈ Stakeholder mapping and engagement approaches discussed
βοΈ Partnership strategies developed
βοΈ Case for support written
βοΈ Grant strategy developed
βοΈ Grant(s) applied for as needed
βοΈ Due diligence discussed
Next up: Financial management & budgeting
When setting up a nonprofit, careful financial management and budgeting are crucial to ensure resources are used efficiently, obligations are met, and the organization remains financially sustainable.
See the Financial management & budgeting worksheet for more information.