Ready to start (fundraising)?

It’s almost October: the fourth quarter of 2025 is just around the corner. Time flies!
For me, as a Fundraising Advisor, this means we’re already hard at work with my clients on their  2026 project budgets . At the same time, we hope that the outstanding applications for 2025 will soon be approved, so this year’s budget can be finalized as well. December remains a nail-biter every year: how much will we ultimately raise?

Starting early gives peace of mind

I like to encourage my clients to ideally look six months ahead. Summer is the perfect time to plan for next year. This early look ahead provides peace of mind for both planning and financing.
Too often, I see organizations that only start thinking about their (new) projects and budgets for the following year in November. For a fundraiser, this means playing catch-up: you’re immediately 3-0 down and expected to secure funding within three months. That’s unrealistic.

Why is timing crucial?

• Processing time:
  Expect a processing time of approximately six months. Funds often hold spring and fall meetings and may ask additional questions or request a consultation first. Therefore, applications submitted in the fall of 2025 will not be accepted until the first quarter of 2026.
• Involve Fundraising early in the planning process.
  Have the Fundraising Advisor review the project plan. We’ll assess the approach, feasibility, and financial justification from a fundraising perspective. This process also takes time.
• Avoid delays. If you only start fundraising in the first quarter, the process will quickly shift to the spring, disrupting your planning. This is an undesirable situation.
  

Finally, some extra tips:

• Build a flexible budget: New projects need to prove themselves and often require more time to find financiers willing to take the risk. This gives the Fundraising Advisor the opportunity to build new relationships.
• Start with proven “master projects”: Most funds prefer certainty. Projects that have been successful for years attract regular donors more easily than completely new initiatives.