Budgeting and evaluation

Most fundraisers loathe budgeting and evaluating their progress because it can be such a negative process.  However those in management and those wanting long term solid finanical growth know that budgeting and evaluating progress is vital.

Much of fundraising depends on human interaction and it is often hard to look at the cold facts of the situation.  Those who do, however, will learn quickly, see opportunities presenting themselves, and be able to avoid problems.  Clear information is afterall vital to managing situations correctly.

Where people tend to wrong, is that they see figures as negative, the bottom line as a depressing way to come at fundraising. If you are in management it is vital that this information is used as a positive tool so that it is undertaken naturally by those who work for you.  

Points to consider.

• Make your budgets realistic.  There's nothing worse than not having a budget that is simply figures pulled out of the air.
• Agree budgets.  Try and agree budgets with your team so everyone feels part of the process.
• Break down your budget into manageable sections so that those who need to use them understand what they are doing.
• Ensure individuals/teams understand their role in the budgeting process.  This will help to control cost expenditure and will make individuals understand that spending is very much part of fundraising.
• Have regular meetings.  Make these positive.  Figures are often seen as negative, and the 'bottom' line as depressing.  Ensure if you are managing that people begin to see how they can use this tool personally to contribute to the success of the work they are doing.
• Make it easy to report on the process.  It should be as simple as punching numbers and pushing a report button.  The budgeting process should be easy to understand and simple to use.  It should not be seen as taking up too much time.  You may also be able to get most of the information from the finance department by using coding where they finance department allocate expenditure and provide the required reports.

Other fact sheets in Organizational planning
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