In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by nonprofit experts Mandy Pearce and Marie Palacios from Funding for Good to explore how strategic planning and fundraising go hand in hand. They explain why your strategic plan isn’t just a leadership document—it’s the foundation for all successful fundraising efforts. As nonprofits enter the critical fourth quarter, Mandy and Marie share actionable strategies to align your board, budget, and development goals to maximize year-end giving.

• Why a consensus-driven strategic plan is the single most important resource in the nonprofit fundraising toolkit.
• How aligning strategic planning, budgeting, and fundraising plans creates coherence and reduces resistance internally.
• Identifying and prioritizing organizational needs, and using timelines and segmented donor strategies to drive effective fundraising.
• The critical role of relationships over flashy tools—handwritten notes, donor cultivation, and personal connections matter most.
• Planning ahead: why fundraising preparation should begin as early as August to set up for a successful year-end season.
• The board’s role in strategic planning—from setting vision and mission to scans and implementation oversight.
• How strategic planning informs leadership development, board composition, onboarding, and succession.
• Instilling accountability through clear task assignment, color-coded 90-day implementation plans, and regular check-ins.
• Encouraging board engagement in fundraising: starting with 100% board giving, setting clear expectations (“get or give”), and offering varied, comfortable ways for board members to contribute.

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• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

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