In this new year, it’s important for charities to come up with goals and plans that will enable them to alter their strategies and have a greater impact on the community they serve. Proper planning is essential for any organisation, but it’s especially important for charities working to make a positive difference in their communities. To help you make better plans this year, here are some tips you can work with as you plan for 2023:

• Set smart goals: The first stage in planning for your charity is to establish clear and measurable goals. These goals should be specific, realistic, and achievable. For example, instead of setting a goal to “help more people,” set a goal to “provide assistance to X number of individuals in need.” This will help you track your progress and measure the impact of your efforts.
• Understand the community you serve: Identifying and understanding your ideal audience is another critical component of planning for your charity. Who are the people you want to help, and what are their specific needs? Understanding the community you serve will help you tailor your efforts to meet their needs and will also help you with your fundraising efforts.
• Create a budget: a budget is an essential part of planning for any organisation, and it’s especially important for charities. Your budget should include all your expenses, such as staff salaries, office expenses, and programme costs. It should also include other sources of income, such as donations and grants. Having a budget will help you manage your finances and ensure that you have enough money to carry out your plans.
• Develop an outreach plan: An outreach plan is a crucial component of planning for your charity. Your outreach plan should include strategies for reaching the people or community you intend to serve, such as social media, email campaigns, and events. It should also include a plan for fundraising, such as grant writing and fundraising events, and even maximising your Gift Aid potential. A well-executed marketing plan will help you raise awareness about your charity and increase donations.
• Collaborate with other organisations: Collaboration is key to the success of any charity. By working with other organisations, you can leverage their resources and expertise to achieve your goals. For example, you can partner with a local business to host a fundraising event or work with another charity to provide services to a specific group of people. Our clients can even partner with us, the ACTS Christian Church has recently partnered with us on a number of activities. We are open to working with our clients on projects that are mutually beneficial and within the scope of our deliverables.
• Track your progress: To ensure that your plans are on track, it’s important to track your progress. This means setting up systems to measure your progress and make adjustments as needed. For example, you can track the number of people you’ve helped or the amount of money you’ve raised. By tracking your progress, you can make sure that your goals are achievable and make any necessary adjustments where needed.
• Evaluate and adapt: Finally, it’s important to evaluate your progress and make adjustments as needed. This means looking at the data and analysing the results of your efforts. For example, if your fundraising efforts aren’t bringing in as much money as you hoped, you may need to adjust your strategies. By being willing to adapt and make changes, you can ensure that your charity is always moving in the right direction.

In conclusion, planning for your charity in 2023 is essential to its success, and when it comes to making plans that can improve the financial health of your charity, we are the partners you can trust to help you navigate that and come up with strategies in the areas of Gift Aid Management and Charity Accounting, that can change your financial narrative in 2023. To book a consultation with our Charity Advisor, visit https://www.goodtogive.co.uk/contact-us/ or use the chat with charity advisor chat pop-up on our home page.