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New Fiscal Year – What Fundraisers Should Do First

fiscal year

The beginning of a new fiscal year is a golden opportunity for fundraisers. It’s a fresh slate—an ideal time to reflect, refocus, and realign with your charity’s mission and revenue goals. Whether you exceeded last year’s targets or came up short, what you do in the first few weeks of the new fiscal year can shape your results for the next twelve months.

Here are the most important first actions every fundraiser should take as the new fiscal year begins:

1. Review Last Year’s Results

Before looking forward, look back. Analyse:

  • Total income raised (vs. target)
  • Performance by campaign, fund, appeal, or donor segment
  • ROI by fundraising stream (e.g., appeals, major gifts, regular giving)
  • What worked, what didn’t—and why

Use this information to inform adjustments to this year’s strategy.

2. Update Your Fundraising Calendar

Block out dates for:

  • Appeals and campaigns
  • Donor stewardship events
  • Application deadlines for grants
  • Board and reporting milestones

Make sure your activities align with the broader organisational calendar and program delivery timelines.

3. Refresh Campaign, Fund, and Appeal Codes in Your CRM

Starting fresh in your CRM (like The Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, or Dynamics) ensures:

  • Accurate tracking of income by campaign and source
  • Clean reporting for Finance and Board reporting
  • Prevention of errors or misattributed gifts

Work with your data or CRM team to establish new codes or categories for the year.

4. Reconnect with Key Donors

Reach out to major donors, partners, and recurring givers to thank them for last year’s support and update them on what’s ahead. This simple gesture can strengthen relationships and set the tone for future asks.

5. Set Goals and KPIs

Reaffirm your fundraising goals and establish KPIs that are:

  • Aligned to organisational priorities
  • Measurable and time-bound
  • Broken down by campaign or program

Share them with your team and revisit them quarterly.

6. Plan Your First Stewardship Touchpoint

Don’t start the year with an ask—start with gratitude. A “Year Ahead Preview” email or donor update video can build goodwill and reengage supporters before your next fundraising push.

7. Meet with Key Internal Teams

Schedule check-ins with:

  • Marketing and communications
  • Programs and service delivery
  • Finance
  • CRM/data team

Align on shared goals, campaign themes, messaging, and system readiness.

The start of a new fiscal year isn’t just about launching into action—it’s about pausing to plan with purpose. With thoughtful steps in the first weeks, fundraisers can position their organisation for stronger campaigns, deeper donor relationships, and more sustainable revenue.

Start strong—fundraise smarter.