Back to School, Back to Budgets: Prepping Your Fundraising Plan for 2026

If you’re a parent like me, August brings with it a certain kind of chaos: new backpacks, earlier alarms, and the ever-complicated task of figuring out who’s bringing snacks to baseball practice (a real weak spot of mine).

But even if you’re not sending kids back to school, this time of year still tends to mark a mental shift. The lazy days of summer start to give way to structure, routine, and planning. And in nonprofit life, that usually means one big thing: budget season.

It’s tempting to keep our eyes fixed on the immediate tasks ahead—finalizing Q4 campaigns, getting grants submitted, and prepping for Giving Tuesday. But fall is also the ideal time to begin planning for 2026.

Yes, I said 2026.

Your board may not be talking about it yet. Your finance team may still be closing out FY2024. But now is the moment to think long-term, and to make sure your fundraising strategy is more than just wishful thinking tacked onto a spreadsheet.

Fundraising Planning = Budget Planning

If you’re not part of the budgeting process, now is the time to get yourself in the room. Your development goals shouldn’t be plugged in after the fact; they should shape your organization’s revenue strategy from the start.

Start with this question:

What programs or initiatives are we expected to fund in 2026—and what’s the realistic plan to make that happen?

The answer shouldn’t be “we’ll figure it out.” Let’s figure it out now.

1. Review Your Revenue Mix

Take a clear-eyed look at what’s working, what’s stalling, and where you’re over-relying on one source.

• Are events still pulling their weight?

• Are your monthly donor numbers growing?

• Are grants aligned with your program calendar and capacity?

• Has your major gifts program plateaued or expanded?

Diversification isn’t just a buzzword—it’s what protects you from crisis and helps you grow sustainably.

2. Forecast Intentionally

“Stretch goals” are fine as long as you have a plan to stretch. But don’t fall into the trap of budgeting a 20% increase in fundraising without understanding what would drive that growth.

Ask:

• Are there new funders we’re cultivating that could come through next year?

• Are we launching any campaigns or giving initiatives that would warrant a bump?

• Do we have the staff capacity to execute on those ideas?

Your projections should come from something real and not just an educated guess

3. Flag What Needs Investment

If your team is stretched too thin to follow up with monthly donors or research new grants, you don’t need a miracle: you need resources.

Budget season is the time to make the case for:

• Fundraising staff

• CRM upgrades

• Donor communications

• Grant prospecting support

• Consultant partnerships

Be clear about what you need to grow your fundraising operation before the budget is finalized without you.

4. Involve Program Leaders Early

Your program team is likely dreaming up exciting new ideas for next year. Don’t let fundraising be the last to know.

Schedule a strategy meeting now to understand:

• What new programs are being developed?

• What funding will be needed and when?

• What outcomes or evaluation metrics will be tracked?

Aligning early will ensure your grant strategy, case for support, and donor communications are built on real priorities and not surprises in April.

5. Map Your Stewardship & Cultivation Calendar

Now’s the time to plan ahead for all those funder relationships that need consistent attention in order to grow.

Build a 2026 cultivation calendar that includes:

• Quarterly funder check-ins

• Monthly major donor meetings

• Proposal prep timelines

• Impact storytelling campaigns

• Site visit invitations and thank-you moments

A little pre-planning now can make your 2026 fundraising feel a whole lot less frantic later.

This Isn’t Just About Dollars—It’s About Direction

Budget season isn’t just about hitting a number. It’s about being intentional with your time, your energy, and your mission.

The best fundraisers aren’t just writing appeal letters; they’re steering the ship. You have insights no one else on your team does: which campaigns are resonating, what your funders care about, where new energy is building. That perspective should be front and center as your organization plans for the year ahead.

Need a sounding board for your 2026 goals? Team Kat & Mouse is here to help. Drop us a line and let’s build a fundraising strategy that aligns with your mission, your capacity, and your vision for what’s next.