In order to know where you are going and how you will get there, your organization needs a complete Development Plan, which is a vital part of your overall Organizational Plan.

Your plan must be based on your mission and focus on your vision.

• Jerold Panas, in his book, "Megagifts," says the most compelling reason for a major donor to give to any organization is a strong belief in the mission of the organization.
• Your mission should tell what your organization does, not how it does it, not what it hopes to accomplish someday, but where you are at this moment.
• Your vision tells where you hope to be at a future time.

You need both a Long Range Development Plan (generally three years) and an Annual Action Plan, outlining your program for the year.

A good plan results from participation of the board and staff at the Goal and Objective setting stage.

The Annual Action Plan includes strategies for reaching your objectives, including areas of budget, staffing, resources needed, and time schedules.

Your plan needs to be a comprehensive one, including all aspects of development--technology, communications, campaigns and appeals, staffing and board involvement in the development process.