Always have backup plans. One of the most important reasons for keeping track of the ongoing progress of your fundraising campaign is to have a Plan B or even a Plan C in the event you need to switch gears. For smaller projects where you do not stand to lose money, you may just shrug your shoulders if all goes wrong and say, “We tried. We'll try again next time.” However, if your organization has invested time and money and put its reputation behind a fundraising campaign or event, it is important to have some last-minute tricks up your sleeve.

Reduce the Risk

There will certainly be unforeseen developments along the way, but there are ways to reduce the probability of problems that might occur. Look at risk factors surrounding your fundraiser that could directly or indirectly impact your goal. Are the highways leading to the golf course closed for repaving? Is there a for sale sign on the catering hall you just booked for your fundraiser? You cannot anticipate all possible scenarios, but if you have backup plans, you can reassure donors they will receive goods and services or, in the worst-case scenario, have their money returned. It always helps to remind people, when calamity strikes, that their donations are for a good cause.

Coming Up with a Plan

A contingency plan may be as simple as securing a rain date for a golf tournament or calling FedEx to overnight an important item to the auction.

The bottom line is to think about what your organization will do to shift gears if all is not going as planned. It is also important to have someone in charge of determining when to make such a change in plans so you can start the process of notifying everyone involved.