It is important to set targets for fundraising

The same way it is important to set objectives for our projects and proposals.

It's important for ourselves, and team, and also for our audience, the people we are hoping to donate.

Potential donors like to understand the difference their donation is going to make.

They want to be able to relate their 5, 50, 500 or 5000 pound donation to the overall outcome of your work.

Knowing there is a £5000 target helps them to assess how much they wish to contribute and gauge the perceived value of their contribution.

Targets are important for you and your team also.

They give you a goal, an objective, a finish line to work towards.

It is important when you reach your target to assess how to move forward.

Perhaps create a new target, a new project to fund, or even close the campaign.

Don't, however, be too tied to your target. It is something to aim for, and sometimes you won't reach it.

It is important to evaluate and monitor your work as you go along.

See what is successful, and what is not. And if you're not reaching your target, see what needs to be changed.

Was the target too optimistic or, if it really has to be met, do you need to reconsider your funding activities.

Like most aspects of fundraising, targets work best when you review them regularly.

So don't just write a number down and leave it at that. Make it part of your monitoring, your evaluation, your team planning, and your daily reviews.