New Year, New Budget – But What About Your Ambition?
Patricia Keenan, Principal – Public Funding
As we progress through the year, many nonprofit organisations are turning attention to annual budgets and work plans — reviewing expenditure, setting targets, mapping out priorities. But while operational planning is essential, it’s worth pausing to ask a bigger question: are you also making space for your ambition?
For many organisations, the day-to-day demands of service delivery consume all available energy. Staff are stretched, timelines are tight, and the focus centres on keeping things running. Yet, planning only to maintain the status quo risks missing opportunities to grow, evolve, and increase impact.
– Start With Your Income Sources
When you look at last year’s budget, are you analysing where your money actually came from? Understanding your current income mix is the first step in assessing whether your funding model is sustainable — or whether it’s time to think differently.
Earned income is an area many nonprofits haven’t fully explored. Do you understand where to access it, and whether it could form part of your income mix? Similarly, have you considered whether trusts and foundations, or smaller grant programmes, might be a fit for your work? These sources can provide crucial support for specific projects, even when core funding is limited.
– The Case for Income Diversification
Diversifying income isn’t just about financial resilience — it’s about creating the freedom to pursue your mission more effectively. When an organisation is overly reliant on a single funder or income stream, it can become reactive rather than proactive.
Broadening your funding base gives you the flexibility to take on new challenges and respond to emerging needs in your community.
– Build Funding Into Your Planning
One approach we recommend is to think about funding at the project level. When planning an initiative, allocate a budget to that action and consider where you might access the funds to cover the cost. This way, the funding strategy becomes embedded in your planning from the outset, not just an afterthought.
Of course, core costs still need to be covered: staff salaries, premises, and administration. But project-specific funding is often more accessible than organisations realise. Whether it’s a local authority grant, a philanthropic trust, or a corporate partnership, there are opportunities for those who look.
– Be Intentional
Don’t let budget season pass without considering how you might fund your ambitions for the year ahead. What new programmes could you develop? What unmet needs could you address?
Across Ireland, the organisations best positioned to deliver on their mission are those who take a proactive approach to funding. It takes time and effort — but the rewards in terms of impact, sustainability, and organisational confidence are well worth it.
As you finalise your plans, don’t forget to leave room for ambition. Your organisation’s future may depend on it.
Get In Touch
If you’d like support in developing or strengthening your organisation’s funding strategy or support with a funding application, get in touch with Patricia Keenan at patricia.keenan@2into3.com to explore how we can assist you.
