We know that for most organizations, planning your yearly budget can be challenging. There are so many areas to consider, and it can be tough to prioritize where to allocate resources. To help, we’ve compiled a list of essentials to think about when preparing your budget for the year ahead. Whether you’re a nonprofit, small business, or community organization, this guide can serve as a great starting point to ensure nothing is overlooked.

1. Web Design and Support

Your website is often the first impression people have of your organization. Budgeting for regular updates, maintenance, and potential redesigns ensures your site stays modern, functional, and user-friendly. Don’t forget to allocate funds for hosting, domain renewals, plugin license renewals, and troubleshooting support.

2. Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for building relationships, growing your audience, and sharing your mission. Consider including line items for content creation, advertising, and analytics tools to track performance. If outsourcing or hiring support, factor that into your budget as well.

3. Email Marketing

Email remains one of the most effective ways to reach your audience. Be sure to include the cost of an email marketing platform in your budget. If your organization manages donors, this could also include donor segmentation and personalized email campaigns to enhance engagement and retention.

4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems

Investing in a robust CRM system can streamline your operations, improve donor and customer management, and provide valuable data insights. Include funds for software subscriptions, training, and ongoing support to make the most of this tool.

5. Fundraising Campaigns

For nonprofits, fundraising campaigns are critical. Budget for campaign materials, content creation of assets, digital marketing efforts, and any events you plan to host. Don’t overlook the value of innovative approaches like peer-to-peer fundraising, or online giving platforms.

6. Print Costs

From brochures to flyers and posters, print materials are still important for many organizations. Calculate costs for designing, printing, and distributing these items. If you’re producing annual reports or event programs, make sure to account for those as well.

7. Annual Report

A well-designed annual report can highlight your accomplishments and build trust with stakeholders. Be sure to allocate resources like time for data collection, professional design, printing, and distribution, whether in physical or digital formats.

8. Advertising Budget

Advertising can take many forms, and your budget should reflect the channels that will deliver the best ROI for your organization. Consider allocating funds for:

• Print ads in local publications
• Direct mailers
• Ads on billboards or busses
• Radio spots
• Television commercials
• Paid social media campaigns, including influencer campaigns
• Be strategic in choosing platforms that align with your audience and where you think your target demographic is

9. Promotional Videos

Video content is a fantastic way to connect emotionally with your audience and share your story. Whether you’re creating a short promotional video, or a longer campaign of multiple videos budget for production, editing, licensing, and distribution costs.

Keep in mind the style of the video could add to the cost. Does your video need clay stop-motion elements? Do you need special effects? Developing and working with a creative brief for any content project is a great way to keep in mind the costs of every little detail of your project.

10. Price Increases and Fluctuations

When planning your budget, consider potential price increases for subscription-based tools and services. Many providers periodically adjust their pricing, which can impact your overall expenses. Additionally, if your organization works with international vendors or services, fluctuations in currency exchange rates may affect costs. Building a buffer for these variations can help you avoid unexpected financial strain.

By thoughtfully considering these factors, you can create a comprehensive budget that supports your organization’s goals, and positions you for success. Remember, a well-planned budget isn’t just about allocating funds—it’s about investing in your organization’s future.