A communications plan is a document that guides an organization's external communications efforts by promoting its work to the public and donors. It is necessary for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to have a communications plan so they are not engaging with audiences blindly. Developing a communications plan involves determining organizational assets and values, elements of the plan like topics to cover and audiences to reach, and creating the plan with a team. The plan helps NGOs effectively promote their work and increases the chances of securing future support and funding.