Is your nonprofit organization ready for a capital campaign?
Answer the six questions below to find out.
Conduct a Needs Assessment with a professional consultant or an unbiased employee to determine that quantifiable benefit that advances your mission and that can be shared with philanthropists.
Ask your board members privately and individually if they think the project is appropriate and if they are willing to provide their time and treasure to advance it. You want their personal commitment and their willingness to hold you and the balance of your organization's leadership responsible to see the project through.
Your budget should consider cost estimates no more than one-year old, pre-campaign costs like architect and feasibility study, and whether you will have enough cash through completion or if you need to take out bridge loans. Click the button below to sign up to download the CampaignCounsel.org Cash Flow Formula to determine your needs.
If you can answer "yes" to at least three of the questions below, then you do not necessarily need to complete a feasibility study.
1. Do you have a donor-approved Case for Support? Click here to learn more about cases for support.
2. Do you know what your donors like/dislike about your organization and your project? Explore why this is important.
3. Do you know what your donors are willing to give and why? Download our gift chart builder to show the estimated size and quantity of major gifts you will need.
4. Does your organization's leadership have extensive capital campaign experience?
Look for a firm with experience in similar projects and communities, and a firm that earns your trust through excellent references and individuals who will work with you throughout the campaign at the level of intensity that you need.
Work backwards from breaking ground and account for a 3-to-4-month feasibility study, a 10-to-24-month campaign and a 3-to-5-year pledge redemption period.