All in Campaign Readiness
Capital campaign architecture is like constructing a building. If you skip a step or build something out of sequence, problems usually show up later. Capital campaigns work much the same way from the ground work of a planning study through the finishing touches of the public phase. Build each part carefully and in sequence, and you give your organization the strongest structure possible for reaching its campaign goal.
The Nonprofit Leader’s Guide to Capital Campaigns is designed to help organizations and their leaders plan for and complete capital campaigns and understand how successful campaigns actually work. Download your copy today!
What is a capital campaign? It’s a separate, time-limited effort designed to raise a specific dollar amount for new construction or a major renovation. The numbers are big and the way you raise that money looks different from your annual fundraising. They succeed because a small number of people give at levels they've never given before. Here’s where to start.
To help you begin processing the basics of what’s required of an organization beginning to plan for a capital campaign, use the following scorecard to evaluate your readiness. Share it with staff and board members and compare your results. Use it to get the conversation started.
Is now the right time to launch a capital campaign? The truth is, there’s rarely a perfect moment. But the right vision, one that’s clearly articulated, deeply rooted in mission, and backed by community support, can spark transformative giving at any time. Two essential tools can help clarify your vision and test your readiness: the Needs Assessment and the Campaign Planning Study.
Libraries often face unique challenges when it comes to raising funds for new facilities. Funding the gap between public dollars and the full cost of your building project will likely have you considering a library capital campaign. Let’s explore the specific challenges faced by libraries during capital campaigns and how a bond election might impact a campaign.
