All in Case for Support
The capital campaign feasibility study is the process that prepares your organization for a capital campaign and should result in an executable campaign plan. It allows you to test your assumptions and prepare a solid plan before moving forward with a capital campaign. Stripped down to its basic elements, the study looks to define your image, case for support, leaders, donors and plan.
Every nonprofit can benefit from the development of a case for support. While it’s a vital part of every capital campaign, this purposeful process of gathering ideas, evidence, and arguments for a particular fundraising project or for you nonprofit in general will help you to establish compelling reasons for donors to give and solidify your importance in serving your community.
Your capital campaign planning study should include everything normally associated with a "feasibility study" plus create a detailed fundraising plan and case statement, and cultivate potential leaders and donors. It should be considered the "first step" in launching a capital campaign.
It is important to discuss the many factors that go into determining readiness in a capital campaign with your board. Find out what questions we recommend you ask in order to determine if they’re ready for a capital campaign.
A pivot may mean quieting your campaign for a short amount of time, but never go silent. We’ve seen from donor surveys and from our active campaigns that donors are still out there and may be inclined to give now more than ever. Keep the lines of communication open and continue with the campaign process as much as possible.
Use this case for support example to assess your own case in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case for support should focus on a specific capital appeal. It includes the nonprofit’s mission and vision, but also places focus on the quantified and qualified details of a project.
