#2 Capital Campaign Readiness: Is Your Board Ready to Lead?

Ready to turn your campaign goals into reality? Don’t navigate the complexities alone. The Gail Perry Group offers free strategy calls with our experienced consultants. Reach out at capitalcampaigns@gailperry.com to schedule your call today!

CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS are the lifeblood of many nonprofits. They can fund ambitious projects that can transform your community and advance your mission.  

But let’s be real: they’re not for the faint of heart. A successful capital campaign demands thoughtful planning, the “will” to do the work, and, most crucially, a well-organized board.

Your board members can serve as champions, cheerleaders, and even as linchpins of your campaign. Their leadership often sets the tone, inspires donor generosity, and ultimately can determine your fundraising success. 

So, how do you know if your board is truly ready to lead the charge?

That’s where our “must-do” checklist comes in. This handy tool allows you to assess your board’s readiness across seven critical areas, ensuring you’re primed for a winning capital campaign.

The Seven “Must-Do” Areas: A Deep Dive

1. Does your board understand capital campaign fundraising? 

Capital campaigns are a unique beast – they require a sophisticated, carefully paced strategy. 

Clearly, they are not your average annual fund drive. 

When planning a campaign, board members need to understand the challenges and intricacies of this type of mega fundraising. The special board members who are experienced and knowledgeable about campaigns will be critical.

Board members who understand capital campaign strategy will be able to educate fellow board members and explain to their peers the appropriate sequence of events. They can share why we do certain things at certain times.  

Knowledge is Power: Educate your board on how major capital campaigns work and what their own role is as board members. If you provide the right training and support, they will be more knowledgeable and well-prepared to advocate for the campaign.

2. Can your board set the financial pace for a campaign?

We often look to our boards for major campaign gifts. A strong campaign usually starts with the board’s financial commitment. 

Every board member should make a personal pledge to support the campaign. While financial capacity will vary among board members, each person can make a personal gift they can feel proud of. We like to say that board members need to put their money where their mouth is! 

Moreover, board giving isn’t just about dollars; it’s also about demonstrating leadership, inspiring confidence among donors, and supporting the campaign plan.  

Lead by Example: Encourage meaningful personal gifts from each board member. You can use gift tables to illustrate giving levels. Remember, a board that gives generously inspires others to do the same.

3. Are your board members influential in the community?

Your board members are your nonprofit’s biggest fans! They can also be your most valuable ambassadors.

Do they have the connections and passion to spread the word and influence potential major donors? 

Before contemplating a capital campaign, we recommend that you add board members who are considered to have power and influence in your community. Their leadership adds credibility to your campaign in many ways. 

Doors will swing open to the right people who are known in your community. And donors will step back and pay attention. 

Activate Your Ambassadors: Help your board members develop their own personal messages about the campaign vision. Leverage their networks for introductions to key donors and information about campaign prospects. Their influence can make a world of difference.

4. Is your board in full agreement on the plan? 

A united front is essential. Are all board members enthusiastically on board with the campaign plan? Have you addressed any concerns or disagreements?

You will want a full, enthusiastic commitment from ALL board members about the campaign and the projects that it will fund. Be on the lookout for questions or concerns from doubtful board members.

It will be important to encourage dialogue and discussions, so that everyone has a voice and can share their thoughts. 

Find Common Ground: Try to foster open communication among your leadership and board members. A board that speaks with one voice is a powerful force for fundraising success.

5. Does your board have good fundraising connections?  

This is where the magic of friend-raising comes in. 

Do your board members have strong relationships with potential donors? Can they open doors to important donors and philanthropists?  Are they comfortable sharing campaign messages with their networks? 

You will want board members to be able to host Small Socials, Porch Parties and Storytelling Tours to share news about the campaign with their friends and associates.

Unleash their Network: Can you tap into your board’s collective Rolodex and help them identify potential prospects, and cultivate relationships? And try to generate enthusiasm so board members will be motivated to make those all-important connections. 

6. Does your board operate with business-minded board practices?

A well-run board can make bold, strategic decisions and then act on them. Strong institutional leadership can save you. Board members will be called upon to champion your fundraising and philanthropic priorities and represent them to donors. 

Internal board issues can derail big projects like capital campaigns. This can happen when individual board members bring their own biases and preferences to the decision-making process. 

Strong governance practices require that everyone knows their “lanes” so to speak. Decision making authority is clear, and important communications go out in an appropriate manner. 

Sharpen Up Your Board Governance Practices. Ensure your board operates with transparency, accountability, with a focus on results. This will instill donor confidence and  create a solid foundation for a successful campaign.

7. Does your board have good relationships with staff?

Collaboration is key! Does your board and staff work together seamlessly? Do they communicate effectively, respect each other’s roles, and share a common vision for the campaign?

Sometimes board members may be unclear about their role vs. staff. Every board is a bit different, with varying practices and historical patterns. Above all, this is the time to clarify everyone’s roles, particularly regarding communications with important donors. 

Cordial relationships between staffers and board members will be essential to your success, because staff often have to work very closely with key board members in developing approaches to lead donors and prospects. 

Foster Partnership: Encourage open communication, build trust, and create opportunities for joint problem-solving. A united front between your board and staff is a recipe for success.

Bottomline: Your Board, Your Campaign, Your Success

Take a moment to reflect on each of these seven areas. Do you have a resounding “yes” for each? If so, congratulations! Your board is well-positioned to lead a thriving campaign.

If you have a few “maybes” or “nos,” don’t fret! These are simply areas where you can focus your attention and grow. Almost every institution has work to do before launching a capital campaign – this checklist helps you evaluate where you are and where to focus next. 

Remember, strong board leadership is the heart and soul of a successful capital campaign. Use this checklist as a guide, address any gaps, and watch your campaign soar!

Ready to turn your campaign goals into reality? Don’t navigate the complexities alone. The Gail Perry Group offers free strategy calls with our experienced consultants. Get a head start on your plan and discuss how our expertise can propel your campaign forward. Reach out to us at capitalcampaigns@gailperry.com to schedule your call today!