Maximizing Your Feasibility Study Investment

By Gail Perry, with expert insights from Dr. Kathryn Gamble

Let’s be honest: if you’re thinking about launching a big capital campaign, the words “feasibility study” might make your eyes glaze over.

But here’s the thing—we’ve seen it again and again. In our opinion, a smart, well-run feasibility study can be a make-or-break moment that sets the tone for your campaign’s success.

I’ve asked my longtime friend and colleague Dr. Kathryn Gamble to share her wisdom in this post. Kathryn leads our team of consultants here at Gail Perry Group, and together we’ve helped hundreds of nonprofits navigate feasibility studies and capital campaigns. She’s one of the sharpest fundraising minds I know—smart, strategic, and always honest (with a whole lot of grace).

Campaign Feasibility Studies: More Than Just a Report

We believe a feasibility study isn’t just a report you file away. It’s a living, breathing part of your campaign’s launch.

As Kathryn puts it: “A feasibility study is your first campaign strategy session. It’s where you engage your leadership donors in conversation, build internal readiness, and test your case for support in the real world.”

That means it’s not just about rubber-stamping a yes or no. In our experience, it’s about uncovering what it will really take to move forward—successfully, confidently, and with alignment.

Donor Engagement Starts Early: Why Listening Is the Secret Weapon of a Great Feasibility Study

Want to know one of the most powerful outcomes of a well-run feasibility study? It’s not just a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on your campaign plans. 

In our opinion, it’s really more about donor engagement—real, meaningful connections that lay the groundwork for major gifts.

At Gail Perry Group, we recommend beginning with deep, strategic conversations. When Kathryn and our team sit down with your top donors, we’re not just collecting input—we’re listening closely for passion, hesitations, vision, and energy.

These early interviews do more than gather feedback. They spark excitement and often uncover your very first leadership gifts.

“Donors want to help,” Kathryn says. “But they want to be part of the journey, not just the destination. The feasibility study gives them a voice and a place at the table before the campaign even launches.”

That’s the magic. You’re not just collecting data—you’re building trust, strengthening relationships, and giving your donors a stake in your vision. And when donors feel heard, they’re far more likely to invest generously in what comes next.

Campaign Readiness Starts Within: Why Internal Alignment Matters More Than You Think

Before you ever ask a donor for a gift, we recommend asking yourself a critical question: Are we ready?

One of the most overlooked benefits of a feasibility study, in our experience, is the insight it provides into your own internal readiness. And equally important—are your donors ready?

At Gail Perry Group, we believe successful campaigns are built on a strong internal foundation. That means clarity, unity, and capacity—not just enthusiasm.

A smart, strategic feasibility study will help you evaluate:

• Your case for support – Is it clear, compelling, and urgent?
• Your internal alignment – Are staff and board rowing in the same direction?
• Your prospect pipeline – Are you cultivating the right people at the right time?
• Your systems and capacity – Can your infrastructure support the campaign ahead?

“One of the most powerful parts of a feasibility study,” Kathryn says, “is what it reveals about your own team. We help you see what’s strong—and what needs shoring up—before you’re knee-deep in campaign activity.”

In our view, a feasibility study isn’t just about external validation. It’s about building the internal muscle you need to launch with confidence and keep momentum going when things get busy.

Feasibility Study Success = Collaboration + the Right Consultant

Here’s something we believe deeply at Gail Perry Group: the best feasibility studies are built on partnership.

We don’t just show up, interview donors, and hand over a cookie-cutter report. Our process is collaborative from start to finish—because your team deserves a guide who’s in the trenches with you, helping you think strategically every step of the way.

Here’s how we work together during the study:

• We partner with you to build a thoughtful, strategic interview list
• We keep you in the loop with real-time feedback and emerging insights
• We offer interim recommendations so you can act on what you’re learning right away
• And we wrap up with a final report that’s clear, honest, and packed with next steps you can actually use

We know the whole campaign can feel overwhelming. That’s why our approach is all about clarity, confidence, and helping you stay grounded throughout the journey.

Choosing the Right Consultant Matters—A Lot

Here’s a tip we both stand by: choose a feasibility study consultant who knows how to listen.

You want a consulting firm that brings both strategic insight and empathy. A group who understands how to talk with donors—because the tone and quality of those conversations matter.

In our opinion, the right consultant will:

• Guide with confidence, not ego
• Help you dream big—but stay realistic
• Deliver honest feedback and clear next steps
• And most importantly—stay with you after the report is done

Kathryn and I are all about building lasting success. When we work with your team, we’re fully invested. That means helping you align your team, build momentum, and prepare to raise the big dollars your mission deserves.

Maximize Your Investment: What a Smart Feasibility Study Delivers

We see your feasibility study as a real investment—of time, trust, and resources. That’s why we believe you should get maximum value in return.

At Gail Perry Group, we design every feasibility study to give you far more than a go/no-go decision. You’ll walk away with insight, build stronger donor relationships, and a clear, confident path to success.

Here’s what we recommend you expect from a high-quality study:

• Clear insight into your donor community—what they think, feel, and are ready to support
• Honest feedback on your case for support and your internal readiness—so you can fix any weak spots before launch
• Early donor enthusiasm and engagement—because the conversations themselves start building momentum
• A smart, actionable roadmap—with specific next steps to guide your campaign strategy

And here’s the bonus:

And if you approach it with intention? We often find that a strong feasibility study can spark your very first major gifts—sometimes before the campaign even officially launches.

In our experience, when done well, a feasibility study isn’t just a formality. It’s your campaign’s first big win.

Let’s Talk About Your Vision

If a campaign is even on your radar, we’d love to talk it through with you.

Kathryn and I are always curious to hear what nonprofit leaders are working toward—and in our opinion, those early conversations are where great strategy begins.

At Gail Perry Group, we recommend starting with clarity. Our feasibility studies are designed to help you explore what’s next, while deepening donor relationships and building the groundwork for long-term success.

Let’s explore what’s possible—together.

We’re ready when you are!

As always, it is a pleasure to share our weekly insights with you as we cover essential fundraising strategies.  If your organization is planning a capital campaign or expanding your major gifts program – we can help. Email capitalcampaigns@gailperry.com if you’d like to schedule a free strategy call with us.