#1 Capital Campaign Readiness: Is Your Nonprofit Ready to Launch a Capital Campaign? 6 Checks Before You Do.

Are you planning a capital campaign that will take your nonprofit to new heights? 

Yes, a capital campaign can be a game-changer for you and your cause. But – only if you’re truly prepared. 

A poorly planned or failed campaign can damage your reputation, dampen everyone’s spirits and possibly leave your organization worse off than before.

Don’t let that happen to you.

At the Gail Perry Group, we’ve helped countless organizations navigate the complexities of capital campaigns. 

We know what it takes for campaigns to succeed. And that’s why we’re excited to launch an upcoming 6-part blog series, dedicated to the exacting steps to prepare for a successful capital campaign.

It’s What You Do Ahead That Counts the Most 

Here are the 6 key areas you absolutely must evaluate – and prepare for – before launching an ambitious capital campaign:

1. Nonprofit Board: Are all your board members aligned with the plan? Are they all in?

A unified, enthusiastic board serves as the backbone of any successful campaign. Is your board willing to step forward with boldness? Sometimes we ask: “Do you all have the will to stage this campaign?”

Do all the board members fully grasp the campaign’s goals? Most of all, are they willing to lead by example with generous campaign pledges?

You’ll need their enthusiasm and support while they champion the cause to others.  Without their unwavering support, your campaign may struggle to gain traction.

2. Volunteer Leaders: They are key to opening doors and influencing lead gifts.

You’ll need key influencers in your community who can lend their expertise, passion, and connections to your campaign. 

In successful capital campaigns, leadership volunteers play a huge role in opening doors to donors and philanthropists. 

You’ll want to enlist influential leaders who can inspire and mobilize others in your community. And, plan to give them the support, training and resources they need to be as successful as possible. 

3. Prospects & Donors: How deep and extensive is your donor pool? 

Can you identify the likely prospective donors for the upcoming campaign? Not only do you need to identify them – you also need to get to know them.  

You’ll want to deeply assess your existing donor base: Do your donor prospects have the capacity and inclination to give big? Where will the leadership gifts for the campaign come from? 

You and your team will also want to consider wealth screening, additional prospect research and a consultant-led feasibility study to gauge overall potential support and identify any hidden gems in your donor network.

4. Development Office: Your fundraising team serves as your campaign’s engine.

We have found that an experienced, fearless, and well-trained staff is often the secret key to capital campaign success. 

Do you have enough staff with the right skills to run a successful campaign? Before you begin your campaign, you’ll need to evaluate their skill levels and capacity. 

Most importantly, you will probably want to staff up and fill any gaps with additional hires, training, or consultants. A well-oiled development machine is absolutely crucial for reaching your fundraising goals.

5. Case for Support and Plan: Is the need you are addressing well-established and understood? 

Every campaign needs to clearly articulate the upcoming projects it wants to fund. You’ll want to define them in detail because donors will have many questions. 

Remember that donors typically don’t make large gifts to fund the status quo. What is the change you want to make in the world? What is the difference this campaign will make?

Above all, you’ll need to show donors the potential impact of this campaign, the projects you are undertaking and how their gifts will help make the world a better place.  

6. Nonprofit Image in the Community: How does your organization stack up in the public eye? 

Do you have a stellar reputation?  Might there be any doubt about your organization, its history, or its impact in your community? 

What can you do to bolster credibility and trust in your leadership? Be sure to address any negative perceptions head-on and implement strategies to strengthen your image. 

Remember, a strong community reputation is essential for attracting support.

Bottom Line: What You Do Ahead of Your Campaign Can Make or Break Your Success

Preparing for a capital campaign is careful, exacting work. It takes bold strategy, visionary planning and thoughtful enlistment of the right people.

Stay tuned for our upcoming blog series, where we’ll take a deep dive into each of these areas. You’ll get a thought-provoking discussing into these six essential factors that will make or break your campaign. 

Next up in our series, we’ll take a closer look at the pivotal role your nonprofit board plays in a successful capital campaign.

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!