#4 Capital Campaign Readiness: Is Your Donor Prospect Pipeline Ready?  

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Picture this: You’re on the brink of launching a capital campaign, ready to propel your nonprofit to new heights. 

But wait… Are you really ready? Or are you about to blast off with a sputtering engine and a crew that’s still in training?

We’ve all seen it – the capital campaign that fizzles instead of soars to success. 

What’s the problem? Often, it’s not the cause or the campaign vision, but it’s really the lack of prospect pipeline readiness.

It’s time to face the hard truth: A successful campaign isn’t just about a wonderful vision or a major community need. 

It’s also about having primed and ready donors who are eager to invest in your vision.

So, how do you know if your donor pipeline is ready? Let’s run through this 7-point checklist together. 

It’s not about being perfect but about facing reality and strategizing for success.

1. The Major Gift Program: Is it Humming Along?

A capital campaign isn’t the time to start building your major gift program. Ideally you have a  well-oiled machine that can track prospects, and move them forward to a gift. 

• Signs of a healthy program: Dedicated staff who have time to do the work, assigned portfolios of prospects who are under cultivation, and a prospect management system that works for your team. 
• If you’re behind: Don’t panic.
  • Get expert help to set up a systematic program that can move donors towards major gifts. 
  • Check out our Major Gifts Intensive – it’s the best way to get a major gift program up and running prior to a capital campaign. 

2. Major and Principal Donor Relationships: How Strong are They? 

Major gifts are built on trust. Take a look at your past three years of major gifts and evaluate the strength of your current donor relationships. 

If you’re playing catch-up: 

• Ramp up relationship-building efforts now. 
• Reconnect with former major donors and ask them for advice and input on your plans.
• Help them feel like insiders who are closely connected to your mission.

3. Your Track Record: Lots of Major Gift Wins?

Your past major gift successes prove that you can attract big support. These past wins set the stage for future campaigns.

• Leverage those past major gift wins: Showcase them in your materials. They inspire confidence and help set the stage for more success.
• It’s a great time to get back in touch with past major donors and, as we mentioned above, bring them back into the fold now!

4. The Leadership Gift: The Cornerstone

That first lead gift in a campaign is crucial. It hopefully sets the bar high and inspires others to give generously. You’ll want to aim for 10-20% of your goal from that lead gift.