Is your nonprofit thinking about launching a capital campaign in the near future? Or are you currently in the middle of a campaign and looking to make a strong push towards the finish line?
How to Start (and Finish) a Capital Campaign: Q&A Recap
Today, we wanted to take a moment to highlight a few of the questions we received during the webinar and recap the answers…
How do we assess our organizational internal infrastructure and resources to determine whether or not our organization is ready for a capital campaign?
There are number of different ways to approach this issue. The first step is evaluate your systems. Automation makes it easier for you to scale a campaign, but you need to also ensure it’s personal. The next step is to assess your staffing model. Do you need to bring on more front-line gift officers or major gift officers? The final step is to determine how many donors you could potentially engage through the campaign.
All of these issues are valuable reasons why planning studies are critical when it comes to a capital campaign.
How do you diplomatically communicate the message about a leadership change during a campaign?
Every nonprofit organization needs a transition plan for it’s key leaders, whether they’re in the middle of a campaign or not. The more positive you can be about the change, the more effective you will. Within a campaign, the first step is to identify who needs to know and whether or not personal conversations should take place.
We have to remember that donors aren’t afraid of bad news, but they don’t want to hear it from the news. They want to hear it from you.
What is the difference between a capital campaign and a capital project?
Most of the differences come down to simple semantics. There are lots of capital projects and fundraising initiatives that are part of campaigns. A capital project might be considered for projects that are “less significant,” but the overall planning and strategy that takes place in a campaign is also needed for projects.
Is it critical for your board members and key leaders to make a contribution for the campaign?
Absolutely! Part of the role of a leader is to set an example. If donors who aren’t actively involved within the organizations are being asked to give, it is important they know that your leadership is contributing as well.
If you’re considering a capital campaign (or currently in the middle of campaign season) take a look at our infographic:
Four Checkpoints to Take Your Capital Campaign or Major Gift Initiative to New Heights.