Ready, Get Set, Go!

What does it take to be ready for a capital campaign?

Imagine trying to build a new home without an architect, general contractor, or financing.

That is not exactly a plan for success.

Just like a campaign, you need the right people, in the right positions, and you need funds in-hand for it to all go smoothly.

Think of planning a capital campaign as a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, because that is exactly what it is – and those pieces need to be put together for a successful result.

Planning starts with asking the right questions:

“Are we ready for a capital campaign?”

“Do we have the available seed funds for campaign expenses?”

“Do we have enough staff and/or volunteers to work on the campaign for one, two or three years, or more?”

You will also need a campaign consultant with the expertise, experience and time required to work with you on the following steps:

• Conduct a campaign readiness assessment of your organization. This is not the same as a feasibility study. This is an internal assessment that audits your organization’s infrastructure to determine if you have everything in place for a campaign.

• Lead a feasibility study to identify lead donors and volunteers.

• Create a written plan for each phase of the campaign – pre-planning, planning, quiet phase, launch, wrap-up, that clearly explains what needs to be done, when, and by whom.

• Advance the quiet phase and then launch the campaign.

Within each step are hundreds of details – the puzzle pieces to be identified and fit together for your campaign to take shape. Like a concise statement on who will benefit from the campaign.

You know your organization needs funds to achieve your goal – but what exactly will be better because of this campaign?

Potential volunteers and donors will need to completely understand your plans.

Capital campaign planning takes time and is worth the investment. One thousand puzzle pieces to be turned over, sorted, and identified; and when the puzzle is complete, it is a beautiful thing.

Follow this space regularly for more thoughts on philanthropy. Be well. Take Care. ~ Alicia