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Story-Driven Communications for Capital Campaign Success

Sharing your organization’s unique story is key to fundraising success. The Steier Group’s expert team will write and design communication materials you’ll be proud to share with your donors and supporters.

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By the Numbers

3.4
Billion Raised
123
Of Fundraising Goal
94
Million Raised from Foundations
50
States and Provinces Served

Capital Campaign Communications Rooted in Faith

Our team approach to capital campaigns shines through our communications. No need to deal with third-party designers or a writer who doesn’t understand the Catholic Church. Our expert team of communicators will share your story in well-written and professionally-designed communication pieces throughout the feasibility study and capital campaign.

Communicating with your donors

Fundraising success requires more than just asking your donors for additional support. You must provide them with the knowledge to understand why they should support the campaign. During the feasibility study, we gather information from donors on what goals they support and how best to reach them. That information informs the campaign communications strategy. Below are some thoughts on the importance of communications in fundraising and strategies for effectively sharing your story with your community.

1. Share your reasons for the campaign

Your donors already support the work that you are doing and see value in your mission. But a campaign asks them to increase their giving to an extraordinary level. Some may be on board immediately while others take convincing. A well-designed, customized campaign communications strategy should reach donors through a variety of channels and educate them on the why – why they should support the campaign.

2. 8-to-1 communication method

At the Steier Group, we follow the 8-to-1 communication method. For every time you ask for fundraising support, you should be sending eight other communication pieces that engage your supporters without actually asking for a donation. This especially important during a campaign as you don’t want your donors to feel the fatigue of an ask for larger support.

3. Tell your story

You are doing great work at your organization. Feel free to brag a little! Donors love to see that their support is actually having an impact in the community. Make sure to consistently share your organization’s story before, during and after a campaign. Share the little wins and big successes. Show how each donation makes a difference. It will inspire more generosity and giving.

4. Be professional

It is important that your communications are well written and well designed. Each time you contact a donor is a chance to make a good – or bad – impression. So don’t turn off a supporter with poorly constructed communications. Make sure everything is copy edited and designed to the best of your abilities.

5. Consistency is key

As mentioned above, following the 8-to-1 communication plan allows you to educate your supporters without annoying them with too many appeals for donations. A key to keeping the ratio is consistent communication. If you don’t have a communications plan and strategy for the month or the year, create one. Without a plan, it can be easy to let communications slow. Being a consistent presence in a donors life helps keep you front of mind when it comes time to make a donation.

What Sets Our Communications Apart

Expert communicators crafting your story

The Steier Group team includes former journalists, lawyers and marketers trained in telling your organization’s story to effectively inspire your donors to give.

Professionally designed materials

We have a team of award-winning designers ready to make all of your campaign’s communications stand out from the crowd.

Array of communications

We don’t create a case statement and call it good. Our team will work with you to reach your donors through multiple channels, including video, social media, email and print communications.

Backed by Catholic Campaign Expertise

Our team specializes in Catholic fundraising—and every piece of communication is designed and written to reflect your mission and values.

Named one of the “Best Fundraising Companies in 2025” by The Lead Pastor

What people are saying about partnering with the Steier Group

“I've worked on many capital campaigns in my four-plus decades of priesthood, and can genuinely say that Steier Group is the best philanthropic consultancy organization I've encountered.”

Fr. Patrick HipwellPastor of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in St. Paul, Minnesota
St. Patrick's Catholic Church Capital Campaign in Elkhorn, Nebraska

“Raising $30 million dollars is not an easy task and at times it could be overwhelming. The Steier Group helped us remain focused and organized while offering encouragement. We are very pleased with the services they provided. They helped us achieve our goal and we would highly recommend them to others looking to conduct a study or a capital campaign.”

Fr. Tom Fangman and Eric CrawfordPastor and Advancement Director of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Elkhorn, Nebraska
Newman Catholic School Capital Campaign in Mason City, Iowa.

“The results of our campaign speak for themselves and speak highly for the Steier Group. We received three of the largest gifts in our history and far surpassed even the most optimistic projections. So much of the credit goes to the Steier Group team for coaching us through the process and putting us in a position to succeed.”

Lynn PtacekFoundation Director, Newman Catholic Foundation

“The Steier Group's approach is very much rooted in stewardship as a way of life, and this focus ensured that the mission of the Church was integrated in every aspect of our campaign. This allowed us not only to raise a significant amount of funds, but to do so in a positive, faith-filled way. This approach ensured a positive experience for our pastors and parishioners - even through the challenges of COVID-19.”

Most Rev. Douglas Crosby, OMIBishop of Hamilton in Hamilton, Ontario

Connect with us today to learn more about our mission and services, or to discuss your organization’s current fundraising needs.

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Our Recent Successes

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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Diocese of Wichita

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How can the Steier Group assist you?

Connect with us today to learn more about our mission and services, or to discuss your organization’s current fundraising needs. Please provide your information and a brief message, and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of communications are used during a feasibility study?

During a feasibility study, our team will craft a fact sheet that shares the goals you are testing. We’ll conduct in-person interviews and paper/online surveys to hear from as many donors as possible. Throughout the process, we will use various communication channels to education your donors on the potential scope of the capital campaign.

Why types of communications are used during a capital campaign?

One benefit of a feasibility study is that we can ask donors how best to reach them. During the campaign, we use this information to tailor our communication strategy to the channels most likely to reach your supporters.

What role do communications play in a capital campaign?

The first step to a successful campaign is educating your donors and supporters on what your goals are and, most importantly, why they should support you. A campaign is an extraordinary fundraising effort, above and beyond regular giving. It is important to share your story and the reasons for a campaign in order to inspire giving.