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Data-Driven Feasibility Studies for Capital Campaign Success

Set your campaign up for success with Steier Group’s thorough, insight-led feasibility studies designed for Catholic parishes, schools and dioceses.

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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 Feasibility Studies Rooted in Research

A successful campaign starts with a strong foundation. Our feasibility studies assess the readiness of your parish or organization to conduct a campaign through donor interviews, community surveys and leadership evaluations. With actionable insights and strategic guidance, you’ll gain the confidence to move forward.

From Uncertainty to Clarity: Why a Third-Party Feasibility Study Matters

A successful capital campaign requires more than ambition—it demands clarity, alignment and informed decision-making. That’s why many organizations turn to external consultants like the Steier Group to conduct feasibility studies. As impartial partners, we bring objectivity, structure and deep experience to help you cut through assumptions and uncover what’s truly needed to succeed. Below is our proven process that combines third-party insight with mission-driven strategy.

1. Shape the Case and Set the Message

Your case for support is more than a fundraising pitch—it’s your story, purpose and vision wrapped in clear, compelling messaging. We help you refine your campaign goals, define key themes and begin crafting collateral that connects emotionally and strategically with your audience. Every stakeholder touchpoint—from early drafts to testimonials—emerges from this foundation.

2. Identify and Engage Your Stakeholders

Every strong campaign begins with listening. We work with you to identify the internal and external voices who matter most—from major donors and board members to community leaders and longtime parishioners. Through interviews and surveys, we gather input that reveals readiness, risks and rallying points for your vision.

3. Collect Data, Context, and Donor Insights

With community input as a foundation, we dig into your donor data, giving history and relevant external sources to assess campaign viability. We bring clarity to questions like: How much can you raise? Who is likely to give? What gaps exist in support or understanding? Our analysis blends qualitative feedback with quantitative projections.

4. Assess Operational Capacity

Campaigns don’t run themselves. We review your staffing, technology, volunteer structure and fundraising experience to evaluate whether you’re operationally ready. This internal scan helps surface the investments or changes needed to deliver your campaign with excellence.

5. Interpret Findings, Align Strategy

After gathering all relevant insights, we distill your feasibility study into clear findings. You’ll see where momentum exists, where skepticism remains and how your message is landing. We’ll recommend whether to move forward, refine your approach or invest in additional preparation before launching a campaign.

6. Equip Your Team for Action

We don’t disappear once the report is delivered. Our final step includes a roadmap customized to your organization—what to do next, who should lead it and how to execute with clarity and confidence. Many clients retain our team as ongoing partners, guiding them through campaign implementation with data-backed strategy and trusted support.

What Sets Our Feasibility Studies Apart

Comprehensive Donor Interviews

We conduct in-depth interviews with key stakeholders to understand readiness, capacity, and donor sentiment.

Clear, Actionable Recommendations

Our findings include a go/no-go recommendation and practical strategies based on real data—not guesswork.

Independent Third-Party Insights

Because we’re not embedded in your parish, we can gather candid, unbiased feedback from donors and stakeholders.

Backed by Catholic Campaign Expertise

Our team specializes in Catholic fundraising—and every feasibility study is designed 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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The Steier Group is proud to present our podcast, Twelve Wicker Baskets with Christopher Beaudet. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app. In the Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish. After the crowd was satisfied, there were 12 wicker baskets left over. God provides the abundance. In each episode of this podcast, we will explore, with pastoral leaders and development professionals, all the many ways God meets the spiritual and temporal needs of our parish communities, our Catholic schools and the diocesan church. And not only meets those needs but provides in abundance. The 40th…
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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 is a feasibility study for a capital campaign?

A capital campaign feasibility study is a research-based planning process that evaluates whether your organization is ready to launch a successful fundraising campaign. It includes stakeholder interviews, data analysis, and an objective review of your fundraising goals, capacity, and community support.

What does a feasibility study include?

A typical feasibility study includes internal readiness assessments, interviews with major donors and leaders, a review of your fundraising plan, and data-driven recommendations. The goal is to test your case for support and ensure your team is prepared to meet its campaign objectives.

Why is a feasibility study important before a capital campaign?

A feasibility study helps mitigate risk by identifying gaps in donor readiness, organizational capacity, and stakeholder buy-in. It strengthens your strategy and improves your odds of success by aligning your campaign goals with actual fundraising potential.

Who should be interviewed in a campaign planning study?

Interviewees typically include major donors, board members, parish leaders, school administrators, volunteers, and community stakeholders. Their input provides essential feedback on your goals and the likelihood of support.

Is a feasibility study the same as a campaign planning study?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but a campaign planning study suggests a broader approach. Rather than simply answering “Can we raise the money?”, it explores how to move forward strategically with your vision and campaign goals.

What happens after the feasibility study?

You’ll receive a final report with key findings and recommendations. It may suggest moving forward with your campaign as planned, adjusting your fundraising goal, or strengthening operations before launching. Many organizations continue working with their consultant for ongoing campaign support.