November 1, 2016 | ,

Five key steps to launching a planned giving program

According to the Center on Philanthropy, donors that make planned gifts also increase their current giving. Planned giving provides short- and long-term benefits to your organization. Starting a planned giving program is a vital step in securing a strong financial future for your organization. Here are five key steps to beginning your planned giving program: Educate your constituents: Between half and two-thirds of Americans do not have an estate plan in place. Encouraging your donors… Read more »

October 4, 2016 | ,

Successful capital campaigns begin with proper planning

In a major fundraising effort, you will face a number of difficult questions and decisions. None may be bigger than this: Where do we begin? Simply put, the planning stages of successful capital campaigns can begin long before your initial call to the Steier Group. We want to be part of your planning process, but we also know we do our best work when we partner with you at the right time. That “right time”… Read more »

September 6, 2016 | , , ,

Funding a new spiritual home in East Tennessee

Diocesan capital campaigns are challenging even when the goals have widespread support. When you’re raising money for a cathedral, the challenges can seem insurmountable. The Diocese of Knoxville, a young, vibrant and growing diocese, faced a major challenge: It lacked a true cathedral to call home. The need was obvious, but the benefits of a cathedral can be a difficult sell to those outside the cathedral parish. So how did 51 parishes dispersed across East… Read more »

September 6, 2016 | , , ,

Powering your capital campaign with data

Good data is the cornerstone of a modern, successful capital campaign. The Steier Group helps our clients use wealth research to get a feel for what is possible through a campaign. Then we use that data to design compelling infographics that inspire donors to give. For our diocesan clients, the effective use of data can add millions to a campaign total. Database management An updated database is a powerful tool for any diocesan fundraising effort…. Read more »

September 6, 2016 | , , , ,

Are you ready for a diocesan capital campaign?

Diocesan capital campaigns are a big undertaking. They require time, energy and often years of planning. They require strong leadership, capable volunteers, competent staff and lots of coffee. Here are five questions to gauge if your diocese is ready to take the next step towards a diocesan-wide effort: Are these really needs? Do we have a pool of capable volunteers and possible donors? YES: Proceed to the next question. UNSURE: A campaign planning study will… Read more »

September 1, 2016 | ,

Raising mission awareness, ministry and money through capital campaigns

Fundraising beyond your organization’s yearly events can be intimidating. Building a new worship space, strengthening an endowment for tuition assistance or reducing debt require extraordinary efforts. You can’t just pass the plate a second time. The idea of a capital campaign is often seen as a major chore; something that you have to do, but don’t want to do. It shouldn’t be that way. Capital campaigns offer a great opportunity to accomplish much more than… Read more »