It’s easy to think of a capital campaign in negative terms. It may seem like yet another request for money, a herculean effort to tax our already busy calendars, or — because it isn’t a regular part of our giving — simply an add-on expense. But these perspectives miss the mark when we consider a capital campaign as another expression of Christian stewardship. As King David exclaimed, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2 Sam 24:24). Scripture is replete with the call to offer God that which is dear to us.…
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After nearly a quarter century of helping nonprofits plan, reach and exceed their fundraising goals, we’ve accomplished a lot – and learned a thing or two. Our Steier Tips page features the latest Steier Group fundraising advice from our team of experts, case studies and helpful insight to consider as you plan your next campaign.
How well do you know your major donors? Your answer to that question is key to your organization’s chance for fundraising success, especially during a capital campaign. After 21 years of service and more than $2 billion raised for our clients, the Steier Group has learned that there are three critical success factors of a capital campaign: strong leadership at the CEO level, a compelling project vision and a dedicated volunteer force. Even when these factors are met, however, capital campaign success is not guaranteed. Our campaign managers often encounter nonprofits who have misidentified the engagement level of their major…
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Great news! Your organization’s recently-completed planning study found strong support for a capital campaign. Your donors are fired up and ready to support such a transformational fundraising effort. You have interested volunteers and leaders excited to step up. What’s your next step? At the Steier Group, we advise our clients to start the capital campaign immediately – preferably in less than two weeks. We have found that delaying the start of a capital campaign after a successful planning study can hinder the success of the effort. In 194 church capital campaigns over the last 10 years, we found that clients…
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The calendar turns to 2019 in a few weeks and wise directors of nonprofits are focused on making their year-end giving a smashing success. Ending the year on a strong note is important as research shows that 30 percent of annual giving occurs in December with 10 percent occurring in the final three days of the year. Many of your supporters have an incentive to give before the year ends for tax purposes. Looking over the stack of mailers I received last year, it’s clear to me that there is more competition than ever for donor dollars. To meet or…
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Raising money is not an easy task, especially when you have to raise a lot of it. Conducting a capital campaign successfully requires careful planning, lots of consultation, widespread buy-in, strong leadership, a clear vision, a transparent communication plan, and a reliable and energetic corps of volunteers. But the best strategy and mechanics for executing an effort of this magnitude won’t get you very far without an indispensable disposition to support it all: a positive attitude. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there,” Teddy Roosevelt once quipped. Put another way, believe you can’t and you’ll never make it. Capital campaigns…
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During the Steier Group's 21-year history, one thing has always stood out as we have raised money for nonprofits across the country: People give more when asked in person. That personal touch is key to fundraising success. In October 2017, we published our findings of a two-year research project that explored this. Our findings more than backed this up. The Steier Group research found that donors, when asked in person, give 54 percent of their requested amount. In comparison, donors gave 29 percent of the requested amount when approached by telephone and 33 percent when approached by mail. Now, this…
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Fall offers the perfect chance to take a look at your nonprofit’s planned giving program. Strong annual giving, strategically-planned special events, and professionally-run capital campaigns are the bedrock of any fundraising program. But a strong planned giving program will have a lasting impact for any nonprofit. Does your organization have a legacy society? Have you taken stock of all the deferred gifts your donors have planned? Here are four ways to improve your planned giving program: Honor your donors: Whenever a volunteer, donor or member of your organization passes away and leaves a gift from his or her estate plan,…
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How does an abbey and prep school in Southern California have donors in more than 41 states and 11 countries? The case for support from Catholics and others living in Southern California is obvious — the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s provide numerous services to the local community on a daily basis. But there are undoubtedly great nonprofits and religious organizations having an impact in each of those states and countries. So how did St. Michael’s grow this support from outside its obvious target area? In part through developing its advancement office’s skills in an emerging piece of the fundraising…
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Consisting of more than 50 priests and 35 seminarians studying for the priesthood, St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado, California, is home to the Norbertines, who live a monastic common life of sung praises, regular prayer and community service – especially in education. “Our mission is to live a common life of liturgical prayer and religious observance in order to provide for the care of souls,” said the Very Rev. Chrysostom Baer, O. Praem., prior of St. Michael’s Abbey. “We bring Christ to God’s people by serving as priests in multiple ministries and cultivating in all whom we serve a love…
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Even if a comprehensive digital marketing platform isn’t right for your organization, there are many big and small ways you can increase the strength of your online fundraising efforts. Here are a few tips you can implement now to develop your digital fundraising toolbox: Online giving platform. If you do not currently have a way for donors to support you online, find one! The Steier Group has partnered with aware3 to provide a capital campaign online giving solution to clients. Use social media. If your organization does not have a social media presence, you are missing out on ways to…
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