When considering a professional fundraising and development firm to assist with or build a capital campaign for your church or organization, it is important to understand the role of a capital campaign manager. What does a capital campaign manager do? A capital campaign manager is the person who oversees all aspects of the church, school or organization’s extraordinary fundraising effort. From the earliest stages of planning to celebrating success, the campaign manager ensures that the campaign runs smoothly, maintains the agreed-upon timeline, meets benchmarks and goals, and remains faithful to the parish’s mission and vision through the process. Think of…
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At the Steier Group, we are often asked this question by school leaders: How do we get more alumni to give? It’s easy to think the answer to this question might be another big event – a volleyball tournament, golf scramble or downtown bar crawl. The photos look great. The energy is high. For a night, it feels like a win. But here’s the truth: unless those events are followed by personal connections, they’re just a moment, not a movement. Events alone rarely create lasting connection. Before you send out the “Register now!” emails, ask yourself: Do the same people…
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In the world of capital campaigns, where extraordinary funding is at stake and long-term visions take shape, messaging is key. But even the most compelling messages can fall flat without the visual impact to match. That’s where graphic design becomes a silent yet powerful force, an essential ingredient in the success of any fundraising effort. At the Steier Group, graphic design is more than aesthetics. It’s strategic. Our in-house design team plays a pivotal role in transforming complex campaign goals into clear, engaging visuals that inspire support. The Visual Language of Philanthropy Capital campaigns are not just about raising funds,…
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By Matt Vuorela / Chief Executive Officer of Steier Group The first step in a capital campaign should always be a feasibility study. In fact, at Steier Group, we call them campaign planning studies for a reason – a well-run study will acquire the right information to allow us to customize a capital campaign plan to best achieve fundraising success. During a capital campaign feasibility study, your entire donor database is invited to participate and voice their opinions about the goals of a capital campaign. You will learn important information about the goals most important to your community and the…
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It can start with a story. Teaching children about the importance of giving and sharing God’s gifts – adults call it “stewardship” – can begin at a young age. And a good way to start is with a story as simple as this one: “Sarah, you have two cookies, but Catherine doesn’t have any. Sarah, would you like to give one of your cookies to her so you both have one?” So simple, according to experts in child development, but so important and so effective. The stories you tell children – whether they are your own or the ones you…
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Considering a capital campaign? First, complete a feasibility (campaign planning) study. Every. Single. Time! The title of this month’s Steier Tips may generate some questions. Why invest in a study if we know we must do a campaign? We have already surveyed our supporters and know they like our plan; is a study really necessary? Those are fair questions, but modern studies accomplish so much more than testing the feasibility of your project – when done the right way. Studies have evolved over the years, so much so that the Steier Group does not call them “feasibility studies” anymore. They…
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With a motivational capital campaign theme, Let’s Grow St. Joe!, the vibrant community of St. Joseph Catholic Church and School in Shelbyville, Indiana, embarked on an inspiring journey of renewal and expansion. From the initial stages of planning to the culmination of a successful capital campaign, a spirit of faith, community and purpose propelled St. Joseph forward, nurturing a culture of generosity. When you drive through the beautiful farmland into Shelbyville, what might catch your eye rising high above the town, are the twin spires of St. Joseph’s Parish. The 150-year-old church needed restoration and repair to bring the beautiful…
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At the Steier Group, we define a capital campaign as an extraordinary fundraising initiative that requires giving beyond a donor’s annual support. Capital campaigns require large gift requests, requests that can sometimes elicit a collective gulp on both sides of the table. However, there are ways to lay the groundwork for a big ask that make it a rewarding experience for all. Well before a capital campaign begins, it’s important for organizations to find ways to engage non-donors and encourage regular donors to increase their giving. Consistent donors and those whose giving has steadily increased are demonstrating their loyalty to…
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Fr. Joseph Walsh’s invitation for the Steier Group to partner with St. Mary Catholic Church on its capital campaign came with a challenge and a request. Weekend Masses at the parish, situated in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska, and near the state capitol, often draw more visitors than parishioners. Could the Steier Group create an approach to encourage these visitors to support a campaign for long overdue repairs and renovations? And the request: Would the Steier Group allow the Blessed Mother to be front and center in the campaign? The Steier Group’s response: Yes to the challenge and a wholehearted yes to…
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Watch the video above for a short message from our CEO, Matt Vuorela. When Jim Steier founded the Steier Group in the attic of the Steier family home in 1997, the idea of helping nonprofits raise $3 billion seemed unfathomable. And yet, in early 2024, the Steier Group surpassed the $3 billion milestone. This achievement is a testament to the hard-working campaign managers, management team and support staff of the Steier Group, but, more importantly, to our incredible partners. From pastors and bishops to donors and volunteers, each campaign would not be a success without the work of communities…
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