Capital Campaign Strategy

It typically starts something like this: Campaign leaders are talking strategy with their campaign manager about how to raise the necessary funds to meet their goal, when someone asks: “How many – take your pick: parishioners, members, donors – do we have?” Followed by: “How much money do we need to meet our goal?” Next comes a moment of silence as the person who started the conversation does some quick division. “That means if we asked everyone to give – fill in the amount – we would reach our goal.” If only it was that simple. For the past 19…

Nonprofit organizations face the constant and ongoing challenge of raising dollars to fund their missions. Oftentimes, donors complain that they are approached too often or that nonprofits should look to other sources in order to obtain support. While those closest to your organization will always be the strongest givers, there may be other opportunities worth considering. LOCAL BUSINESSES AND VENDORS Most nonprofits have a list of vendors with whom they work on a weekly, monthly or annual basis. Approaching those vendors for occasional support is another good way to help your nonprofit. Typically, if the vendor wants to maintain a…

Throughout history, successful armies have received wise leadership from their generals who coordinate positions and strategies, working to win a war. However, while an army’s leaders may spend hours discerning, studying and calculating before making a decision, it’s the frontline troops who put a plan into action. When reviewing the organizational structure of your campaign, you may consider your volunteer team in the same light. A pastor, CEO or president represents the five-star general, while the volunteer team serves as the troops, the foot soldiers responsible for enacting campaign strategy. And just as a successful army requires dependable troops so…

Campaign events can be tricky. Your guests know they’ve been invited for a reason – you’d like them to consider making a gift. But you also want to show your deep appreciation and gratitude. It’s a delicate balance because these gatherings are cultivation events and also platforms for your request for support. Donors expect a lot from you at these events. Noting that these gatherings are a representation of your overall fundraising effort, donors want to see an organized yet thoughtful occasion. When planning your next campaign event, consider some of the following tips: Engage your volunteer team and ask…

Some apologies are a must: neglecting to take out the trash on garbage pick-up day (guilty) and accidentally breaking your child’s favorite toy (guilty again). Some apologies, however, should remain unspoken. A request for support for an organization that does good work resides at the top of this list. Too often, development directors, stewardship coordinators and volunteers with a passion for a cause feel compelled to piggyback a request for support with an apology for asking. “Sorry to bother you.” “Sorry to ask you for such a large gift.” “Sorry to ask you for support when times are so tough.”…

There is a good chance your organization has discussed the idea of how to reach the millennial generation. Smart leaders recognize the importance of keeping young people integrated and active within churches, schools and community nonprofits. It is critical to engage young constituents – one day they will serve as the next generation of leaders. Without young, dedicated people in our communities, our missions and organizations would cease to exist. I’ve identified three areas on which to focus when it comes to engaging this unique and sometimes hard-to-reach generation. CONNECT Start with active members. These individuals may have children in…

The building project has finally been approved and it’s time to raise funds to turn this long-awaited dream into a reality. You put your apron on because you know you’ll need to sell more than a few desserts to get where you want to go. After you, and countless others, have put in hours, days and weeks of planning and baking, you’re finally ready for the annual bake sale. When it’s all said and done, you netted $900 toward your multi-million dollar project. Sound familiar? I love a good piece of apple pie, but when your organization needs to raise…