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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“For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.” -Thomas Merton Dust to dust. The season of Lent begins with a reminder that our physical bodies and material worldly resources are temporal. It can be defeating if we allow it to be. It can also be an invitation, however, to allow our souls to be enlivened and awakened to do the most good with the brief time we have. I am dust, but for my brief earthly experience, I can recognize that the spirit of God…
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As fundraisers and development professionals, we all must work toward the Big Ask. Without asking donors for gifts, it is unlikely you will receive the support needed to achieve your goals. But most appeals and solicitations are the final step of a long journey. The steps you take before are equally important. Stewarding relationships in a meaningful way must, must, must be a priority before you ask for anything. Think of it this way: when donors see a letter or email from your organization, what do you want their reaction to be? Hopefully, it’s one of joy, anticipation and curiosity.…
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Today, it can be easy to fall into the trap of wanting to move along at lightspeed. We hold an entire world of knowledge in the palm of our hands, so patience can be a lost art. Even in fundraising, donations arrive faster now with text-to-give and online giving portals. Gone are the days of a donor only having the option of giving cash or writing a check. At the Steier Group, we occasionally hear from a church, diocese or school eager to begin a capital campaign that they would rather not take the time to complete a feasibility study.…
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A growing generational divide in giving has been underway for decades, but some charitable organizations still struggle to address this phenomenon. Bridging the generational divide in fundraising is crucial for sustaining support and adapting to changing donor demographics. Here are some strategies to effectively engage both older and younger generations in fundraising efforts: Understand generational preferences: Recognize that different generations have distinct preferences in how they engage with nonprofits. Baby Boomers, for instance, often prefer direct mail and phone calls, valuing personal connections and tangible impacts. Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, gravitate towards digital platforms, social media,…
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At the Steier Group, one of the most common concerns we hear from churches considering a capital campaign is: “If we are asking people to contribute to an extraordinary fundraising effort, won’t we see a decrease in our weekly offertory, which we need to meet our basic needs and keep the lights on?” This concern is understandable, but there is good news: clients who partner with the Steier Group for a capital campaign typically see an increase in their offertory giving after the campaign concludes. Several factors contribute to this trend, primarily the heightened sense of community and spiritual engagement…
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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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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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It’s a new year, and while the basic formula for fundraising may seem the same, in many ways the landscape for organizations that rely on generous donations is new terrain. Though the latest news for inflation is more hopeful, there is still some uncertainty about whether that will hold steady or if it is a short relief. New technology is also something fundraisers will need to know more about as new capital campaigns are considered by many organizations. These factors and others contribute to fundraising trends in 2024: Establishing donor trust: Between inflation and greater pressure for charitable organizations to…
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