Is your organization ready for a capital campaign?

 

 

To make your campaign a success, we recommend that the following guidelines be in place before you proceed.  Many of the corporate, foundation and individual donors you approach for contributions will expect that these preparations have been made.

 

1.   A sound institutional plan, approved by the Board, which details the next three years and sets five-year goals.  

 

2.   Closely related to program plans, a comprehensive, credible financial forecast relating fund raising goals to all other elements of expense and income.

 

3.   Board and staff participation in and understanding and approval of both programmatic and financial plans.

 

4.   Compellingly written and graphically attractive Statement for Support delineating the rationale for support.

 

5.   Availability of able and highly motivated campaign leadership to formulate, refine and implement the approved fund raising campaign plan and strategies.

 

6.   Adoption by the board and campaign leadership of appropriate standards of giving (gift table) for the campaign which outlines the number and amount of gifts necessary to meet the goal.

 

7.   For a campaign goal exceeding $1,000,000, an independent and professional fund raising feasibility study.

 

8.   Approval by the appropriate authorities (United Way and/or local campaign review committee).

 

9.   Major leadership gifts, including one of at least 15% of the campaign goal.

 

10.  Recognition that 80% of the funds raised will likely come from approximately ten gifts.

 

11.  Identification of three viable prospects for each of the top ten gifts needed.

 

12.  Commitment of the board to contribute approximately 20% of the campaign goal.

 

13.  Systematic and imaginative (and continuing) research of potential sources.

 

14   Presence of a staff with the size and ability to give the volunteers the necessary support.

 

15.  Adequate and appropriate facilities for a campaign office.

 

16.  A budget for campaign expenses with the expectation that total expenses will be between 4% and 10% of the campaign goal.

 

17.  A definitive, monthly campaign plan.

 

18.  Engagement of highly qualified and professional campaign management.