Capital campaigns differ from other fundraising efforts in several key ways:
- They usually are limited in time, with a starting date and an ending date (though the ending date may be extended if things don't go as planned)
- The funds that are raised are committed to the announced purpose or purposes of the campaign and can't be spent on other things without the permission of the donors
- It is common for capital campaigns to have carefully drawn-up plans and schedules, specific volunteer leadership (which may overlap with the board of directors but include other people who are willing to assist in various ways), and printed materials that can be used to explain the goals of the campaign to prospective donors
- Capital campaigns, especially the more ambitious ones, are often supported by consultants with specialized skill and experience; it is important to have a plan which can balance the demands of campaign with the challenges of day-to-day operations
- A capital campaign may start with a "silent period" during which the volunteer leadership and the consultants test the waters, seek "lead gifts" that can be announced as the campaign begins to generate momentum, and complete the planning
- When it makes sense, a capital campaign may include a menu of naming opportunities and plans for other forms of donor recognition
- Often there is a preliminary phase, sometimes called a "feasibility study," during which the chances of success for a major campaign are weighed, frequently with help from consultants, early supporters are identified, and the explanations of the need for and scope of the project refined
An outline of the process of planning and executing a capital campaign can be found in the FAQ item at http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/178-31/331-45
—Ed. |