A capital campaign is a multi-year fundraising initiative that takes significant time and energy. Campaigns can raise significant dollars to enhance the impact of an organization. Many nonprofit organizations discuss the possibility of a capital campaign but may not have the foundational elements necessary to embark on a successful effort. If an organization is considering launching a capital campaign, they should discuss the following items to ensure readiness. Organizations that can answer positively to each item are likely ready to prepare for a capital campaign. If a nonprofit cannot respond positively to each item, this checklist provides areas for improvement.
13 Steps to Capital Campaign Readiness
1. Organizational image
The organization is recognized as effective and has a positive image in the community
2. Financial health
The organization is financially stable
3. Strategic plan
The organization has a multi-year strategic plan that the capital campaign addresses
4. Community need
The organization addresses an important need as recognized by the community
5. Board influence
The board is well connected, has capacity and desire to donate, and willingness to actively work on the capital campaign
6. Executive Director/CEO
The Executive Director is well respected in the community, has been with the organization at least two years, and has capacity to dedicate significant time to a capital campaign
7. Development staff
The organization has capable development staff who can devote significant time and energy to a capital campaign
8. Lead gift(s)
The organization has identified donors who might be willing to make a lead gift of at least 10-20% of the total campaign goal
9. Top donors
The organization has identified at least 100 prospective major donors to the capital campaign based on previous giving to the organization
10. Campaign projects
The proposed capital campaign has projects that the board supports and are compelling to donors and the community
11. Development program
The organization has an established and successful annual giving program
12. Development infrastructure
The organization has systems in the place to collect donor information, receive gifts, track pledges, and provide acknowledgements to donors
13. Campaign volunteers
The organization has a significant number of donors who would be willing to solicit donors through a capital campaign
