The Campaign Opportunity: Seven Key Questions

Any nonprofit organization considering a major campaign wants to achieve its fundraising and operational goals. Nonprofits that take full advantage of the opportunity presented by a capital campaign will grow stronger in terms of leadership and community support. In planning your campaign, you may wish to consider the following questions:

• Do you have board leadership to bring the campaign to the public? Are they leading with their own gifts? Are these the largest gifts they have ever made to your organization? Are they volunteering in the campaign effort?
• Will you consciously plan to find new trustees during the campaign among donors and volunteers? Will more people consider it an honor and privilege to serve on your board?
• During the campaign, will you build a larger support base of private giving to address annual operating needs? Will you be able to change the mix of revenues that support your organization? Will you find new donors among foundations, corporations and, most important of all, among individuals during the course of the campaign?
• Will the public get to know more about your organization and its programs during and after the campaign?
• Do you plan to establish a formal development program or expand your existing advancement program? Will you hire new staff to oversee responsibilities in this area?
• Do you have a plan for sustaining the support gained during the campaign after it is concluded?
• Will more people seek services from your organization after the campaign? Will more people want to serve your organization as volunteers?

Every organization will answer these questions differently. What is important is that your organization has carefully considered the strategic opportunities offered by a capital campaign relative to its current capabilities.