As an example, during the quiet phase, you will reach out to key sponsors, requiring detailed materials to make informed decisions. The paperwork at this stage should be detailed, explaining your goals, budget, and timeline to persuade them to donate. In addition to contributing to your fundraising efforts, lead prospects will also introduce you to other potential donors.
- However, don’t stray too far from the original quote, as sponsors may ask questions about each addition.
- We will be pleased to review the naming opportunities for this project.
- Your capital campaign plan is the blueprint that will guide you throughout your entire capital campaign.
- Perhaps you’ve heard one discussed by your board or have seen other nonprofits launch and complete impressive campaigns in your community.
- Mention details about your nonprofit, the past, the locations impacted, the growth, and the story.
They can help you keep your capital campaign operations going while you look for the right person to fill the job and even help you with the hiring process. A well-thought-out budget will also be a great tool for course-correcting once your campaign is in full swing. For example, it might make the most sense to spend the most time seeking the largest gift needed, since that large gift will give your campaign more security upfront. This will help you get a jumpstart on the donor stewardship and gift solicitation processes once your campaign is truly underway.
Phase 4: Quiet Phase
In addition, they will help you receive funding for your upcoming projects as well as increase your yearly funding. The size of your case statement depends on the size of your organization and project. One draft will be needed for a small project (such as equipment purchase), while several drafts will be required for a donation. Whether it’s a business or an NPO, backup plans are vital to combat any kind of disaster. The events can vary from small administrative glitches to major operation failures that can delay your project for several months. It doesn’t matter what kind of institution you are running, whether it is a school, a hospital, or an animal shelter.
The best way to work on developing the case for support is by writing a simple draft word document that includes all of the elements above. Already know you want hands-on guidance to develop your case for support? Request your free strategy session today to chat with a fundraising capital campaign case statement expert. When you share ways to give, a great way to increase donations is to direct or link to an online donation page. Donorbox is one of the most affordable options and provides nonprofits with customizable online donation forms and other advanced features.
One of the most important planning components of your capital campaign is setting your financial goal. Naturally, this will depend on the scope of your proposed project, but make sure that you are accounting for hidden costs as well as obvious expenses. Instead, get key staff and board members to help develop the drafts of your case for support first. Then, outline a communications plan which spells out the messages, audiences and media for each phase of your campaign. After donors read through the case statement, they are primed and ready to give. Here is where you want to share exactly how you want them to support the organization.
A Capital Campaign Timeline: Understanding the Structure
While all big projects bring some inherent risks, capital campaigns are not uncharted territory. Understand your organization’s risk tolerance and thoroughly plan ahead, but also be ready to adjust course if you encounter cost increases or donation shortfalls later in the campaign. Capital campaigns https://simple-accounting.org/ are not intended to raise unrestricted money to support long-term operations. And while we have included endowment in the list above, it should be included as a secondary item in a capital campaign. Endowment funds are better raised through planned giving than through capital campaigns.
A capital campaign plan is a written-out document that covers all of the essential information, tasks, and big-picture plans that will guide you through the course of your capital campaign. Your plan should be as detailed as possible so that it can serve as a roadmap for your team to reference, helping you to focus on your ultimate goals. The case statement has been shared with more than 2,000 top-rated prospects in one-on-one meetings and during gatherings of leadership volunteers. It has been successful in orienting prospects, volunteers, and fundraising staff to the campaign brand and generating enthusiasm for campaign goals.”
Whether it’s a new building, renovation, or starting a new service, they need large donations to expand their operations. While it may feel inappropriate during a crisis, don’t hesitate to ask donors for help. Some donors may be even more inclined to make a commitment to your campaign just to be sure that it doesn’t come to a halt. Those donors understand that your campaign is important and that the projects and programs it will fund will continue to be important long after the crisis has passed. If you choose to incorporate any of these or other ideas into your campaign to boost visibility and revenue, you may need to get started laying out your plans soon (as with official sponsorship agreements). For less complex strategies, you can designate a future date in the campaign to begin planning them.
If you’re like most people, you probably think your case is essentially a glossy brochure. You may fervently hope that you can create a brochure so good that you can just send it to donors and they’ll be moved to write you a big check. Adding images and infographics can make your piece more compelling and easier to understand. Remember to include other facts and stories to draw the attention of different donors. Companies like Guidestar and Charity Navigator give donors financial and program information on nonprofits.
You’ll need a more complete communications plan that shifts throughout the phases of the campaign. And every element of that capital campaign communications plan starts with a clear and compelling case for support. Time commitment will be a big consideration here and is worth emphasizing. It’s critical that everyone in your organization understands that capital campaign assignments are big, months- or years-long assignments that will change how your organization operates.
How to Write a Capital Campaign Case Statement That Dazzles Donors
There are probably hundreds of other nonprofits committed to addressing the same problem. When developing your case statement, be sure to focus on this section to help your organization stand out to the donor. If you’re addressing homelessness or poverty, there are statistics everywhere you can include in your case statement.
Everyone, including board members and nonprofit leaders, has to buy into their assignment and be fully committed. Capital campaigns aren’t projects where your team members can simply cherry-pick how and when they want to help. Once you’ve created a topline revenue goal like this, you can set smaller, nested goals as you go along, too.
Part 1: Pre-Planning — Laying the Foundation for Your Campaign
Traditional consultants often work with an organization throughout the campaign, unveiling the work to be done phase by phase. Some consulting firms actually embed a staff member in the development office for several months of the campaign to serve as a campaign manager. Most consultants, however, don’t directly manage the campaign but instead provide guidance as required to move the campaign forward. During this phase of the capital campaign, you’ll determine its objectives and settle on the preliminary dollar goal needed to reach those objectives. Capital Campaign Pro is support system for nonprofit leaders and their teams. Part expert consultant, part resource library, Capital Campaign Pro provides the expertise, resources, and confidence necessary to complete a successful campaign.
A fundraising consultant can be your partner through every part of the capital campaign process, including the creation of your capital campaign plan. A consultant can also help you with strategy development, donor research, feasibility studies, fundraising training, and more. A gift pyramid, sometimes referred to as a gift range chart or a gift table, identifies how many major gifts of certain amounts you’ll need in order to reach your campaign goal.