Not sure about your experiences with capital campaigns but they are highly technical with lots of moving pieces.

Oftentimes, groups want to skimp on the planning stages.  For instance, they want to jump right into campaign mode without doing a feasibility study.  They want to move right into opening up rolodexes without having a campaign structure in place.

If you are even thinking along those lines, stop.  Right here, right now, stop.

These are the most important parts of a campaign.  It is the proverbial “getting your ducks in a row.”

What goes on during capital campaign fundraising planning?

Well you establish such things as a:

• Capital campaign planning committee
• Case for support
• Workable goal and gift chart/table of gifts
• Campaign structure
• Campaign timetable/schedule
• Campaign policies
• Donor recognition and naming opportunities
• Campaign steering committee identification and recruitment
• Training for board and others on their role within a capital campaign

Lots of really important stuff happens before you actually kickoff your asking.

And, I believe it is these critical things, such as ensuring strong campaign leadership, a compelling case for support, and a gift chart that will make all the difference between capital campaign fundraising success or failure.

Now it is your turn, how has capital campaign planning made a difference to the overall success of your capital campaign?

Helping you to become much more efficient and effective in your fund development.  Don’t believe me?  Sign up for my *free* 4-part major gifts e-course now and let me show you how.