What to Know About Capital Campaigns
Planning and Execution for Success
A capital campaign is one of the most ambitious and transformative fundraising efforts a nonprofit can undertake. Whether you’re funding a new building, launching a major program, or growing your endowment, success depends on careful planning and strategic execution. Here’s what you need to know before you dive in.
1. Set a Clear and Attainable Goal
A capital campaign isn’t just about raising money—it’s about achieving a specific vision. Before you start, define your campaign goal with clarity. Ask yourself:
What exactly are we raising funds for?
How much will it cost?
What impact will this project have on our mission and community?
Having a well-defined purpose ensures alignment between leadership, donors, and stakeholders.
2. Conduct a Feasibility Study
Before launching, it’s critical to assess whether your goal is realistic. A feasibility study helps gauge donor interest, identify potential funding sources, and uncover any challenges. This step involves interviewing major donors, board members, and key stakeholders to determine whether you have the support needed to succeed.
3. Build a Strong Leadership Team
Capital campaigns require strong leadership. Assemble a campaign committee of board members, key donors, and community influencers who can advocate for the project, open doors to new donors, and help drive fundraising efforts. A well-connected and committed leadership team makes a world of difference.
4. Prioritize Major Gifts First
A successful capital campaign follows the 80/20 rule—about 80% of your funds will come from 20% of your donors. Start by securing leadership gifts from your most dedicated supporters before rolling out the public phase. This ensures momentum and credibility before broader outreach.
5. Develop a Multi-Phase Strategy
Capital campaigns typically unfold in several phases:
Quiet Phase – Secure lead gifts from major donors.
Public Phase – Expand outreach to your broader donor base and community.
Closing Phase – Final push to meet or exceed your fundraising goal.
Each phase requires a tailored strategy, from targeted solicitation efforts to engaging marketing campaigns.
6. Communicate Impact and Steward Donors
Donors want to see their contributions making a difference. Keep them engaged with regular updates, donor recognition, and meaningful impact stories. Stewardship isn’t just about saying thank you—it’s about building long-term relationships that will support your nonprofit well beyond this campaign.
Ready to Launch a Capital Campaign?
A capital campaign is a marathon, not a sprint—but with the right strategy, it can be a game-changer for your organization. TRANSCEND Advancement provides expert campaign planning, feasibility studies, and donor engagement strategies to help you hit your goal with confidence. Let’s work together to turn your vision into reality!
