With over 25 years of service to nonprofits nationwide, Carlton and Company understands all the competing theories regarding fundraising feasibility studies. The best advice: some nonprofits benefit significantly from a well-designed staff and Board or study, particularly when first needs appear obscure need more definite data to move forward with confidence. But a shrewd measure is never represented by a poorly designed study. (If, in fact, your leaders has “set the table” with strong preparatory work, you may be able to transition directly into a major solicitation without a Study– but be careful not to overestimate improvement to date!)
No matter your situation, the primary goal always should contain getting the assignments right for ultimate success. A in depth feasibility study may be your finest measure (contrary to gimmicks that claim to shortcut studies with adroit messaging and staff training alone). Done correctly, capital campaign feasibility studies bring increased clarity and trust and contribution – all worth the investment that is early. Thus, a successful study should be regarded as a primary tool in almost any leading campaign that was successful.
Capital campaign feasibility studies represent months of work and preparatory research. Request a recent sample copy, when assessing potential businesses that conduct fundraising feasibility studies. As with absolutely any process predicated on data, look formatting as well as past colors. Look carefully at what forms the foundation for recommendations.
Just how many assistants or leaders had input signal? How were they asked or contacted? Were married pairs counted as one or two separate interviews, if interviewed as a couple? Were interviews dashed in short sessions that work only as guided “fill out a form” assemblies?
The Carlton fundraising feasibility process includes the broadest possible input from stakeholders, based on respectful, personal face-to-face interviews (not mass e-mails or fill in bubble surveys). This strategy invests substantial time to learn about a nonprofit organization’s unique history and donors, including subtle but vital details disregarded or readily overlooked.
The bottom line: Capital campaign feasibility studies shouldn’t be regarded as compulsory in every capital campaign, nor should they be considered pricey scams. They are well worth the investment when they produce clear recommendations wanted, supported by hard data along with a trusted process.
Please contact Carlton and Company to receive a copy of a recent Carlton fundraising feasibility study. Remember that, above all, a Carlton and Company campaign feasibility study produces what your decision makers have to move forward and meet your aim with complete trust.
See Carlton and Company at fundraising-campaigns.org.
More information about how to run a capital campaign explore our webpage