With over 25 years of service to nonprofits nationally, Company and Carlton knows all the contending theories regarding fundraising feasibility studies. The best advice: some nonprofits gain greatly from a well-designed study, especially when first demands appear vague or staff and Board need more concrete data to move forward with confidence. However a wise measure is never represented by a poorly designed study. (If, actually, your leaders has “set the table” with sound preparatory work, you may be able to transition directly into a leading solicitation with no Study– but be careful not to overestimate improvement to date!)
Whatever your situation, the main goal always should contain getting the homework right for ultimate success. A in-depth feasibility study may be your greatest measure (contrary to gimmicks that claim to shortcut studies with clever messaging and staff training alone). Done properly, capital campaign feasibility studies bring trust and increased clarity and engagement – all worth the early investment. Thus, a successful study should be considered as a primary tool in any campaign that was major that was successful.
Capital campaign feasibility studies represent months of work and preparatory research. Request a recent sample copy, when appraising prospective businesses that run fundraising feasibility studies. As with any procedure predicated on data, look past colors as well as formatting. Look attentively at what forms the basis for recommendations.
How many supporters or leaders had input signal? How were they contacted or asked? Were married pairs counted as one or two separate interviews if interviewed as a couple? (Carlton and Company does not condone “double counting” to inflate numbers.) Were interviews hurried in brief sessions that operate only as guided “fill out a form” assemblies?
The Carlton fundraising feasibility procedure comprises the broadest possible input from stakeholders, based on respectful, personal face-to-face interviews (not mass emails or fill in bubble surveys). This approach invests significant time to learn about a nonprofit organization’s unique history and donors, including subtle but essential details easily overlooked or discounted.
Capital campaign feasibility studies should not be considered mandatory in every capital campaign, nor should they be considered high-priced scams. They’re well worth the investment when they create clear recommendations needed, supported by a trusted procedure and hard data.
Remember that, above all, Company campaign feasibility study and a Carlton produces what your decision makers have to move forward and meet with your aim with total confidence.
See Carlton and Company at fundraising-campaigns.org.
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