With over 25 years of service to nonprofits nationwide, Carlton and Company knows all the competing theories regarding fundraising feasibility studies. The best advice: some nonprofits gain greatly from a well-designed staff and Board or study, especially when first needs seem obscure need more concrete data to move forward with confidence. But a poorly designed study never represents a wise step. (If, in reality, your leadership has “set the table” with strong preparatory work, you may be able to transition directly into a major solicitation without a Study– but take care not to overestimate advancement to date!)
No matter your situation, the main aim always should contain getting the assignments right for ultimate success. A in-depth feasibility study could be your finest step (contrary to gimmicks that claim to shortcut studies with clever messaging and staff coaching alone). Done correctly, capital campaign feasibility studies bring trust and increased clarity and participation – all worth the investment that is early. Thus, a successful study ought to be regarded as a primary tool in almost any campaign that was major that was successful.
Capital campaign feasibility studies represent months of work and preparatory research. Ask for a recent sample copy, when evaluating prospective companies that run fundraising feasibility studies. As with any procedure based on data, look past colours as well as formatting. Look carefully 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 different interviews, if interviewed as a couple? Were interviews rushed in short sessions that operate just as directed “fill out a form” meetings?
The Carlton fundraising feasibility procedure comprises the widest possible input from stakeholders, based on respectful, private face-to-face interviews (not mass e-mails or fill in bubble surveys). This approach invests substantial time to learn about a nonprofit organization’s unique history and donors, including subtle but crucial details easily overlooked or dismissed.
Capital campaign feasibility studies should not be regarded as compulsory in every capital campaign, nor should they be considered high-priced scams. They may be well worth the investment when they produce clear recommendations needed, supported by hard data and a trustworthy procedure.
Remember that, above all, a Carlton and Company campaign feasibility study produces what your decision makers have to move forward and fulfill with your goal with complete trust.
See Carlton and Company at fundraising-campaigns.org.
To get more information about community college fundraising view this useful net page