By Jason Huff, MBA
Consultant | Capital Campaigns, Fundraising Strategy, Coaching

Capital campaigns are focused, time-limited efforts aimed at raising significant funds for a specific project. Successful campaigns are judged by whether they raised enough to meet (or exceed) their monetary goal. However, it’s more than just money that campaigns can raise for an organization, including:

A focus on relationship-based fundraising
Often, relationship-based fundraising (or major gifts) is sidelined by tasks that seem more urgent. Annual appeals, special events, grant proposals, newsletters – the list of deadlines that fundraisers face is never ending.

A capital campaign adds structure to relationship-based fundraising. During the planning phase, organizations assess internal systems and policies to ensure they can manage the added workload of a campaign while maintaining ongoing fundraising.

“Clear processes for data management, communication, and roles are established or refined to ensure everyone knows how to support the campaign.

This structure can be maintained after the campaign and applied to almost any aspect of your fundraising program.

Engagement of the Board and other leadership volunteers
Board members and volunteers are crucial to fundraising success. Their active involvement in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and acknowledging donors is key.

A capital campaign offers a unique chance to engage volunteers by involving them in a campaign committee. Committee members receive training and support to confidently approach prospective donors. The built-in urgency of a campaign adds a level of shared accountability that helps maintain momentum. The excitement of securing a gift or pledge only adds to the energy that keeps volunteers motivated. I have seen the most reluctant committee member turn into the most successful solicitor after they received their first “yes”.

The level of ongoing donor support
Campaigns offer donors the chance to give at higher levels than usual, sometimes even making their largest gift. Maintaining annual giving for operating expenses is essential. A campaign gift is separate from annual donations, but it can pave the way for future increases in giving.

For example:
Phil and Ann Thropy consistently donate $1,000 to the annual fund. After careful cultivation, they generously pledge $10,000 over five years to the capital campaign, giving $3,000 each year to fulfill both their annual and campaign commitments.

Five years later, the Thropys have completed their pledge. Through proper stewardship and a well-timed ask, the Thropys agree to maintain their giving at $3,000 each year, with the entire donation directed to the annual fund.

That’s a 300% increase over what they gave just five years ago!

Every campaign offers a chance to strengthen relationships, engage volunteers, and increase annual giving.

At The Rome Group, we’re dedicated to helping you get the most out of your capital campaign. Let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your goals!