Are you thinking about, planning to, or already launching a major funding campaign for your non-profit organization? If so, undertaking a large-scale initiative can be a great deal of fun, which requires significant planning and execution.
We continue to learn about non-profit organizations addressing the implementation of major giving campaigns to fund capital, endowment, and program initiatives. Whether they’re for specific projects or annual operating needs, organizing major funding campaigns can be complex, challenging, and time-consuming projects.
How do you know when your organization is ready for a major campaign?
Answer the following questions to help determine if your non-profit organization is ready for a major campaign.
- Do you have strategic short and/or long-range plans for your organization?
- Are your organization’s key stakeholders, such as the board, executive director, and key volunteers committed to investing energy, time and money?
- What is your organization’s image in the community?
- Does your organization have enough staff to handle campaign activities or will you need professional counsel?
- Does your organization have a current fund development (fundraising) plan?
- What have you done to test your case and campaign goal and recruit campaign leadership?
- Do you know how to best utilize your volunteer and staff resources?
- Does your organization have a strong public relations plan to complement your campaign?
- Have you identified the current and potential donors who have the capacity to make significant contributions?
- Are you prepared to create solicitation strategies for each donor?
- Does your organization have a campaign gift policy?
- Do you have a plan for collection and pledge redemption?
A common mistake made by non-profit organizations is lack of preparation when it comes to major fundraising campaigns. While the questions above should be answered before nearly every funding initiative, preparation of your organization’s most aggressive project will determine its success.