|
When building a house, the foundation matters. Even in Scripture, Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish builders: one builds a house on rock, the other on sand. When the storms come, only the house built on a solid foundation stands firm. The lesson is simple: what we build upon matters.
When you think about it, building a house has a process where each step depends upon the one before it. After all, you wouldn't try to put the walls up before the foundation is dry or put the roof on before the walls are in place! Every stage has a purpose, and rushing ahead or skipping a step can compromise the entire structure.
The same is true when building a capital campaign.
A successful campaign begins with a strong foundation, and each phase is intentionally designed to build upon the one before it.
After the results of the feasibility study are compiled, a reasonable campaign goal is recommended. That recommendation is based on implementing a specific campaign model. The projected potential is not simply a number on paper. It reflects what we believe can be achieved based on statistical analysis, historical campaign results, and measurable data. It is what can be achieved when the recommended strategy is put into practice.
| | |
Of course, following a plan doesn't mean every campaign must look exactly the same.
Let’s go back to building a house. Every house needs a solid foundation, walls, and a roof, but beyond those essentials, no two homes need to look alike. The colors, finishes, layout, and personal touches can vary. Those choices make a house unique, but they don't replace the structural elements that make it sound and secure.
In a capital campaign, the essential components remain consistent, but the strategy can be adapted to reflect the community’s culture, needs, and circumstances. There is room for flexibility and creativity within a proven framework. The key is knowing which elements can be adjusted and which are fundamental to success.
We know that following a structured process requires patience. That's why the partnership between leadership and the campaign team is so important.
In the end, we want every campaign to be built on solid rock because a strong foundation makes all the difference when the storms come. Our goal is not simply to help you raise the money you need today, but to help build a bright future for your community.
| | Click below for Online Resources! | | |
About Lynch Development Associates:
Lynch Development Associates (LDA) is a Catholic development firm that specializes in assisting dioceses, parishes, schools, and other entities with their development needs. For over three decades, our directors have partnered with clients to raise the necessary funds to construct and renovate buildings, fund new initiatives and research, and build new churches, parish centers, and schools. We have also been successful with annual appeals, debt reduction campaigns, stewardship initiatives, and the establishment of endowments in various communities nationwide. Our firm, having raised over 2 billion dollars, maintains a 98% success rate in meeting or exceeding our goals. Our directors are intimately involved in every aspect of your campaign, enabling us to give clarity to your vision and together, make your dreams a reality.
Annual Appeals, Feasibility Studies, Capital Campaigns, Major Gift Solicitations, Fundraising, Development, Endowment Campaigns, Prospect Research, Spanish Language Programs, Stewardship Initiatives, Offertory Programs, Planned Giving, Strategic Planning
PROUD SPONSOR OF THE ICSC
| | | | |
