Undertaking a capital campaign is among the most monumental decisions an organization can make. A successful campaign can greatly advance your mission and your capacity to have a greater impact. Before embarking on a campaign, there are three fundamental elements that must be in place:

1) a Case for Support, 2) Leadership, and 3) a Campaign Plan.

Case for Support

Every capital campaign needs a case for support that illustrates the campaign’s vision and funding priorities and articulates the impact philanthropic investments will have on the communities you serve.

Leadership

Board members and volunteer leaders are the greatest assets to a capital campaign: influential leaders who will make their own significant gifts and then engage their networks to give. Whether they serve on your official Campaign Committee or not, all of your Board members must fully embrace the campaign and be ready to make personal “stretch” gifts to the campaign. 100 percent participation from the Board must be achieved before endeavoring to secure support from the broader philanthropic community.

Campaign Plan

An effective campaign plan offers a checklist of items that must be in place before launching a successful campaign. Key to the plan are revenue goals, a range of gifts table, a timeline for solicitations, leadership roles and resources, and, most importantly, a solid cohort of prospective donors (individuals, foundations, and corporations) who are already committed to your mission and have the capacity to support the campaign with a major gift. Another key element is having adequate development resources—staff, technology, and systems—in place to support a capital campaign.

Michelle Whiting & Associates can assist you in your campaign planning in a variety of ways.

-We will conduct a Development Assessment, taking a deep dive into the current capacity of the organization—staffing, development systems, and technology—to identify specific areas that need fortification before a campaign can be launched. Our Development Assessment’s short-term and long-term actionable recommendations will ensure your organization is campaign-ready.

-We will also review current funders to assess their capacity to give and have honest conversations with board members and potential campaign leadership about expectations.

-MW&A will also work with your organization to develop the critical campaign Case for Support, ensuring your vision, funding needs, and impact are presented in the most compelling manner.

If you are considering a capital campaign, please Contact Us.

MW&A Celebrates 30 Years

It was 1994 when MW&A opened its doors and since that time we have shared our expertise with the best of the best in the nonprofit sector. It has been our privilege to assist well over 200 organizations and hundreds of individuals to the benefit of the missions they serve. We look forward to the future!