What Going It Alone Might Cost You

When a community considers launching a capital campaign, one of the questions that sometimes comes up is, “Do we really need outside counsel? Can't we do this ourselves?”

It's a fair question. Many pastors and institution leaders have experience running capital campaigns, and they do know their communities better than anyone. It may seem that managing a campaign internally is a practical way to save money.

But could running the campaign internally actually cost you more in the long run?

Experience is valuable, but dedicated expertise can make a real difference. Even the most capable leader has competing demands on time and attention. Life doesn't pause because a capital campaign is underway. There are liturgies to prepare, students and parishioners to serve, staff to support, and countless other responsibilities that require attention.

Staff members, too, are often already stretched thin. Adding an entire campaign's worth of responsibilities to their existing workload can make it difficult to give the campaign the sustained attention it deserves.

We once worked with a parish on Long Island years ago that decided to launch a capital campaign on their own. The parish worked hard and raised approximately $500,000. But progress eventually stalled, and leadership recognized that they needed additional help. That's when they called us.

Welcome
New Partners!

Cathedral of the
Sacred Heart

Richmond, VA

Ascension Parish

Chesterfield, MO

St. Michael the Archangel

Pittsburgh, PA

St. Joseph Parish

Babylon, NY

Blessed Trinity
Catholic Church

Greer, SC

St. Jude Parish

Pittsburgh, PA

St. Mary, Mother of God

Jackson, GA

With renewed focus, a strategic approach, and dedicated campaign counsel, we were able to reinvigorate the effort and ultimately help the parish raise over $2 million!

Think about that difference. The parish had already put considerable time and effort into its campaign, but those running it had multiple other responsibilities. With the dedicated guidance and support, the campaign was able to achieve significantly more.

A successful campaign needs more than good intentions.

It requires careful strategic planning, organized data records, determining reasonable ask levels, compelling campaign materials, consistent communication, timely thank-you letters, volunteer recruitment and training, and ongoing follow-up. Each task matters, and each takes time.

Every campaign is different, of course, and results are never guaranteed. But this experience illustrates an important point: dedicated campaign personnel can make a significant difference in helping you realize your full fundraising potential.

LDA's campaign team provides structure, guidance, and accountability throughout the process. Campaign activities stay on track, next steps are clear, and your director’s primary focus is on moving the effort forward.

Our goal isn't to take ownership away from the community. It is to provide a partner to give the support, tools, and time needed to run the campaign well.

Hiring campaign counsel is an investment. But the decision shouldn't be based on the cost alone. It should also consider the potential cost of an underperforming campaign, the time required of leadership and staff, and the opportunity to bring your community together around a shared vision.

At LDA, we believe every community deserves the opportunity to reach its full potential. If your parish is considering a capital campaign - or if an existing effort has stalled - we'd welcome the opportunity to talk about how we can help. For an assessment of your capital potential, complete our Contact Us Form or email info@lynchdevelopment.com. We will respond within 48 hours to provide a complimentary assessment of your community.

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In gratitude for the opportunity to serve, I remain,

Kevin T. Lynch

President

631.351.1368

klynch@lynchdevelopment.com

www.lynchdevelopment.com

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

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Phone: 631-351-1368 · info@lynchdevelopment.com