Are You Ready for a Capital Campaign? 11 Telltale Signs

If you’re like many nonprofit leaders, you might be wondering when it’s a good time to consider a capital campaign. With a pandemic raging, is it even possible that NOW is a good time for a campaign?

Should Your Nonprofit Consider a Capital Campaign… Now?

The answer is that it’s a good time to take on a campaign in the coming months, if:

• You have a big vision for your nonprofit
• You’re looking to make a leap in your capacity
• You want to deliver bigger, better programs and services

With everything going on in the world, now just might the perfect time to start a campaign.

11 Telltale Signs You’re Ready for a Campaign

Here are some things you’ll want to have in place to lead a successful capital campaign. When you can say “yes” to all or most of the items below, that’s when you know you’re ready for a campaign.

1. Our board members are excited about our plans for growth.
2. We have some board members who have volunteered for campaigns in the past.
3. Our board members will be able to fund 15% – 30% of the total goal.
4. We can identify potential campaign leaders and can create a plan to enlist them.
5. We have well-cultivated, involved donors.
6. We can identify a lead gift (at least 20% of the campaign goal).
7. We have strong, capable staff members.
8. We have budgeted to staff up for the campaign.
9. The need is well established, urgent, and understood.
10. There is confidence in our organization and our leadership.
11. We are visible and respected in our community.

Assessing Your Answers

If you said “yes” to all or most of the items above, you know you’re ready to take on the challenges that come with conducting a capital campaign.

However, if you answered “no” or “maybe” to many of the statements above, you now have a clear path forward toward what you’ll need to do to better prepare for a campaign.

You can set a goal of making sure your organization is campaign-ready in two to three years. If you’d like help with some pre-campaign planning, apply for a free, no-obligation strategy session with a campaign expert at the Capital Campaign Toolkit (my sister business).

Why You Should Start Considering a Capital Campaign

A capital campaign is the next, natural step when your organization is looking to grow.

Whether you need a new building or need to renovate the space you have, build your capacity (new staff, technology, infrastructure, branding, etc.), start new programs, or expand your reach, a campaign is a perfect way to attract big donors and energize the community around your plans.

On the other hand, if you’re happy with what you do, whom you serve and the way you serve them, and you aren’t looking to improve your programs or services in the near future, then you have no need for a capital campaign — at least, no time soon.

Download This FREE Campaign Assessment Tool

Interested, but not sure if you’re ready for a campaign? Download this free organizational assessment published by the Capital Campaign Toolkit team.

Capital Campaign Readiness Assessment »

Have you given some thought to a capital campaign lately? If so, what are your biggest fears? Share them in the comments below.