In our work with thousands of nonprofits, one of the questions we are often asked is, “How do you know when it’s the right time for a capital campaign?” The simple answer is, “If your nonprofit needs money, it’s the right time.”

Of course, needing money doesn’t guarantee that you will raise major gifts. But being intentional and having a plan will certainly help. Asking these questions now can help predict the odds of a successful capital campaign:

Is your vision big enough?

Needing more money to operate and help people is not a bold vision. Donors who make big gifts want to invest in something big. Raising major gifts requires you to think well beyond the day-to-day tasks, and imagine the lives you could change if you had all the money you needed. Would you establish a new, permanent home; renovate your current space; retain or add staff members; expand programs; create a strategic reserve; or build an endowment? Take time to dream. Then make a plan.

Have you done your homework?

How do you know how much money you could realistically raise? How long would it take? Who cares deeply about your mission, and who will lead your campaign? What steps do you need to take before you launch your campaign? A feasibility study conducted by objective, experienced and professional fundraising consultants will provide the answers to these questions and more. Combining proven experience, research and donor/prospect-derived data, the feasibility study will provide a campaign plan and “roadmap” for success.

Do you have leaders?

Leaders can make or break a campaign. When your staff and board leaders are informed, mission-focused, determined and committed to advancing your mission and changing lives, they can take the next step to execute a campaign in a disciplined manner. That means using a donor-centric, strategic campaign plan so the campaign will have a much greater chance of success. The right leaders feel ownership in success and take pride in what happens—and how lives are impacted—under their watch.

A successful capital campaign takes the right vision, plan and leadership. It takes courage. Do you need money? Are you ready to raise major gifts? Kinetic is ready to help you make it happen!