Even a small organization with the right board and campaign leadership can manage a successful capital campaign if its expectations are reasonable. So can organizations whose projects are happening at the right place and at the right time — such as those organizations based in community redevelopment areas or low-interest bank loans for community development.
To determine whether your organization can manage a capital campaign, you need to plan (no surprise, right?). Your facility plan should ask hard questions, including the following:
- What will the project cost?
- Are your board members in a position to contribute to a capital campaign above and beyond their usual annual gifts to your organization?
- Do public or foundation resources in your region support capital projects? Are they likely contributors?
- Do you have staff knowledge and time to contribute to this effort?
As with other types of planning, you’re gathering information from key stakeholders, but you’re focusing your attention on those who may become contributors. Through these interviews, the consultant estimates how much the organization is likely to raise with a capital campaign.