Four Vital Signs of a Healthy Capital Campaign

21 Jun 2018

Arts and Culture

Before a surgeon can operate, the surgical team must check the patient's vital signs to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Similarly, a capital campaign is a major operation impacting the financial health of your nonprofit. A feasibility study is a critical first step, checking that the 'patient' is ready to embark on a significant fundraising event.

The number one objective of a funding feasibility study is to determine the viability of reaching your fundraising goal. The likelihood of success is directly linked to your organization's vital signs. So, what are the key vital signs you need to consider during your feasibility study?

Feasibility Study Vital Signs

Staff - Potential funders will often alert you to perceived staffing deficiencies, from size to experience to personality and PR concerns. This evaluation is an opportunity for you to consider opportunities for enhancement via staff training and development and/or restructuring.
Governance board - Having a board with name recognition and a solid reputation within your community is a determining factor in your campaign's likelihood of success. Prospective funders look for trusted advisors as proof of endorsement. It is easier to recruit campaign leaders (other than board members) when a positive impression of your day-to-day leadership already exists.
Programs - Does your community have a strong awareness of your current services and their effectiveness? If so, your fundraising effort will benefit whether your campaign is for capital improvements, program development, overhead, or some combination.
Visibility and awareness - It's important that both clients and stakeholders in your service area know who you are, what you do, and how to reach you. As the number of nonprofits increase, so does the competition for funding. If your organization has name recognition and a good reputation within your community, you are launching your campaign from a solid foundation.

Feasibility Study and Fundraising Help

A feasibility study is similar to a surgeon team's checklist; necessary for a successful operation. Use it when your organization considers a fundraising campaign. If you are in need of help, the experts at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions are here for you! For all of the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to complete an advanced feasibility study and a successful campaign, contact our experts to get started today!

About The Author

Jay Werth

Principal

Department: Team

I announced my presence in the nonprofit industry as an on-air radio talent and assistant manager of a sectarian college-owned radio station in the upper Midwest. The station’s cornerstone fundraising event was a three-day-on-air marathon broadcast.

My career in for-profit radio allowed me to continue my nonprofit involvement. I served on boards including a children’s hospital foundation, children’s home, and church. Radio stations I managed hosted the annual St. Jude’s Hospital on-air fundraising campaign and sponsored and promoted several galas and events for organizations.

Today, public media and faith-based ministries receive my financial support. Professionally, I enjoy ALL the projects I am privileged to participate in via Convergent. Funds raised strengthen communities, from municipalities to human services. My activity in the sector bolsters a belief that generosity is alive and well across our great land.

Jay demonstrates expertise in communications, campaign positioning, and execution. During his more than a decade of nonprofit fundraising, he has directed campaigns while on-site totaling more than $21 million in investor dollars. His campaign clients included economic development partnerships, Chambers of Commerce, and healthcare organizations.

One of Jay’s key strengths is his ability to develop trusted advisor relationships with the clients he oversees and the Convergent team. Jay uses his people skills and extensive mentoring background to provide guidance and developmental support to our project directors. His breadth of fundraising and capital campaign process, and his operation expertise from a robust media management career, provides immeasurable value to the Convergent team and clients.

Summary of Experience

Recently conducted campaigns for a new economic development organization (THRIVE) serving two rural Wisconsin counties, a healthcare organization and arts & culture nonprofit in Washington.
Directed facility capital campaigns in Van Wert, OH, and Evansville, WI.
Managed economic development campaigns in North Carolina, Tacoma (over goal) and the Northwest Florida Panhandle.
Directed Chamber of Commerce campaigns in Austin and Houston, TX, Greenville, SC, and Jackson, TN.
Former General Manager of nationally recognized and awarded radio stations with budgets ranging from $5 to $30 million.
Children’s Home (Sacramento) and Children’s Hospital (Tulsa) Board member.
Church Board Chair during successful capital campaign for a new facility.
Master’s in Management from New England College with a nonprofit organization emphasis.