Feasibility studies provide the intelligence to make sound fundraising decisions. A feasibility study is a comprehensive analysis of the practicality and potential success of a proposed campaign, assessing costs, benefits, risks, and the likelihood of achieving fundraising targets.
Nonprofits often start on a major campaign with energy and vision, but energy alone will not lead to a sustainable campaign that achieves its targets. A feasibility study helps to ground a nonprofit's campaign planning in evidence. It provides data, confidential insights, and community feedback that can help leaders decide if their organization is ready to launch a capital or comprehensive campaign.
Without this step, nonprofits risk building campaigns on assumptions rather than facts, which can end in disaster by harming a nonprofit's reputation for future campaigns.
Why Feasibility Studies Matter to Nonprofit Campaign
A feasibility study is not a perfunctory step. It tests assumptions against real input from community leaders, donors, and stakeholders. Through structured confidential conversations, organizations learn how the campaign will be received, what concerns exist, and what level of support may be available. This is where donor fatigue, economic uncertainty, or overlooked issues surface. Campaign goals then move from estimates to informed projections.
Draft Cases For Investment Create a Platform For Feedback
Every feasibility study requires a draft case for investment. This document, ideally 8 to 12 pages, explains the:
- Organization's mission
- Problem to be solved
- Anticipated impact of donor investment
- A Call to Action
A draft case is intentionally unfinished. Its purpose is to invite feedback and reveal whether the organization's proposed direction resonates with its stakeholders.
Community response during a feasibility study often reshapes the draft case. For example, concerns about environmental impact, traffic, or competing community priorities may emerge. Addressing these concerns in the refined case strengthens credibility and builds trust.
IMPACT Creates Stronger Draft Cases
The IMPACT framework ensures that key elements are not overlooked:
- Introduction with credible leaders and campaign co-chairs
- Mission with a clear history and track record
- Problem the organization intends to solve
- Actual Impact that donor investment will create, with outputs and outcomes defined
- Call to Action aligned to donor values
- Transparency reinforcing stewardship and trust
This framework generates draft cases that are specific, data-driven, and ready for refinement based on the results of a feasibility study.
Outputs and Outcomes Clarify Donor Investment
Feasibility studies help organizations articulate both outputs and outcomes. An output might be enrolling 50 families in a nutrition program. The outcome is measurable improvement, such as a reduction in child obesity rates. This distinction is critical for donors who want to see tangible evidence of results from their investment.
Tailoring Draft Cases For Different Audiences
Not all donors engage with the same level of detail or design. Some expect polished materials, while others value transparency in early drafts. When possible, organizations benefit from tailoring draft cases for different audiences. Feasibility studies inform which approach is most effective for each group of stakeholders.
Confidential Conversations Reveal True Perspectives
Feasibility studies create a structured process for candid conversations. These discussions allow community leaders and donors to share priorities, questions, and concerns in a confidential setting.
The primary goal is to assess readiness and gauge willingness to support a campaign, rather than securing commitments. These insights inform campaign strategy and safeguard organizations against misaligned expectations.
Feasibility Studies Build Resilience in Challenging Times
Campaign readiness is never guaranteed by optimism. External conditions, such as economic downturns or public health crises, affect donor priorities. Organizations that invest in feasibility studies consistently fare better because they are prepared with clear intelligence, realistic goals, and strategies aligned to donor perspectives.
Act With Clarity Before Launching Your Campaign with Convergent Nonprofit Solutions
Organizations that conduct feasibility studies demonstrate to their stakeholders that they make informed decisions based on data and due diligence, rather than assumptions. This study reinforces trust and positions campaigns for success.
If your organization is considering a capital or comprehensive campaign, do not skip the feasibility study.
Contact Convergent Nonprofit Solutions to discuss how a tailored feasibility study can provide the clarity and confidence your campaign needs.
