Capital Campaigns 101: The Fundraising Strategies and Nonprofit Tech Carnival

For this round of the Fundraising Strategies and Nonprofit Tech Carnival, we called for submissions based around all things related to capital campaigns.

And now, it’s time to show the resources you all provided. (Learn more about the theme by checking the announcement post!)

Here’s what you had to say!

1. Capital Campaigns | How to Set and Exceed Your Goals

We figured we’d lead off with our contribution to the carnival first. As the title implies, this guide delves into the objectives of capital campaign planning.

As this toolkit explains, the right foundation must be laid during the capital campaign goal setting process.

To learn more, check out the guide.

Here is the link: https://averillsolutions.com/capital-campaign/

Key Takeaway:

This guide zeroes in on how to setting goals should and can be integrated into the first stages of the capital campaign process, making it easier for nonprofits to set realistic expectations with minimal additional effort.

It’s all about the cutting edge approaches nonprofits can take to capitalize on capital campaigns.

2. 14-Step Guide for Getting Started with a Capital Campaign

In their step-by-step guide, DonorSearch explains the 14 stages your organization should implement when planning a capital campaign.

Their list includes:

• Assembling a capital campaign committee
• Screening prospects
• Setting a budget
• Developing a gift range chart
• Writing your campaign case statement

To get the full breakdown, from a deep dive into the definition and benefits to what you can do in practice, head over to the guide.

Here is the link: https://www.donorsearch.net/capital-campaign-starting-steps/

Key Takeaway:

The explanation is direct here. If you want to understand capital campaigns, this guide is a great go-to.

3. Capital Campaigns: 4 Strategies to Get Your Board Involved

This article from TopNonprofits uncovers helpful ways organizations can gain their board’s support during the campaign season.

The post provides four actionable tips that’ll lead to board involvement:

• Ask board members to participate in your feasibility study.
• Get each of your board members to donate a gift to start the capital campaign.
• Make sure they are closely involved in your budgeting.
• Leverage your board’s connections to meet with major gift prospects.

To learn more, you’ll want to head over to the article.

Here is the link: https://topnonprofits.com/capital-campaigns-4-strategies-get-board-involved/

Key Takeaway:

Capital campaigns are deeply connected to the nonprofit’s board that backs them. If you want your efforts to grow and your capital campaign to be successful, you have to think of the board as not only your support system, but also as your first impression with potential donors. Make it a good one!

4. Capital Campaigns: The Beginner’s Guide to Fast Fundraising

If you want a complete overview of the capacity of and best practices for capital campaigns, look no further than this comprehensive page.

This resource from Double the Donation is entirely focused on what nonprofits can do to make the most of their capital campaigns.

It includes best practices and strategies that cover everything from how to hire a capital campaign consultant to unique ideas.

Here is the link: https://doublethedonation.com/capital-campaigns/

Key Takeaway:

The entire guide is one giant capital campaign planning lesson. If you’re looking for current advice about capital campaigns, whether you’re in the beginning phases or you’re finalizing the details of the campaign, this resource will help you out.

5. 6 Surefire Ways to Raise Money for Your Capital Campaign

Capital campaigns, though potentially lucrative, are not without their challenges. The 6-steps included in this article are built around maximizing funds while reducing those challenges:

1. Start a crowdfunding campaign
2. Prepare accordingly to maximize your public phase
3. Optimize your online donation forms
4. Encourage matched giving
5. Ask companies for contributions
6. Apply for challenge grants

Here is the link: https://blog.fundly.com/capital-campaign-fundraising/

Key Takeaway:

Effective fundraising is crucial for nonprofits. To give readers real-world advice, this resource from Fundly explores what leads to a successful capital campaign and easy, profitable fundraising ideas.

6. Engaging Your Nonprofit’s Board: 5 Tips to Boost Involvement

This post from Bullock Consulting features a diverse list of tips for nonprofits of all sizes. While the article is focused on the big picture of board engagement, each piece of advice is written within a framework that recognizes a nonprofit’s overall mission: successful fundraising.

To learn more, check out the original blog post.

Here is the link: http://bullockconsulting.net/engaging-your-nonprofits-board-5-tips-to-boost-involvement/

Key Takeaway:

Although not all of the ideas are rooted in capital campaigns, many are connected to it. As Kirsten puts it in her article, “Your board members are your nonprofit’s most valuable volunteers.” If you’re thinking forward to how your board members can impact your campaign bottom line, check out this resource.

That wraps up this round of the Fundraising Strategies & Nonprofit Tech Carnival.

Make sure to share this with your friends and colleagues in the community, and be on the lookout for the next theme so you can participate as well!