The building project has finally been approved and it’s time to raise funds to turn this long-awaited dream into a reality. You put your apron on because you know you’ll need to sell more than a few desserts to get where you want to go. After you, and countless others, have put in hours, days and weeks of planning and baking, you’re finally ready for the annual bake sale. When it’s all said and done, you netted $900 toward your multi-million dollar project.
Sound familiar?
I love a good piece of apple pie, but when your organization needs to raise a considerable amount of money, baking pies, selling t-shirts and hosting car washes will never match the fundraising potential of a well-designed and executed capital campaign. That’s not to say these, and other community activities, should be abandoned. Small fundraisers have their place in everyone’s community, but resisting the urge to incorporate these ideas into a major capital campaign will present a twofold benefit for your organization.
Continuing your annual fundraisers will keep the funds flowing into the areas which depend on these events every year.
Separating these smaller events from a campaign will signify that your new project is unique and important enough to merit its own special and personal approach.
The next time you find yourself in the early planning stages of a fundraising event, take a step back and ask yourself if this is the right way to build support. Sometimes the best way to fuel your fundraiser isn’t with baked goods. Instead, try a customized capital campaign and enjoy the sweet reward of success.
If you have any questions regarding the Steier Tips or the professional services provided by the Steier Group, I encourage you to contact me at any time.
