As the calendar turns from year to year, you may be tempted to closely examine your master plan with the desire to take the next step toward fulfilling that strategic blueprint. Such intentions, designed to ensure or enhance the integrity of an organization’s mission, invariably lead to a discussion of a capital campaign and the best time for leadership to accept a major undertaking.
Before moving forward and accepting the challenge, all nonprofits need to answer two capital campaign questions.
First, study the validity of the project. Whether considering the construction of a new building, the expansion of the current facility or paring down debt, ask yourself, “Is the need – as defined by leadership – real? Or is it merely a want?”
If “yes” is the answer to the first question, leadership is ready to consider the second question.
A CEO or president may clearly understand a nonprofit’s needs, keenly desire to see those needs met, and enthusiastically promote the benefits associated with fulfilling them. But campaign success is directly related to those entrusted in carrying the message to the people: board members and other passionate supporters. Are your volunteers ready to sacrifice their finances and time, while accepting the responsibility to be good campaign leaders?
A second “yes” should provide the motivation for leadership to begin capital campaign discussions. Of course, it is always wise to run a planning study prior to a campaign, but with real needs – not wants – and good leadership, you are positioned to take that next step toward fulfilling your strategic plan.
If you have any questions regarding the best practices when it comes to starting a capital campaign or the professional services provided by the Steier Group, I encourage you to contact me at any time.
