With over 25 years of service to nonprofits nationally, Company and Carlton understands all the competing theories regarding fundraising feasibility studies. The best advice: some nonprofits gain significantly from a well-designed study, especially when initial needs appear obscure or staff and Board need more concrete data to move forward with confidence. But a poorly designed study never represents a wise step. (If, in reality, your leaders has “set the table” with strong preparatory work, you may be able to transition directly into a major solicitation without a Study– but take care not to overestimate improvement to date!)
No matter your situation, the primary aim always should contain getting the assignments right for ultimate success. A in depth feasibility study might be your greatest step (contrary to gimmicks that promise to shortcut studies with intelligent messaging and staff training alone). Done correctly, capital campaign feasibility studies bring trust and increased clarity and engagement – all worth the investment that is early. Thus, a successful study should be considered as a primary tool in any campaign that was leading that was successful.
Capital campaign feasibility studies signify months of work and preparatory research. Request a recent sample copy when appraising potential firms that conduct fundraising feasibility studies. As with absolutely any procedure predicated on data, look previous colours and formatting. Instead look carefully at what forms the basis for recommendations.
Leaders or just how many assistants had input signal? Were they contacted or asked? If interviewed as a couple, were wedded pairs counted as one or two different interviews? Were interviews hurried in short sessions that function only as directed “fill out a form” assemblies?
The Carlton fundraising feasibility procedure includes the broadest possible input from stakeholders, based on respectful, private face to face interviews (not mass emails or fill in bubble surveys). This approach invests considerable time to learn about a nonprofit organization’s unique history and donors, including subtle but essential details easily overlooked or dismissed.
The bottom line: Capital campaign feasibility studies should not be regarded as required in every capital campaign, nor should they be considered pricey scams. They’re well worth the investment when they produce clear recommendations needed, supported by hard data as well as a trustworthy procedure.
Remember that, above all, a Carlton and Company campaign feasibility study produces what your decision makers have to move forward and fulfill with your aim with full confidence.
See Carlton and Company at fundraising-campaigns.org.
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