If You Want a Capital Campaign in 2025, Start Planning With Us Now!
Planning a successful capital campaign is a lot like preparing to run a marathon. You can't just decide to run it three months before race day (and still go on your trip to Europe in 6 weeks); it takes months of training, planning, and strategy. Trust us, we know a thing or two about running marathons. (And by we, I mean me. Sarah. In a past life, I was actually a pretty decent runner! RIP running legs.) When gearing up for such a monumental event, preparation is everything. EV-ER-Y-THING. The same principle applies to planning for a capital campaign. You simply cannot expect to raise millions of dollars with status quo preparation or maintenance strategy. Oof just the thought of “winging” it last minute gives us the nervous sweats.
If you are hoping to raise major funds, capital funds, or launch new initiatives at your school or nonprofit in 2025, the time to start planning is NOW. At JSS, we've seen firsthand the difference early and thorough preparation makes. Spoiler alert: it’s huge!
Here are 3 reasons why you should kick off your planning process with us before 2025 rolls around:
1. Pre-Campaign Planning Takes 4-6 Months
One of the most invaluable pieces of counsel we offer is the importance of pre-campaign planning. This phase, which ideally spans 4-6 months, is crucial for setting the foundation of your campaign. During this time, we work closely with you to:
Assess Your Readiness: We evaluate your organization's readiness for a capital campaign, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Craft a Compelling Case: Together, we develop a compelling case for support that resonates with your stakeholders and inspires action.
Conduct Analysis and Feasibility Study: You cannot improve what you don’t measure. You won’t launch a new initiative successfully without testing your plans in advance.
Strategize Donor Engagement: We map out a detailed plan to engage your donors effectively, ensuring they are excited and ready to support your vision come game time.
2. Rushed Campaigns Fail
Rushing into a campaign without adequate preparation is a recipe for disaster. While you might hit your financial targets, a hasty campaign often leaves a trail of cultural damage in its wake. Here's why a rushed approach is detrimental:
Strained Relationships: Pushing donors and staff too hard, too fast can lead to burnout and strained relationships.
Weak Foundations: Without proper planning, the campaign’s foundation is shaky, leading to potential missteps and missed opportunities.
Cultural Harm: A rushed campaign can harm the organizational culture, causing lasting negative impacts that outweigh short-term gains.
By taking the time to plan thoroughly, you ensure that your campaign not only meets its financial goals but also strengthens your organization's culture and community.
3. Readying Major Donors With an Extra Long On-Ramp
Major donors are one of the backbones of any successful capital campaign. Giving your key partners an extended on-ramp to get on board with your vision is essential. Here's how an extended engagement benefits your campaign:
Builds Trust: Major donors appreciate being part of the journey from the beginning. It builds trust and a deeper connection to your cause.
Aligns Goals: Early involvement allows you to align your campaign goals with the interests and passions of your major donors.
Creates Champions: By engaging them early, you turn major donors into champions for your cause, who will advocate and bring others along with them.
We strongly believe that starting early and planning meticulously are the keys to a successful capital campaign. We're here to guide you through every step, ensuring that your campaign is not only financially successful but also culturally enriching for your organization. We LOVE the details, so don’t sweat it if you’re nervous about how to pull everything together. We’ve got you covered.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're considering a capital campaign in 2025, let's start the conversation now. Our team is ready to help you lay the groundwork for a campaign that will drive your mission forward and make a lasting impact.
