With over 25 years of service to nonprofits nationally, Company and Carlton understands all the contending theories regarding fundraising feasibility studies. The best advice: some nonprofits benefit greatly from a well-designed staff and Board or study, particularly when initial needs seem obscure need more concrete data to move forward with confidence. However a shrewd step is never represented by a poorly designed study. (If, actually, your leadership has “set the table” with solid preparatory work, you may be able to transition directly into a major solicitation with no Study– but take care not to overestimate advancement to date!)
Whatever your circumstances, the main goal always should contain getting the assignments right for greatest success. A in depth feasibility study might be your finest step (contrary to gimmicks that promise to shortcut studies with intelligent messaging and staff coaching alone). Done properly, capital campaign feasibility studies bring engagement and trust and increased clarity – all worth the early investment. Thus, a successful study ought to be regarded as a primary tool in almost any successful major effort.
What should you do as part of your due diligence in capital effort preparation?
Capital effort feasibility studies signify months of work and preparatory research. When appraising potential companies that run fundraising feasibility studies, request a recent sample copy. As with absolutely any procedure predicated on data, look previous colors as well as formatting. Look attentively at what forms the basis for recommendations.
Leaders or how many supporters had input signal? How were they contacted or asked? If interviewed as a couple, were wedded pairs counted as two different interviews or one? Were interviews hurried in brief sessions that work only as directed “fill out a form” meetings?
The Carlton fundraising feasibility procedure includes the widest possible input from stakeholders, based on respectful, private face to face interviews (not mass e-mails or fill in bubble surveys). This strategy invests substantial time to learn about a nonprofit organization’s unique history and donors, including subtle but essential details readily overlooked or dismissed.
The bottom line: Capital effort feasibility studies should not be regarded as compulsory in every capital effort, nor should they be considered expensive scams. They’re well worth the investment when they create clear recommendations needed, supported by a trusted procedure and hard data.
Remember that, most importantly, a Carlton and Company effort feasibility study produces what your decision makers need to move forward and fulfill with your goal with total confidence.
See Carlton and Company at fundraising-campaigns.org.
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