Pointing the Way

Understand the capacity for fundraising
And now for the million-dollar (or ten- or hundred-million dollar) question: “How much can we raise?” While many development officers and volunteers key in exclusively on this question, a good study should also include the following questions:

1. Who are the most likely sources of support for this campaign?
2. How can we identify, cultivate and solicit gifts for this campaign, while at the same time building the ongoing fundraising program?
3. At this point, what is an estimated total for projected gifts? What steps should we take to make the difference between that number and our goal?

The campaign feasibility study itself is an important step in cultivating potential donors’ interest in your organization and the campaign. For the most part, people like to be asked their opinions, and the very process of asking your best prospects to participate in the study interview is key to building their interest and engagement.