Capital Campaigns

Trust me, word-of-mouth advertising is priceless. The recent $30 million Indianapolis Zoological Society capital campaign that exceeded goal by $4 million was "textbook" in its success and use of word-of-mouth, and in reality, it is a success for the entire profession!

Through the implementation and analysis of hundreds of capital fundraising campaigns, my company has identified several fundamental principles that are keys for success. We believe adherence to the seven enunciated principles below will be critical to producing optimal campaign results.

If things don't seem right as a staff or volunteer leader — ask. Don't be afraid to ask, and ask again and again, to challenge and to push.

If you are looking at a major fundraising campaign, please take the proper steps to be prepared. Include a research and cultivation phase that gives you the information needed to maximize the opportunity and fulfill your potential!

Larger campaigns are alive and well and can be incredibly effective. When the time is right, take advantage of the benefits of a major campaign. Always look to the unique circumstances of your organization to craft the best path to increased fundraising success and mission effectiveness.

Andrea Kihlstedt shares four things you need to know to create your capital campaign budget: 1. Create your capital campaign budget early. 2. Calculate your initial campaign budget as a percentage of your campaign goal. 3. Consider your organization's style as you estimate your budget. 4. Use your campaign budget to strengthen your overall development program.

Do you have big dreams for your organization but find yourself limited to taking tiny steps forward? Wouldn't you love to move forward boldly and make an even bigger difference in the world? Are you ready to be inspired and excited by big thoughts and plans? Yes? Wonderful! It's time for you to plan a capital campaign. Your organization's potential is greater than you think it is, and a capital campaign can help springboard you to the next level.

Here are the 10 things that will happen once you commit to a capital campaign …

In our January 2009 cover story, "Cows and Chickens and Naked Celebs! (Oh My!)," Steve Kehrli and his colleagues at PETA discussed the animal welfare organization's in-your-face campaigns that get noticed … and get donations.

As Alexander Graham Bell said, "Before anything else, preparation is the key to success." His words ring true for any fundraiser today: Be prepared! Take steps now to ensure success when the time is right for a major campaign!

I knew my new volunteer campaign leader “got it” when, at the first facility design meeting, she threw out the design and created one with the patients’ needs in mind.