Capital Fundraising Campaign

A capital fundraising campaign for a nonprofit organization requires a lot of planning, but can be very successful, and not overwhelming if every phase of it is managed in an orderly and well-considered manner. Both the feasibility and process of raising funds must be determined early on. A meeting that brings together the leadership of the organization, previous donors, potential donors, and community leaders, where the case is presented, is one way to begin raising monies. Attendees would be given the resources currently available, the ultimate goal to be reached, and in the case of a building, the architectural drawing of the proposed structure. The reasons for the need (current and expected growth), and what it will do for the community are explained to everyone's satisfaction.

Often, an outside company is hired whose profession is conducting building fundraising campaigns. They will do the interviewing and "pitching" of the cause to potential donors, and follow through until initial pledges are made and met. After the process is in place, the nonprofit organization then takes on the responsibility of collecting on those pledges. Where a church is needing a new fellowship hall or sanctuary, a capital fundraising campaign is the way the majority of the money is raised. There may be some help from the District or Diocesan office for the rest, which must be paid off by pledges. When the nonprofit organization is a community entity such as a hospital, the public venue can be used to raise funds. Capital fundraisers of this kind draw from a far wider pool of donors than a church. Statistically speaking, the major gifts that start off a program make up 70% to 80% of funds raised. For a church, however, major gifts may only raise 50% or less.

The smaller organization, such as a church congregation can hold a variety of fundraising events to raise money for their building fundraising campaigns. Church dinners open to the public are always well received, and auctions can bring considerable money if there some pricey items donated. Entertainment events can draw large crowds, especially if the entertainers donate their time or agree to a lower-than-usual rate for their services. Families sometimes offer special gifts taken up at family reunions, or make a gift from a member's estate. The one constant in a church capital fundraising campaign is the pledge. Every member is expected to share some part of the burden, and that is the way to do that.

Ideas that involve the community allows every organization in that community to do something to help. Auctions, art events, golf tournaments, etc. can be quite successful at bringing in sizeable sums of money for that new hospital or library. Grand social events like a Christmas Gala can draw a lot of people who are willing to spend money for the cause. Receptions hosted by prominent people in the community will often open pocketbooks for a capital fundraising campaign.

Marathons have been used to raise money, and bicycle tours. People are willing to get pledges from friends for the miles they run or ride to raise money for a cause they believe in. The capital campaign can be completed in as little as three to six months for a church, or take several years with a hospital, library, or other large nonprofit. The pledges will likely take three to five years to be paid off.

Where large nonprofits are conducting a major fundraiser, the trick is to try to time them so that they don't coincide with another campaign, so that the community is not divided. While a church doesn't have to be concerned with whether or not another church is having a similar campaign, a capital fundraising campaign could coincide with other important financial needs of the parish, making it difficult for people to give proper attention to both. Sometimes this can't be helped, but when possible, it's a good idea to try to spread things out so members can concentrate on one thing at a time. Nonprofits always struggle for funds, no matter what their function may be, so when major expenses loom there is an added challenge to their dedication and persuasive talents.

Raising money is never easy, but it can be very successful when the need and the goals are clearly stated to the participants, and where everyone is made to understand they have a stake in the success of the project. So whether it's a larger sanctuary that will relieve the overcrowding, or a new hospital with state-of-the-art tools for diagnosis and treatment, or a new library that is inviting to the community, building fundraiser campaigns are a necessary part of growth for nonprofit organizations. The fact that nonprofits are growing should give impetus to the community to do its part.

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