We are back with more helpful financial planning tips to ensure success for your capital campaign! Last time, we explored the details of why setting a reasonable fundraising campaign goal is so important. If you missed that blog, read about it here to catch up! This week we are talking about other important steps in creating a successful roadmap for your campaign. Let’s dive in!
Now that Phase I has defined the goal that can be attained and the key benefits for your community members or organizational stakeholders, you are ready to begin Phase II or the "Pre-Campaign." As Crescendo sets the foundation for your capital campaign, we begin developing a methodical process utilizing three to four capital campaign committees.
Phase II Pre-Campaign elements create the strategy for the campaign’s success by involving your own community or organization’s key volunteers. This is a key cultivation step. Each committee creates clear deliverables.
Steering Committee - Brings leadership, oversight, and credibility to the campaign
This committee oversees all activities of the campaign. The committee is composed of 10 to 12 area leaders who will be instrumental in providing input on the foundation for a uccessful capital campaign. The committee helps assure the success of the campaign by overseeing all committees. Monthly meetings are held over approximately 12 to 18 months or until the goal is met. Steering Committee members will eventually solicit three to five potential donors with another team member.
Leadership Development Committee - Identifies the Co-chairs for the capital campaign
The Leadership Development Committee is composed of 8 to 10 individuals who have a commitment to the organization and the area, and who are interested in the benefits of the mission and project. These individuals will be knowledgeable about the business, philanthropic, and social relationships that exist within the area. The committee ensures the success of the campaign by identifying and recruiting the topmost echelon of campaign volunteer leadership for the campaign co-chairs. This committee meets three times to help identify and recruit the general campaign co-chairs.
Case Statement Committee - Provides input and insight into the campaign rationale and the FAQ
The Case Statement Committee requires the assistance of individuals who are knowledgeable about the scope and mission of the campaign. This group ensures the success of the campaign by providing input for consultants to develop a strong and compelling campaign rationale and FAQ, as well as answer key questions regarding the campaign and fundraising plan. This committee also tests or validates the case statement. This group of approximately 12 to 14 people will meet approximately four to six times to help provide feedback on the case statement development and validate the case statement with key donors.
Prospect Development Committee
The Prospect Committee enlists 6 to 10 area donors and volunteers who are knowledgeable about the area and philanthropic endeavors. The group helps make suggestions on potential area donors who may be interested in supporting the campaign and will help match potential solicitors to donors where able. This committee meets for four to five meetings throughout the campaign.
Communications Committee - Develop engagement communications for the campaign including planning the exciting campaign Launch
The Communications Committee enlists 8 to 12 people who are knowledgeable about branding, communications, marketing, and media. They enhance the effectiveness of the campaign by helping provide input for the promotional elements, assisting in raising awareness of the project, providing information to the area about the project, and helping provide input on coordinating a large campaign launch event. This committee will meet every month for 8 to 12 months to provide input on materials, provide feedback on materials, and plan the event.
Building Committee - Creates confidence in the design and construction elements
This committee is typically composed of 6 to 8 key stakeholders who have had experience in design, construction, and management of large facilities. They will assess the current designs, and provide input on the final design. Meetings will be held as needed but once per month at a minimum virtually and in person or Zoom. Their involvement is vital to create confidence in stakeholders that the design and costs are in line.
Join us next time to unwrap Phase III of the capital campaign process
If you have any questions about the capital campaign process (or anything else!) please reach out via email to Ellen@Crescendollp.com or call her at 507-459-1989 for a free no obligation consultation to determine your specific opportunities and needs.