For us, the people are what bring incredible fun and joy to our capital campaign process. A large role of the pre-campaign committees is to set a strong foundation for the campaign. As a brief reminder, there are three phases to a well managed capital campaign:
Campaign Readiness Study - Identifies an achievable goal, leadership and the strategy for a successful campaign 3-4 months
Pre-Campaign – Establishes the campaign foundation before solicitation - 4 to 6 months
Capital Campaign – Solicits all funds through the final grassroots efforts - 10 to 12 months
Once a goal has been established as attainable, Crescendo consultants move into a contract with the client assisting in the volunteer recruitment effort that was initiated during the Study. This is where the campaign rationale will be developed, leadership cultivated for the campaign process, and key volunteer committees will be built. This time-intensive phase sets the stage for successful fundraising:
Case Statement and rationale development support to build credibility and buy-in
Volunteer training for committees including Steering, Communications, and Building
Secure lead gifts and recruit additional donors
Identify and qualify prospective donor pools
Develop communications, branding and messaging plan including digital communications
The most important step in the second critical stage is forming pre-campaign committees which will include taking the excitement and passion of volunteers identified during the study and move this excitement into action to create the cultivation needed for success.
Crescendo assists the client in identifying volunteers (from the study) who will lead or serve on five to six committees total throughout the campaign. The involvement of these committees help set a solid foundation for the campaign. Here are the pre-campaign committee descriptions, without each committee defined for a specific purpose the process would not be effective.
Here are the pre-campaign committees:
Pre-Campaign Steering -- The co-chairs of each committee are involved in this committee as well as key leaders of the organization or region. With assistance from Crescendo, they oversee the other committees over a 4 to 6 month period to put all the elements in place prior to solicitation of funds.
Case Statement -- This committee of 12 to 16 volunteers helps Crescendo establish and compose a compelling case for support outlining the scope and mission for the campaign and includes a detailed FAQ.
Communications -- A group of 10 to 14 volunteers use their skills to brand the campaign case for support into exciting communications materials with a theme and comprehensive public relations effort over all platforms.
Leadership -- This is the most important committee with the shortest time span. A group of 6 to 8 area leaders or organizational stakeholders that identify and recruit the best candidates to co-chair the campaign to reach a successful outcome.
Building -- This group of 6 to 10 people who have had experience with construction projects assists in finalizing the choice of an architectural firm if the campaign involves a capital building project.
Finance -- This committee of 6 to 8 persons who are adept in financial matters help ensure sustainability of the mission if a business plan is being established or future operating must be outlined for an expansion.
Prospect -- The group of 6 to 8 persons helps make suggestions for potential area donors who may be interested in supporting the campaign and will help match potential solicitors to donors where able.
Crescendo Fundraising Professionals’ consultants execute a strategic process using a volunteer-driven and donor-centered approach, which engages volunteers and fosters a reciprocal relationship of donors giving financial support. Our methods cultivate the growth of donors’ individual joy and excitement, which results in a closer alignment to your mission and goals, their own financial support, and that of others. Interested in learning more? We look forward to helping make your dreams a reality. Contact Brianna at brianna@crescendollp.com.
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