With over 25 years of service to nonprofits nationally, Company and Carlton understands all the competing theories regarding fundraising feasibility studies. The very best advice: some nonprofits benefit significantly from a well-designed staff and Board or study, especially when initial needs seem obscure need more concrete data to move forward with confidence. But a poorly designed study never represents a wise measure. (If, actually, your leaders has “set the table” with sound preparatory work, you may be able to transition directly into a leading solicitation with no Study– but take care not to overestimate advancement to date!)
Whatever your situation, the main goal always should contain getting the assignments right for greatest success. A in depth feasibility study may be your best measure (contrary to gimmicks that claim to shortcut studies with apt messaging and staff coaching alone). Done correctly, capital campaign feasibility studies bring increased clarity and trust and contribution – all worth the early investment. Thus, a successful study ought to be considered as a primary tool in any important effort that was successful. Nevertheless, you may want to discount any “expert” who says a study should ALWAYS or NEVER be needed!
What should you do as part of your due diligence in capital effort preparation?
Capital effort feasibility studies represent months of work and preparatory research. Request a recent sample copy, when assessing potential businesses that run fundraising feasibility studies. As with any procedure predicated on data, look previous colors and formatting. Instead look carefully at what forms the basis for recommendations.
Leaders or just how many supporters had input? How were they contacted or asked? If interviewed as a couple, were married pairs counted as one or two separate interviews? Were interviews raced in brief sessions that operate just as guided “fill out a form” assemblies?
The Carlton fundraising feasibility procedure includes the widest possible input from stakeholders, based on respectful, personal face to face interviews (not mass e-mails or fill in bubble surveys). This strategy invests substantial time to learn about donors and a nonprofit organization’s unique history, including subtle but critical details readily overlooked or discounted.
The bottom line: Capital effort feasibility studies shouldn’t be regarded as required in every capital effort, nor should they be considered high-priced scams. They can be well worth the investment when they produce clear recommendations wanted, supported by a trustworthy procedure and hard data.
Remember that, most importantly, Company effort feasibility study and a Carlton provides what your decision makers need to move forward and fulfill your target with total confidence.
See Carlton and Company at fundraising-campaigns.org.
To read more about community college fundraising take a look at this popular web portal