How a campaign relates to ongoing fundraising
Ongoing fundraising helps pay for an organization’s continuing services. A capital campaign seeks commitments for a defined purpose, such as renovating a library or expanding an arts center. The organization needs a plan for both efforts during the campaign.
The project budget and the campaign goal can be different amounts. Public funds or other committed resources may cover part of a building project. The campaign goal represents the philanthropic commitments the organization intends to secure.
What happens before the public launch
Planning begins with the purpose of the campaign and an assessment of organizational readiness. The team develops the case for support and considers prospective donors. A feasibility study can test the proposed goal and case through confidential conversations.
During the quiet phase, the organization works with prospective lead donors before launching a broad public appeal. The timing of the public launch should follow the evidence from that work. A percentage by itself cannot establish that a campaign is ready.
What the public phase and close involve
The public phase invites wider participation while the team continues individual donor work. Fundraisers report progress and help donors understand the available giving opportunities.
At the close, the organization thanks donors and reports what their commitments will accomplish. Pledge collection and stewardship can continue after the campaign’s public conclusion.
What a campaign plan needs to explain
A useful plan makes the fundraising responsibilities explicit. It includes a tested goal and the case for giving. A gift table connects that goal to the commitments required, while a donor plan sets out the next steps for prospective gifts.
The plan also addresses staff capacity and board participation. It coordinates the campaign with ongoing fundraising and the project’s spending schedule.
Where to begin
If you are considering a facility project, read how to raise money for a nonprofit building or the library fundraising guide. Then use the Campaign Readiness Assessment to organize the questions your leadership needs to resolve.
Empowered Fundraiser Consulting offers campaign counsel and the Campaign Launch Pad for organizations planning fundraising for community spaces.