While capital campaigns have historically been the province of large charities and major institutions like universities and hospitals, in recent years they’ve become increasingly common among nonprofits of all sizes.
These drives, intended to raise a large amount of money over a set number of years — often to construct a building or increase an endowment — have become far more ambitious and frequent. It’s not uncommon for an organization to begin planning a new campaign before the current one has ended. Though this may have drawbacks, like donor fatigue due to frequent appeals, these intensive campaigns remain popular and effective ways to meet fundraising needs.
Below we’ve collected a series of articles to help your organization plan, market, and complete a successful capital campaign.
Editor’s note: Chronicle tool kits are updated on an ongoing basis as new advice becomes available.
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Capital Campaigns
Big Gifts Only, Please: Social-Service Group Runs Capital Campaign Targeted Solely at Major Donors
At the campaign’s close, the organization will invite longtime annual supporters to join campaign donors at a celebration and ask them to consider making a planned gift. -
Fundraising
Inside 2 Capital Campaigns Upending Big-Donation Traditions
Some nonprofits are attracting big gifts while rethinking relationships with big donors. Plus, read about a capital campaign targeted solely at major donors and see our special report on how donor relationships, campaigns, and staffs are changing. -
Fundraising Leadership
How to Launch a Campaign When Everyone’s Launching a Campaign
Time the announcement right, consider new approaches to volunteer leadership, and more. -
Advice
Are You Ready for a Capital Campaign? Steps to Take Before Deciding
Use anecdotal information and data to determine if your nonprofit is prepared -
Advice
8 in 10 Colleges Are Running Capital Drives — or About to Start One
Fundraisers who drive higher-education’s perpetual search for big gifts want more training, more emphasis on finding younger donors, and campaigns that last no more than five years, says a new report. -
Advice
Inside L.A. LGBT Center’s $57 Million Campaign
Lorri Jean, long-tenured CEO of the nation’s oldest gay and lesbian community center, reflects on how her organization got donors to give big and what’s changed for fundraisers in the post-marriage-equality era. -
Advice
How Harvard and Michigan Made Capital-Campaign History
Harvard’s five-year drive netted $9.6 billion, while the University of Michigan cleared $5 billion. Two fundraising leaders explain how they did it.