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What does staff appreciation/recognition look like at your governmental center? 

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What does staff appreciation/recognition look like at your governmental center? 

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Keys to partnership success with your center's Friends group.

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Keys to partnership success with your center's Friends group.

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Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, Inc.

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Growing from a small group of concerned individuals to a force of over 3,000 members, the Friends have been recognized for their remarkable work:

2023 - Florida State Park Service CSO Long Project Award Island in Time Film presented to Rafael Noriega

2023 - Florida State Park Service CSO Youth Volunteer of the Year presented to Kya Small

2022 - Partner of the Year Award from Florida Project Learning Tree

2022 - Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Leadership Awards - Environmental Stewardship Award

2022 - Florida State Park Service CSO Youth Volunteer of the Year presented to Alicia Bickel

2022 - Florida State Park Service CSO Award - 20 years Served presented to Stephanie Grant

2021 - National Marine Education Award for Outstanding Organization from National Marine Educators Association

2020 - Florida State Park Service CSO Irene DeLaby Award - 10,000 Hours Served presented to Stephanie Grant

2019 - Florida State Park Service CSO/Youth Volunteer of the Year presented to Marquise Hodge

2018 - Florida State Park Service CSO/Youth Volunteer of the year presented to Twain Glas

2016 - President's Call to Service Award presented to Past Board Member Janet Heaton

2014 - President's Call to Service Award presented to Past President Ted Thoburn

2013 - President's Call to Service Award presented to Past President Stephanie Pew

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Growing from a small group of concerned individuals to a force of over 3,000 members, the Friends have been recognized for their remarkable work: 2023 - Florida State Park Service CSO Long Project Award Island in Time Film presented to Rafael Noriega 2023 - Florida State Park Service CSO Youth

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Helping Organizations Create Healthy Workplace Cultures.

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Rules Enforcement - how do you balance this in your system?

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Rules Enforcement - how do you balance this in your system?

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by Andrea Kihlstedt

Is a capital campaign in your organization's future? Perhaps you've heard one discussed by your board or have seen other nonprofits launch and complete impressive campaigns in your community. Whether you're already excited to start planning your own capital campaign or just learning the ropes, we've got you covered.

Here you will learn everything you need to know about nonprofit capital campaigns. This guide has been updated for 2023, so you're getting our latest strategies in a post-COVID world.

What is a capital campaign?

Let's start with a quick definition:

Capital campaigns are intense fundraising efforts designed to raise a specific amount of money within a defined time period to build an organization's assets and capacity. They typically raise much more than an organization has ever raised in a single campaign.

You can use a capital campaign to renovate or build new facilities, fund special projects requiring capital investment, build capacity, and increase an endowment. Campaigns invite donors to make special gifts over and above the recurring, annual operating gifts they make to an organization. Most nonprofits conduct a capital campaign every 10 to 15 years.
Let's take a closer look - here's what we'll cover: Who are we? Capital Campaign Pro is support system for nonprofit leaders and their teams. Part expert consultant, part resource library, Capital Campaign Pro provides the expertise, resources, and confidence necessary to complete a successful campaign. Learn more about us here.

The Basics of Capital Campaign Fundraising

A quick note on our philosophy: Nonprofits have been conducting capital campaigns for a long time. There are tons of best practices and traditional strategies that you can rely on as you plan your own campaign. But don't be afraid to get modern. We always recommend that nonprofits take a flexible campaign approach that adapts to their unique needs and goals while still rooted in sound capital campaign principles.

Capital Campaign FAQs

What do capital campaigns accomplish?

Successful capital campaigns move an organization to the next level of operation. They raise funds for specific investments that will increase the organization's capacity and ability to pursue its mission. These investments could include some or all of the following assets:

New buildings or renovations

New or upgraded equipment

Start-up funds for new programs

Funds for increased staffing

Endowment funding

How much money do capital campaigns raise?

A capital campaign's goal depends on its objectives - the key investments and changes that it will enable. This means many different things to different nonprofits depending on their current priorities and capacities. Whether you're raising several thousand or many millions of dollars, it will almost certainly be more than your organization has ever raised before.

What are capital campaigns not well suited for?

Capital campaigns are not intended to raise unrestricted money to support long-term operations. And while we have included endowment in the list above, it should be included as a secondary item in a capital campaign. Endowment funds are better raised through planned giving than through capital campaigns. There are also several red flags that can indicate you're not yet ready for a capital campaign.

Download this Complete Guide as a PDF

Download a permanent copy of this guide to have on hand whenever you need it.

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Can small nonprofits conduct capital campaigns?

Small nonprofits can and do run successful capital campaigns that follow the same principles as campaigns for larger organizations. The goals will probably be smaller, but the power of the campaign model can work just as well whether your organization has an operating budget of $500,000 or $5,000,000.

Will a capital campaign reduce our annual fundraising results?

If you plan your campaign correctly, it will not cannibalize your annual fundraising. In fact, most organizations find that their annual funds increase during the campaign period! This is because you'll be in closer touch with your major donors and your relationships with them will grow. If they support your capital campaign, they are likely to want to continue to support your operations generously over the long run.

How much does it cost to conduct a capital campaign?

It may seem counterintuitive at first, but capital campaigns are the most cost-effective way of raising money! The budget for a typical campaign will likely be under 10% of its goal. And in addition to being cost-effective, your campaign expenses can be included in your fundraising goal and thus will not come out of your organization's operating budget.

Want more answers to common questions about capital campaigns and our services? We've compiled a complete FAQ guide.

The 9 Key Principles of Capital Campaigns

Capital campaigns work differently than typical fundraising campaigns that you conduct each year. The capital campaign model has nine key principles that your team will need to understand:

1. Capital campaigns raise money for specific objectives. Unlike annual fundraising, these campaigns target specific objectives and shorter-term special investments that will increase your organization's capacity.

2. They ask for gifts that are over and above ongoing annual gifts. Since capital campaigns raise money for items that are not part of the operating budget, donations made to them are in addition to those that are given to support operations.

3. Capital campaigns require a compelling case for support. Why donate to your capital campaign? Your case for support must be exciting and inspiring while explaining how its success will benefit your constituents and community.

4. They rely heavily on large gifts. In a capital campaign, at least half of the total goal is raised from around ten large gifts. For most of the campaign, the primary focus is on your organization's top 20-30 donors who are likely to give large donations.

5. They're built on one-on-one, personalized solicitation. Since capital campaigns rely on a handful of large gifts, you must solicit them in highly personalized ways. Building close relationships with prospective donors is a must.

6. Capital campaigns engage top-level volunteers. Senior volunteers should play integral roles in planning and implementing a capital campaign. Some of the top-level volunteers (like the campaign chair or board chair) often solicit the largest gifts.

7. They encourage donors to make pledged gifts. It's normal to offer donors the option to pay their large campaign gifts over a period of three or more years as the campaign's investments are purchased or built over time.

8. They follow a strategic order of solicitation. You'll start by soliciting the largest potential donors and those closest to the organization before broadening your attention to other donors. Securing the largest gifts first allows you to clarify and finalize your goal.

9. Capital campaigns raise at least 75% of their goals before going public. You won't publicly announce your campaign and its goal until more than 75% of its working goal has been secured. This allows you to adjust your plans as needed and ensures success.

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What You Need to Run a Capital Campaign

Capital campaigns are not the right fundraising approach for every organization at any given time, but if you can check off all six items below, then capital campaign fundraising may be the right choice:

→ A high-functioning board

A fully committed board that actively fundraises is critical to the success of your campaign. Do all of your board members currently make meaningful contributions? If your board members aren't committed enough to make personally meaningful annual contributions to your organization, chances are good they won't be committed enough to a major campaign.

→ Effective and willing volunteer leadership

Can you identify influential leaders in your community who might be willing to serve in a leadership capacity for your campaign? The right people chairing your capital campaign can make your success just about inevitable. Start identifying and recruiting a strong leadership team very early in your campaign planning process.

→ Involved leadership-level donors

If you can identify a donor who is likely to make a gift of 20% or more of your campaign goal and at least 20 other donors who have the ability and inclination to make a large gift, you are on track for a successful campaign.

→ A well-organized development office

Your development office will have to be equipped to handle a capital campaign. You'll need experienced development staff and effective systems before you begin your campaign. Make sure that you budget adequately for the additional staff you will need for your campaign, as well.

→ A clear plan and a compelling case

Every capital campaign is based on a clear and specific set of campaign objectives that outline what you will raise the money for. Those objectives must then become the basis for a clear and compelling case for support that will convince donors to give.

→ A positive image in the community

Your organization does not need to be extremely prominent, but you do need a strong positive reputation in the community you serve. Are you seen as a leader in your service area? Do people in your community have confidence in your work? Your campaign will build on the sense of trust you have created in your community.
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How to Plan a Capital Campaign

Capital campaigns are big, complex endeavors, and a good plan is critical to keeping you and your team on track. The planning process should also be intentionally used to engage potential donors, committee members, and volunteers who will help make the campaign a success. Preparing for your campaign is divided into 2 parts - Pre-planning and Creating the Plan:

Part 1: Pre-Planning - Laying the Foundation for Your Campaign

1. Develop a working goal that includes all of the expenses/costs related to your campaign.

2. Draft an early case for support.

3. Create a gift range chart that reflects the number of gifts you need at each giving level.

4. Develop a list of potential lead donors and supporters, including board members.

5. Engage prospective lead donors in visioning conversations to secure their buy-in.

6. Educate and inform your board members about their roles in the campaign, its plans, and the overall strategy.

7. Hire a capital campaign consultant or campaign advisor.

Part 2: Creating the Plan - Building the Framework for Your Campaign

1. Form a campaign planning committee (learn more about campaign committees here).

2. Plan and conduct a feasibility study to test your campaign's working plans and goal.

3. Adjust and revise your campaign plan based on the study's feedback.

4. Hire additional staff to assist with your campaign as needed.

5. Create a budget, timeline, campaign policies, communication strategy, and a donor recognition plan.

6. Recruit your campaign chairs.

7. Prepare to have conversations with lead prospects and eventually solicit gifts.

Want a deep dive into all of the steps listed above? Review our complete guide to capital campaign planning.
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A Capital Campaign Timeline: Understanding the Structure

Capital campaigns generally take between 2 and 3 years from start to finish. For large, complex institutions like universities, they can take much longer. A standard capital campaign will flow over the course of seven phases, which you can see in the campaign timeline graphic below:

Phase 1: Pre-Campaign Planning

During this phase of the capital campaign, you'll determine its objectives and settle on the preliminary dollar goal needed to reach those objectives.

Phase 2: Feasibility Study

During the feasibility study, you will test the plans you developed in phase one. Some organizations engage a consultant to interview their top donors to assess their willingness to support a campaign and then develop recommendations about the potential of the campaign.

At Capital Campaign Pro, we recommend a different process. We prefer to guide the organization's leaders to conduct their own donor interviews, and then we help develop recommendations based on that process. This is a more cost-effective approach that further builds the relationship between the organization and its top donors.

Phase 3: Campaign Planning

After the feasibility study is complete and the board approves a capital campaign, you will assemble a campaign planning committee to review and finalize a complete plan. The campaign plan includes items like a campaign budget, timetable, policies, donor recognition plan, and a communications strategy.

Phase 4: Quiet Phase

During this phase of the campaign, you will solicit the largest gifts to the campaign, as well as gifts from board members and other key stakeholders. This phase of the campaign is conducted without publicity or fanfare. Organizations should raise at least 75% of the campaign goal during this phase of the campaign. Learn more about this critical phase with our tips for the campaign quiet phase.

Phase 5: Kick-off

By this point, you will have solicited most if not all of the largest gifts and every one of your board members. The actual results of those solicitations will give you a realistic assessment of what your final campaign goal should be. You may adjust the goal from the initial number either up or down, but you'll now know precisely how much money you'll be able to raise. That's the goal you will announce at your campaign's public kick-off. The kick-off of your campaign is a celebration, an opportunity to recognize campaign leaders and donors, and a press event all rolled into one.

Phase 6: Public Phase

The public phase of your campaign is short, intense, and full of energy. This is the time when you spread your campaign message as widely as possible and invite everyone in your extended community to give. By the end of the public phase, you should reach or exceed your campaign goal.

Phase 7: Post-Campaign

While you may imagine that the campaign is over once you reach your fundraising goal, that's far from the case. You will have many loose ends to tie down, donors and volunteers to thank, reports to prepare, and pledges to bring in. The long-term success of your campaign depends on how well you complete this final follow-through!
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Hiring a Capital Campaign Consultant: Everything You Need to Know

Because most organizations only conduct a capital campaign every 10 or 20 years, very few fundraising professionals and board members have deep experience organizing them. And because the amount of money to be raised is usually quite high, the investment in professional help can be worthwhile. Good capital campaign consultants should have deep experience in the field and be able to lead the charge in these roles:

Development assessments

Feasibility studies

Campaign planning

Campaign materials

Solicitation training

Board training

Post-campaign assessments and reports

Traditional consultants often work with an organization throughout the campaign, unveiling the work to be done phase by phase. Some consulting firms actually embed a staff member in the development office for several months of the campaign to serve as a campaign manager. Most consultants, however, don't directly manage the campaign but instead provide guidance as required to move the campaign forward.

Learn how to hire a consultant and the key qualities to look for in our deep dive into capital campaign consulting.

Capital Campaign Pro's Philosophy

Capital Campaign Pro uses a different approach - one made possible by the accessibility of online and virtual communication. Through our Capital Campaign Pro toolkit, organizations gain immediate access to all of the tools and materials they will need for their campaign organized in a clear step-by-step process. They are given the option of working virtually with a very experienced campaign advisor (in a group or individually), to help them move through the campaign process.

This approach enables staff and board members to develop their skills and be more actively involved in designing and implementing the campaign than they would with a traditional consultant. It works well for nonprofits of all sizes:

For organizations with capable development staff and eager board members, this approach is more effective and affordable.

For growing nonprofits with little development experience, this approach allows your team to actually learn along the way rather than passively receive instructions piece by piece.

Download this Complete Guide as a PDF

Download a permanent copy of this guide to have on hand whenever you need it.

Download Now

We believe in expanding access to capital campaign support regardless of a nonprofit's consulting budget. Our modern approach gives you all the resources you need in their entirety and encourages staff to become active partners in the campaign process.

Your development staff and campaign leaders won't feel isolated in a high-stress situation but rather part of a peer-learning community of other nonprofits conducting capital campaigns. Not to mention, virtual advising keeps things streamlined, efficient, and much less costly than traditional, in-person consulting!
Explore our approach and campaign advising services. We'd love to hear about your vision for your nonprofit's growth. Back to Top
Capital Campaign Fundraising in Uncertain Times

Unexpected shifts in the market and social crises (like the COVID-19 pandemic) can unsettle even experienced fundraisers and board members. But remember that capital campaigns usually take three or even more to complete anyway. It's important to understand that campaigns often span economic ups and downs - they're designed to have some built-in flexibility for both the goal and the timetable.

When it comes to fundraising in difficult times, you may feel anxious about the future and worried that your donors will stop giving or give less than they might in more prosperous times. However, your job as a development professional is to stay calm and keep moving the campaign forward. We have two key pieces of advice:

Stay in touch with your donors

The more uncertain the times, the more closely you should stay in touch with your donors. In particular, uncertain times provide opportunities to reach out to your largest donors and ask their advice.

Donors will respond to financial uncertainties in different ways. Some will hunker down and reduce their giving. Others will step up because of the crisis at hand. But just about all of them will be willing - even happy - to tell you about how they are responding to the situation.

Use the uncertain times to build even stronger relationships with your donors by staying in touch with them, sharing the ways in which your organization is carrying out its mission, and finding out how the crisis is affecting them.

Continue raising money

While it may feel inappropriate during a crisis, don't hesitate to ask donors for help. Some donors may be even more inclined to make a commitment to your campaign just to be sure that it doesn't come to a halt. Those donors understand that your campaign is important and that the projects and programs it will fund will continue to be important long after the crisis has passed.

To see some examples, check out these success stories of our own clients who ran successful mini-capital campaigns during the worst of the pandemic.

Celebrate your donors' generosity and sympathize when they have to trim their philanthropy for the time being. You and your donors are in this crisis together. The way in which you work with them will shape your organization's future for years to come!

OUR FREE EBOOK OFFERS MORE HELP
For more information and stories about raising money during uncertain times, download our free e-book that offers stories and tips and practical advice about how to make the most of crisis to strengthen your fundraising:
How to Manage Your Fundraising Campaign in Uncertain Times " Back to Top
Capital Campaign Knowledge Directory

Before you dive headfirst into laying out your objectives or putting together a planning committee, we recommend you keep learning more. After all, capital campaigns are complicated. Here we've gathered our most helpful resources and exercises that you can use to learn more about different aspects of capital campaigns:
The Capital Campaign Model and Variations The Phases of a Capital Campaign Your Capital Campaign Team Asking for Campaign Gifts Capital Campaign Resources and Support You'll Need Capital Campaigns and Risk Back to Top
If you're considering a capital campaign, schedule a complimentary strategy session to discuss your campaign goals with one of our experts. We'll help you plot a path forward and determine whether Capital Campaign Pro would be a good fit for your campaign.

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Capital Campaigns 101: Ultimate Guide for Beginners [2023]

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Considering a capital campaign for your nonprofit? Our ultimate guide teaches you everything you need to know in 2023.

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13:59:36 From Dan Auer - ANCA to Everyone:
	https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/association-of-nature-center-administrators-anca-connects-go-88y2aumgdviud05k
14:01:48 From Dan Auer - ANCA to Everyone:
	https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/association-of-nature-center-administrators-anca-connects-go-88y2aumgdviud05k
14:12:11 From Dan Auer - ANCA to Everyone:
	https://padlet.com/ANCAmembership/association-of-nature-center-administrators-anca-connects-go-88y2aumgdviud05k
14:13:03 From kevin.arnold to Everyone:
	Sorry Everyone, having major issues with connectivity. Kevin Arnold from southeast Michigan. I am the Southern District Interpretive Supervisor for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. We are a 5-County Park System with 13 Parks. I will stay on as long as I can.....
14:14:30 From Dan Auer - ANCA to Everyone:
	Thanks Kevin for being here!
14:15:49 From Sara Jose (she/her) to Everyone:
	https://5lovelanguages.com/start/workplace
14:17:40 From Kristina Watts (she/her) to Everyone:
	Just a small thing - I put a bulletin board up at my previous site to post any words of praise or kudos that we received from the public about a staff member.
14:17:53 From Sara Jose (she/her) to Everyone:
	Reacted to "Just a small thing -..." with â¤ï¸
14:18:58 From Sara Jose (she/her) to Everyone:
	Replying to "Just a small thing -..."
	
	If I receive good feedback via email or program forms I will send it to our leadership and copy the employee mentioned on the thread.
14:19:31 From Kristina Watts (she/her) to Everyone:
	Reacted to "If I receive good fe..." with ð
14:21:10 From Dan Auer - ANCA to Everyone:
	Reacted to "https://5lovelanguag..." with ð
14:22:04 From Heather Hahn Sullivan - DLC to Everyone:
	Could you do food? And code it to the food line item?
14:26:54 From Amanda Accamando (she/her) - Beaver Lake NC to Everyone:
	Reacted to "If I receive good fe..." with â¤ï¸
14:31:51 From Prasanthi to Everyone:
	I have a question. I am with the nonprofit / friends group of louisvilles natural areas division. We are about to launch into a capital campaign to fundraise for construction costs of an outdoor learning center / nature center in our western end of the city. 
	
	Does anyone have words of wisdom on capital campaign fundraising?
14:33:28 From Heather Hahn Sullivan - DLC to Everyone:
	I love Amy Eisenstein - check out her resources: https://capitalcampaignpro.com/capital-campaigns-ultimate-guide/
14:34:17 From Prasanthi to Everyone:
	Thank you Lauren!
14:35:40 From Prasanthi to Everyone:
	Very helpful Sara. Thanks
14:38:34 From Prasanthi to Everyone:
	Great advice. Thanks Heather!
14:39:31 From Dan Auer - ANCA to Everyone:
	https://natctr.org/services/peer-consults
14:40:31 From Sara Jose (she/her) to Dan Auer - ANCA(Direct Message):
	Probably should have sent an email to you or Jen earlier this week, but did recommend a peer consult to Houston Audubon earlier this week. They are trying to decide if they want to renovate old buildings, or build a new center at one of their other properties. Just a heads up
14:41:17 From Prasanthi to Everyone:
	These have been very helpful   Thanks everyone. I hope I can keep in touch with you all!
14:42:37 From Dan Auer - ANCA to Sara Jose (she/her)(Direct Message):
	Thanks, Sara! I will let Jen know.
14:51:20 From Sara Jose (she/her) to Everyone:
	Thanks all!
15:00:36 From Dan Auer - ANCA to Everyone:
	https://natctr.org/events/2023-summit
15:06:59 From Amanda Accamando (she/her) - Beaver Lake NC to Everyone:
	Thank you Dan for facilitating!
15:07:02 From Prasanthi to Everyone:
	Thanks everyone!
15:07:09 From Lauren Strack to Everyone:
	Thanks!!!