How to Balance Nonprofit Needs and Resources

Nonprofit organizations invariably suffer from limited resources and a small staff trying to do the work of many. The resulting workload, as well as the personal connection many executives feel toward the group’s mission, can cause staff members to focus their attention within distinct boundaries. True objectivity can be clouded by fierce loyalty and passion…

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Setting Realistic Goals in Your Fundraising

It is vital to establish realistic fundraising goals based on sound research and thorough planning. Realistic goals reflect both the organization’s understanding of its financial structure and its capability to challenge existing and prospective donors. To learn more about financial goal setting for your campaign, check out our related article. Setting Realistic Fundraising Goals Start…

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What is a Campaign Feasibility Study?

There are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding the purpose of campaign feasibility studies. Non-profit board and staff members might ask something like: “Why do we need to pay for a study when we know we’re going to launch a campaign anyway?” Or the more suspicious: “Yes, I know what a study is—it’s a process where…

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Your Capital Campaign Timeline

Many people believe that all the stars have to be aligned just right to conduct a successful capital campaign. People have different perceptions about capital campaigns. Some view them as a mysterious process or with fear and trepidation, rather than with genuine enthusiasm and excitement for a new opportunity. Keep reading to learn more about…

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Structuring Your Capital Campaign Leadership

Inspirational leadership is imperative for any fundraising campaign! This leadership is not confined to one person, nor one campaign role. It is needed from at least three, or perhaps more, positions within a typical campaign organization. Read on to learn more about the different roles of capital campaign leadership and how their time, effort, energy,…

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Playing the Possibility Game

I was sitting outside a café cleaning some spilled coffee off of my legal pad. I was near the end of what seemed like a rather unsuccessful meeting.  I was talking with a former donor who was displeased that my client, organization he supported, had moved in a direction he did not support. It wasn’t…

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The Importance of Qualifying in the Feasibility Study Interview

A feasibility study is a critical first component of a successful capital campaign. The ultimate value of a feasibility study is relative to the quality of the information gathered as part of that study. In this article, we’ll teach you the importance of qualifying the potential support of the person or organization being interviewed, and…

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