Carlton & Company developed the Critical Issues Management program (CIM) to assess client readiness and best prepare organizations for a smooth and successful capital campaign. A CIM will address the following key questions:
- Is your board “on board?” Campaign success depends on the support of volunteer leadership so they must have the confidence, commitment and enthusiasm to carry it forward.
- Does your organization have the leadership it needs to be productive? A nonprofit board should include individuals of means, influence and community standing in order to drive support.
- How deep is your pool of prospects? Determining whether you have promising pre-existing relationships with key donors, as well as how you’ll go about cultivating new contacts, is a critical component of readiness.
- What kind of campaign will best serve your organization’s needs? Options range from a full-scale intensive effort to a rolling capital campaign or annual giving program. CIM evaluates the relative merits of each option given a client’s particular profile.
- When should your campaign launch? Timing is a major factor in any campaign’s success, taking into account internal and external factors (for example, leadership availability and commitment, competing efforts in the community, economic climate).
- Do you have the necessary resources to conduct a capital campaign? Your ability to fund-raise will be compromised without a realistic campaign budget.
- Is your organization financially stable? Operating deficits need to be addressed and appropriately presented to prospective donors.
- Are there other sources of funding for the project in addition to charitable giving? Organizations should look at a range of resources, from bank financing and bonding to the use of endowments and existing assets.
- What are the most compelling elements of your case for support? Put yourself in a prospective donor’s shoes and search your story for the most meaningful messages. Ask yourself whether you’re presenting institutional needs only, or demonstrating value to the community as a whole.
- Are local leaders aware of the problem or need you seek to address? Whether community leaders agree with the need – and your solution – will greatly impact the results of your campaign.