PRE-CAMPAIGN COUNSEL

Typically, if you are looking to start a new fundraising campaign, pre-campaign counseling requires a period of one to six months. This all depends on the organization’s situation (examples are relationship with prospective interviewees, their knowledge of the project, status of plans and cost estimates, and other factors). During this time, our consultants’ work may include:

• Advising on the formation of a Campaign Planning Committee (consisting of the Board members and other volunteer leaders) to agree on the overall strategy for the campaign.

• Working with the Campaign Planning Committee, Board, and staff to develop an initial campaign goal, to get the fundraising campaign started on the right foot. This requires a detailed estimate of the costs of the projects to be funded.

• Developing a preliminary Case for Support for approval by the Campaign Planning Committee for use in prospect briefings.

• Providing Board training and educating Board and staff on their roles and responsibilities in the campaign’s success.

• Planning and implementing a program to establish a “culture of philanthropy”.

• Developing a detailed and compelling Case Statement in a narrative format (approved by the staff and Board leadership).

• Analyzing prospective donors and their knowledge of the projects and coordinating briefings for prospects to increase their understanding of the strategic plan.

• Developing specific cultivation strategies for prospects for the top campaign gifts.

• Assisting in using and interpreting database screening and analytics to identify potential major donor prospects.

• Ensuring that fundraising policies are in place (approved by the staff and Board leadership).

• Evaluating the organizational structure and personnel resources needed to support and execute a successful campaign.

• Addressing other issues that may surface during the process.