With over 25 years of service to nonprofits nationwide, Company and Carlton understands all the contending theories regarding fundraising feasibility studies. The very best advice: some nonprofits gain greatly from a well-designed study, especially when first demands appear obscure or staff and Board need more definite data to move forward with confidence. However a wise step is never represented by a poorly designed study. (If, actually, your leaders has “set the table” with solid preparatory work, you might be able to transition directly into a major solicitation without a Study– but be careful not to overestimate improvement to date!)
No matter your circumstances, the main goal always should include getting the homework right for greatest success. A in depth feasibility study could be your finest step (contrary to gimmicks that promise to shortcut studies with clever messaging and staff training alone). Done properly, capital campaign feasibility studies bring involvement and trust and increased clarity – all worth the early investment. Therefore, a successful study ought to be considered as a primary tool in almost any effort that was major that was successful.

What else should you do as part of your due diligence in capital effort groundwork?
Capital effort feasibility studies represent months of work and preparatory research. When evaluating potential companies that run fundraising feasibility studies, request a recent sample copy. As with absolutely any procedure based on data, look previous colours and formatting. Instead look carefully at what forms the basis for recommendations.
Exactly how many supporters or leaders had input? Were they contacted or asked? Were wedded pairs counted as one or two individual interviews if interviewed as a couple? (Carlton and Company doesn’t condone “double counting” to inflate numbers.) Were interviews raced in brief sessions that work only as guided “fill out a form” assemblies?
The Carlton fundraising feasibility procedure includes the broadest possible input from stakeholders, based on respectful, personal face-to-face interviews (not mass e-mails or fill in bubble surveys). This approach invests significant time to learn about a nonprofit organization’s unique history and donors, including subtle but vital details discounted or easily overlooked.
The bottom line: Capital effort feasibility studies shouldn’t be considered compulsory in every capital effort, nor should they be considered pricey scams. They are well worth the investment when they create clear recommendations wanted, supported by a trustworthy procedure as well as hard data.
Please contact Company and Carlton to get a copy of a recent Carlton fundraising feasibility study. Remember that, above all, a Carlton and Company effort feasibility study delivers what your decision makers need to move forward and fulfill with your target with full trust.
See Carlton and Company at fundraising-campaigns.org.
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