Capital Campaign Overview

A capital campaign is a fund raising method to build an organization’s assets to resolve one or more needs that could not be addressed through its annual fund raising.  A campaign enables an organization to raise a significant amount of money in a limited time for a special project(s) that will improve the organization’s service to its community.

The Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP) defines a capital campaign as an intensive, organized fund raising effort to secure philanthropic gifts for specific capital needs or projects, executed within a specific time period, usually over one or more years.  It requires careful study, planning, and identification of major potential donors.  It lays the groundwork for involvement of new volunteers and donors and sets the stage for increased annual giving levels.

Organizations rely on annual giving and special events to meet annual operating costs.  Capital campaigns focus on major gift fund raising.  Organizations undertake capital campaigns when they are ready to build a new building, renovate current facilities, develop a new program or start/grow their endowment.

The following are characteristics of a capital effort:

·        Usually result from strategic planning

·        Monetary goals are far greater than annual giving goals

·        Enable an organization to accomplish specific project goals (such as building a new church)

·        Efforts have clearly defined time frames

·        Major fund raising efforts are unique events in an organization’s life

·        Projects are volunteer intensive

·        Boost an organization to a higher level of effectiveness

·        Raise the significance of the organization in the view of the constituency