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Conducting a Fundraising Feasibility Study – why should we?

Conducting a Fundraising Feasibility Study – why should we?

What should be our fundraising target?  Who will be our major donors?  Will there be general support for our fundraising campaign? Who should lead the campaign?  Who will do the asking?
These are the unknown questions when planning begins for a major fundraising campaign and going into it without the answers, can lead to a disastrous or failed campaign (and embarrassment); there is often only one chance to get it right. Much will depend on the maturity of the Development Office, the database, the existing knowledge of the school community and past fundraising success.
Much of the success of a fundraising campaign rests in the level of planning and what is absolutely critical is securing significant leadership funding before a general community wide appeal is launched. But to secure this funding which will underpin a campaign, research and consultation is a must.  For schools with limited fundraising history, an immature Development Office and at best, only average support and involvement from alumni, a feasibility study is a vital component in the planning phase.  A study will help identify the potential leaders, those individuals with the respect and influence and hopefully, the ability and inclination to be lead donors. Only with this volunteer group in place can an institution hope to get the support of the wider community.
The study will provide an accurate indication as to whether the development project(s) are indeed the priorities that will attract financial support and also will identify common perceptions or issues that the School may need to overcome before a campaign is launched. Often this detail is only exposed by a feasibility study.
I conduct these feasibility studies personally, combining my experience in school development and the actual fundraising campaign process, with an understanding and respect for the School’s often limited resources.
 
 

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