Ready, Set, Go - Preparing for a Campaign

In preparing for a capital campaign it is critical to take a close, candid look at development functions - internal and external. Explore these four key areas before embarking on a campaign:

1. Assessment of the agency's needs and viability of goal. Step one in formulating your campaign plan and strategies - whether for building needs, programmatic support or endowment - is to have an external professional conduct an assessment of your constituency's desire to see you grow and test the anticipated financial goal.

2. Internal preparations - donor records, staffing and communications. Available staff and technology oftentimes dictates how efficiently information can be managed during a campaign. Ongoing contact with donors and prospects and stewardship activities form the core "work" of any campaign. An agency must be prepared to manage these internal functions effectively to ensure optimal results.

3. Volunteer leadership - beyond the Board - to help share the organization's story and raise money. While staff is critical in managing and moving the campaign forward, most often, campaign solicitations fall to the volunteer leadership. These individuals share common interests with and have access to those with influence and affluence in a community that can make significant leadership gifts - gifts that will make or break your campaign.

4. Pre-conditioned marketplace. During an assessment, this critical component can be evaluated through feedback from those closest to your organization. It is essential that your agency's good work is recognized and celebrated in the community and that your agency has a positive image among constituents.

Pre-campaign activities may mean the difference between achieving or falling short of your goals. A well-prepared organization that uses superior strategies and develops consistent and successful plans encounters fewer obstacles while achieving their dreams through a campaign.

- Jennifer L. Curzon, Vice President (Kansas City) jennifer@hartsookcompanies.com

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Send a memo briefing to volunteers outlining strategies for gift solicitations that can be used during solicitation rehearsals." - Ginger Bower, YWCA of Metropolitan Washington (Washington, D.C.)

If you are interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union

• "Another Two Dozen Best Practices^SM," a special edition featuring suggestions from 24 Hartsook Companies consultants

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com

The Hartsook School of Consulting

Bob Hartsook, an icon and expert in the fundraising profession, has been dedicated to the education and advancement of fundraising for decades. He has offered seminars in more than 30 cities across the country, been a guest speaker for countless conferences, symposiums and classrooms, and authored six books and mountains of articles.

In November, Bob is taking training to a new level - The Hartsook School of Consulting, an executive boot camp.

Keep watching various industry publications for more information. Or, if you want to be one of the first to hear more, send an email to hsc@hartsookcompanies.com with your contact information.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.