How to Get Ready for a Capital Campaign Kate Roosevelt, CFRE, Vice President Barbara Maduell, CFRE, Senior Consultant The Collins Group PNAIS Institutional Leadership Conference October 26, 2008

A Capital Campaign… Accomplishes more than just raising money and Is fueled by purpose and passion

Benefits Beyond the Project Transform your school Raise the bar for volunteers and staff Enhance philanthropic culture Expand annual fund Reconnect with alumni and alumni families Pride and legacy

A Definition that Will Serve You Well Capital Campaigns = Capitalization of community values through your program

Campaigns Are Not for the Faint of Heart. Do You Really Need To Do It? “YES!”… if: Mission depends on it The “new future” is sustainable Board members will set the pace in giving (20% of the goal) Passionate school leadership makes a campaign their top priority

Five Keys to a Successful Campaign  Clear plans that meet urgent needs with specific outcomes  Identifiable donor prospects from the inside out  Professional leadership and buy-in from the top down  Experienced, supported fundraising staff

On the Other Hand…Potential Land Mines  School community doesn’t embrace plans  Limited due diligence – surprises as you get into the project and budget creep  Lack of confidence in leadership  Limited trust and development of “insiders” and “outsiders”  Lack of volunteer leaders willing and able to lead

Land Mines, Continued  Too few donor prospects willing to make stretch gifts  Inexperienced, stretched fundraising staff  Aggressive goal not supported by research  Poor campaign plan  Unexpected surprises

The Role of the Board of Trustees, Part I The board as a whole : Ethical Stewardship Resource Management Quality Control Fiscal Oversight

The Role of the Board of Trustees, Part II Personal roles: Personal investment Connect the school Advocacy Get Involved Guide fellow donors

The Board’s Bottom Line Campaign Committee and staff run the “day-to-day” Board is legally responsible for the future of the school and its fiscal integrity This board will go down in history as providing the leadership to move the school forward to a new level of excellence

The Role of the Head of School The bottom line: Set the course – vision, strategic objectives Allocate necessary resources Inspire and support professional and volunteer leaders The return: You will go down in history as providing the leadership to realize your school’s vision

Where the $$ will come from: Parents Alumni parents Grandparents Community friends who share your program’s vision

The best way to ensure success is to PLAN!

Planning/Vision: Three months to three years Solid Planning can save 2+ years on your campaign Outcomes Vision/Mission Plans: Strategic, Business, Program, and Development Project definition ~ 80 percent complete

Mission/Vision/Strategic Plan Mission: clarify the purpose that distinguishes your program Outcomes-based Vision: who you as in institution want to become Strategic Plan: the roadmap to your vision, including evaluation matrix, benchmarks, accountability and cost of implementation

Business Plan Create measurable steps (3-year pro forma) for funding your expanded program:  What will a campaign project pay for? (uses)  How will the project be paid for? (sources)  Where will the $$ come from? Reserves Campaign Tuition Enrollment Financing – short- and long-term

Project Definition Define program plans: quantify what will be better Determine facility requirements – master planning Gather initial cost estimates Secure site or develop selection plan for future implementation

Feasibility Study: Four to five months Outcomes Feasible goal Key Messages/positioning Leadership prospects Giving Potential Internal Readiness Campaign plan and timeline Potential roadblocks and solutions

Decisions: Two weeks – two years Outcomes Finalize project plans and budget Recruit initial volunteer leadership Strengthen internal readiness Adjust timeline Secure early gifts Board resolution to move forward

Ramp-up: Six to nine months Essential building blocks Project definition Strong case for giving Leadership Campaign plan Donors Timeline Staffing and systems Communications plan Board gifts to launch campaign Stewardship Plan

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: months Active fundraising from key constituencies  Tiered fundraising Lead gifts Major gifts Community gifts  Multiple strategies Personal solicitations Special events oPhone and/or /mail oother

Vision Complete! Celebration! Facility open or endowment growth New and/or expanded programming Expanded Annual Fund School at next level of maturity Mission enhanced

How to Choose a Consultant Review Giving Institute guidelines: Send an RFP to at least three reputable firms Interview consultants  Scope of work  Cost  Experience  References  Personal and organizational “fit”

Resources Books Capital Campaigns, Stuart Grover, Ph.D. Preparing Your Capital Campaign, Marilyn Bancel, CFRE Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign, Kent Dove Web Grassroots Fundraising Journal – Giving Institute/Giving USA Foundation – Association of Fundraising Professionals – The Collins Group

Thank you! For more information, please contact: Kate Roosevelt, CFRE, Vice President Barbara Maduell, CFRE, Senior Consultant (800)