With over 25 years of service to nonprofits nationally, Company and Carlton knows all the contending theories regarding fundraising feasibility studies. The very best advice: some nonprofits benefit greatly from a well-designed staff and Board or study, particularly when initial demands appear obscure need more concrete data to move forward with confidence. But a poorly designed study never represents a wise measure. (If, actually, your leaders has “set the table” with sound preparatory work, you may be able to transition directly into a major solicitation with no Study– but take care not to overestimate advancement to date!)
No matter your circumstances, the primary goal always should include getting the homework right for greatest success. A in depth feasibility study may be your greatest measure (contrary to gimmicks that claim to shortcut studies with apt messaging and staff training alone). Done properly, capital campaign feasibility studies bring engagement and trust and increased clarity – all worth the investment that is early. Therefore, a successful study should be considered as a primary tool in almost any major effort that was successful.

What should you do as part of your due diligence in capital effort groundwork?
Capital effort feasibility studies represent months of preparatory research and work. When evaluating prospective businesses that conduct fundraising feasibility studies, request a recent sample copy. As with any process predicated on data, look formatting and past colors. Instead look attentively at what forms the foundation for recommendations.
Just how many assistants or leaders had input signal? Were they asked or contacted? Were wedded pairs counted as two individual interviews or one if interviewed as a couple? (Carlton and Company does not condone “double counting” to inflate numbers.) Were interviews ran in short sessions that work just as guided “fill out a form” meetings?
The Carlton fundraising feasibility process comprises the broadest possible input from stakeholders, based on respectful, private face to face interviews (not mass e-mails or fill in bubble surveys). This approach invests considerable time to learn about a nonprofit organization’s unique history and donors, including subtle but crucial details readily overlooked or ignored.
Capital effort feasibility studies shouldn’t be regarded as compulsory in every capital effort, nor should they be considered expensive scams. They may be well worth the investment when they create clear recommendations needed, supported by a process that is trusted along with hard data.
Please contact Company and Carlton to get a copy of a recent Carlton fundraising feasibility study. Remember that, most importantly, Company effort feasibility study and a Carlton provides what your decision makers have to move forward and meet with your target with total confidence.
See Carlton and Company at fundraising-campaigns.org.
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