Capital Appeals Consultancy
Raising a significant sum through a capital appeal is a major undertaking and a very different proposition from revenue and project fundraising. It requires dedicated resources to plan an appeal, research and identify potential donors, solicit donations and coordinate a campaign often over several years. It can be a daunting task for many organisations.
- Fundraising Feasibility Studies
- Strategic Campaign Planning
- Compelling Case for Support
- Soliciting Major Donor Gifts
- Recruiting Appeal Leadership
- Gifts and Pledges Management
Guiding Major Capital Campaigns
A capital appeal is a significant undertaking that requires dedicated resources and careful coordination to achieve major funding goals over several years.
Feasibility & Risk
We conduct in-depth feasibility studies to reduce risk and identify whether your funding requirements are achievable before the appeal begins.
Appeal Strategy
Our consultants develop detailed strategies that set out how funds will be raised, defining timescales, costs, and a powerful case for support.
Donor Management
We provide expert support in researching prospects, managing donor databases, and coordinating the private and public phases of your campaign.
- devising a really compelling case for support
- recruiting appeal leaders and supporting them in asking for funds
- managing a database of prospects and donors
- handling large numbers of gifts and pledges
- integrating capital appeal activity with ongoing revenue fundraising
- handling issues such as naming rights and donor recognition
- ensuring that the capital appeal does not conflict with ongoing revenue fundraising
- identifying the human capacity to run the appeal.
If planned and implemented properly, a capital appeal has the potential not only to meet an immediate need, but also to win new friends for your organisation, who over time can contribute also to your revenue costs. If you get it right, far from being a daunting prospect, a capital appeal can give new impetus, attract new supporters and give the organisation a lasting boost.
If you require help in any of the stages outlined, or just need to talk through the issues involved, please call us today to discuss your appeal on 01903 723519
Typically, successful capital appeals comprise a mix of support, with gifts from individuals, grant-making trusts, companies, statutory funds (where applicable) and community events/giving. As the amount to be raised is likely to be considerably more than an organisation would normally raise in a given period, a capital appeal requires careful planning and preparation.
The first step is to identify whether it is actually possible to raise the funds required or not. This is achieved by conducting a feasibility study, which is an important way to reduce risk and scope out the key issues to be addressed in the appeal before they are encountered. Click here for further information about feasibility studies.
The second step, assuming the feasibility study points to a likely success, is the development of the capital appeal strategy, which sets out how funds will be raised and over what timescales, detailing who will do what, what the costs will be, how progress will be monitored and, crucially, what is the case for support (in other words, why donors should give to the appeal). Click here for further details about fundraising strategies.
The third step is the implementation of the appeal, which classically occurs in two phases (the private or quiet phase and the public phase).
There are many issues to consider when planning and running a capital appeal, not least:
Meet the team behind Capital Appeals Consultancy fundraising.
Meet the specialists who you’d be working with on your charitable fundraising project.
Other Fundraising Services
Beyond major capital projects, we offer a range of services to support your ongoing mission, ensuring your long-term revenue needs are met alongside your appeal.
National Lottery Bids
Funding from National Lottery boards is an excellent fundraising opportunity for many charities.
Charitable Trust Fundraising
Trust fundraising in the UK is an increasingly competitive area.
Charity Bid Writing
Writing successful funding bids to charitable trusts, the National Lottery or government sources requires both time and experience