Arguably, one of the most valuable assets to your non-profit organization is your volunteers. This can especially be said about a capital campaign, which is likely the largest fundraising project that your charity ever takes on and the volunteers you recruit are vital to your campaign’s success. TDG Senior Consultant Sarah McMahon explains how enthusiasm and belief in the project, in addition to being a well-connected leader in your community, top the credentials for assembling your best team to lead your biggest fundraising effort.
Campaign Cabinet in a Nutshell
The Campaign Cabinet typically consists of a dozen dedicated volunteers guided by co-chairs who work closely with fundraising consultants to strategize the success of your campaign. The breadth and depth of donor support required for a successful campaign is significant. As such, a team with the same breadth, depth, strength, influence and connections is required. Success is not just about financial milestones, but is highly dependent on the Cabinet’s time and energy going into the campaign.
Leaders and Influencers Are Key
Cabinet members need to be leaders and influencers with large networks and connections to your potential giving community. They have the capacity to make a gift to your campaign and the ability to engage potential major donors to do the same. Careful consideration is given to people inside the organization to join the Cabinet, such as board members, volunteers and donors. Research is also conducted to determine Cabinet member candidates outside the organization who may be suitable for the role, passionate about the project, and have connections to identified donor groups. Roles and responsibilities are reviewed with potential Cabinet members during the recruitment process to ensure they understand the expectations and are fully committed to the project. Campaign co-chairs play a significant role in encouraging, motivating and supporting all members of the Cabinet.
Our experience shows that a successful Campaign Cabinet is comprised of members who are:
- Passionate about your organization and your project
- Recognized in the community and can motivate others to high levels of financial support
- Philanthropic and willing to make a gift to the campaign
- Organized and willing to devote the time and energy needed to reach the campaign’s goal
- Comfortable engaging with people and are not afraid to ask for financial gifts
Major Gifts Are the Core of a Campaign
Cabinet leadership will drive the strategy for major gifts, which make up the bulk of achieving your campaign goal. Based on the relationships that each Cabinet member has with potential donors, the Cabinet sets the stage for securing the necessary number and size of initial lead gifts. This typically represents 60-80% of the campaign goal. As a team, the Cabinet identifies potential donors and develops a fundraising strategy in collaboration with the fundraising consultants to determine donor prospect interest in the project and capacity to give to the campaign. Success comes when you assign the right volunteer for the right donor, with the right ask at the right time![
Volunteers Raise Awareness for Your Cause
In addition to reaching out to their networks to invite potential donors to support your campaign, Cabinet members help spread the word about your organization. They attend events and promote the capital campaign when appropriate within their social circles. They are supported by the fundraising consultants to fully understand the project and their donor prospects, and are trained in professionally “making the ask” using role playing scenarios to increase their level of comfort and bring donors aboard the incredible journey of your capital campaign!
Are you considering a capital campaign? To schedule a call to discuss how The Dennis Group Inc. can support your project, please Get in Touch. We’re happy to help.
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