The 7 Phases of a Successful Capital Campaign with Sarah Plimpton

In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the world of capital campaigns with Sarah Plimpton, Director of Client Happiness at Capital Campaign Pro. Sarah breaks down the seven key phases that every nonprofit should know when planning a capital campaign. From early-stage planning to the all-important “quiet phase” and the art of the big public kickoff, Sarah offers actionable insights to make your next campaign a success. Whether you’re building a new facility or expanding programs, these tips will help you secure those big donations while fostering donor confidence. Plus, we talk about the importance of a well-thought-out stewardship phase, ensuring long-term donor relationships!

If you’re looking to take your nonprofit’s fundraising to the next level, you won’t want to miss this episode! 🎙️

Takeaways:

• What is a Capital Campaign?: A special fundraising initiative designed to propel an organization to a new level, often for building expansions, program growth, or endowment boosts.
• The 7 Phases of a Capital Campaign:
  • Pre-Campaign Planning: Get your ducks in a row before announcing anything.
  • Feasibility Study: Test the waters with potential donors to gauge support.
  • Campaign Planning: Refine your plan based on donor feedback.
  • Quiet Phase: Secure 65-80% of your goal before making a public announcement.
  • Kickoff Phase: Announce your campaign to the broader community.
  • Public Phase: Close the fundraising gap with public events and outreach.
  • Stewardship Phase: Thank donors, share successes, and keep the momentum going.
• Kickoff Events: Tailor your event to reflect your organization’s culture—whether it’s a school playground or a formal gala, keep it authentic.
• Avoiding Pitfalls: Don’t overlook guest experience, and always have a solid follow-up plan ready before your event.

Episode Links:

https://capitalcampaignpro.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahplimpton/ 

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts