A capital campaign, a fundraising activity to raise funds to construct or refurbish a building, is a unique opportunity in the life of any not-for-profit organisation.

Many organisations are put off by the thought of having to raise a lot of money in a relatively short time for capital improvements while still needing to maintain their traditional fundraising streams. However, once they have undertaken their campaign realise that it is often easier to raise money for capital campaigns than for annual funds.

Why is this the case? Firstly, as a capital campaign is all about bricks and mortar it is very tangible. The donor gets to see exactly how their donation was spent – because they can touch it. Secondly,  capital campaigns offer naming opportunities. While some donors prefer to give anonymously, most like the idea of having their name permanently linked to the institution they are supporting.

Capital campaigns afford the opportunity to honour donors by naming buildings, wings, rooms, etc. after them. Of course, raising significant funds is never easy and the decision to initiate a capital campaign should not be made lightly. Ideally, it should only be made after a feasibility study has been undertaken.