What's the First Step for Using a Consultant in a Major Gifts Fundraising Campaign?

As someone who has worked both sides of the desk — from development director and vice president of a university and as a major gifts and capital campaign consultant — I have used consultants and now am one. Frequently we get asked to come in to do feasibility studies for clients to help get their major gifts campaign up and running.

But, this isn't the first step like every one thinks it is.

Our first job, your first job, is to create an urgent, compelling case for support. Engage your local consultant for a day a month (or more if you've got to move quickly) to bring fresh eyes and perspective to the story of your organization's impact on the community. Create a great case statement first (both in outline form with graphic elements and a 2-page executive summary).

A great case used in a feasibility study, a planning study, a philanthropic market research study will generate more donor engagement, more potential gifts, and more fundraising volunteers.

Tom Wilson
Author, Winning Gifts