Nonprofit Feasibility Studies: Must-Have or Scam?

With over 25 years of service to nonprofits nationwide, Carlton and Company knows all the competing theories regarding fundraising feasibility studies. The best advice: some nonprofits gain greatly from a well-designed study, particularly when initial needs appear obscure or staff and Board need more real data to move forward with confidence. But a poorly designed study never represents a shrewd step. (If, in reality, your leadership has “set the table” with solid preparatory work, you may be able to transition directly into a major solicitation without a Study– but be careful not to overestimate progress to date!)
Whatever your situation, the primary aim always should contain getting the homework right for greatest success. A in-depth feasibility study could be your greatest step (contrary to gimmicks that claim to shortcut studies with clever messaging and staff training alone). Done correctly, capital campaign feasibility studies bring increased clarity and trust and involvement – all worth the early investment. Thus, a successful study should be regarded as a primary tool in any successful leading campaign. Having said that, you may choose to discount any “expert” who says a study should ALWAYS or NEVER be demanded!

What else should you do as part of your due diligence in capital campaign groundwork?
Capital campaign feasibility studies signify months of preparatory research and work. Request a recent sample copy, when assessing prospective companies that conduct fundraising feasibility studies. As with absolutely any procedure based on data, look past colours as well as formatting. Instead look carefully at what forms the foundation for recommendations.
Leaders or just how many assistants had input? How were they contacted or asked? Were married pairs counted as one or two individual interviews if interviewed as a couple? (Carlton and Company will not condone “double counting” to inflate numbers.) Were interviews rushed in brief sessions that function only as directed “fill out a form” assemblies?
The Carlton fundraising feasibility procedure contains the widest possible input from stakeholders, based on respectful, personal face to face interviews (not mass emails or fill in bubble surveys). This strategy invests significant time to learn about the unique history and donors of a nonprofit organization, including subtle but crucial details easily overlooked or discounted.
Capital campaign feasibility studies shouldn’t be regarded as mandatory in every capital campaign, nor should they be considered high-priced scams. They are well worth the investment when they produce clear recommendations desired, supported by hard data as well as a procedure that is trusted.
Please contact Carlton and Company to get a copy of a recent Carlton fundraising feasibility study. Remember that, above all, a Carlton and Company campaign feasibility study provides what your decision makers have to move forward and meet your aim with total confidence.
See Carlton and Company at fundraising-campaigns.org.
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