Capital Campaigns

Complex capital campaign meetings are the new normal. In fact, it’s becoming rare to be part of a meeting where everyone is sitting around the same table. Some people attend in person. Others phone in. And yet, others attend via video conference.

When you think about the case for support, do you immediately think “brochure?” Do you imagine a beautiful, glossy multipage piece with wonderful images of the families you serve or the animals you save? Perhaps you imagine a donor reading it and being moved to write a big check...

What kinds of things should nonprofits look at, and seek advice on, if they are considering embarking on a campaign? In this video, Orr Group leaders discuss three critical components: 1) the need for a big idea and a big vision to motivate and inspire donors 2) the value of a dynamic, authentic and credible…

If one of your largest donors asked you what would transform your organization—what would “take it to the moon” in terms of helping more people and having more impact—would you have an answer? Though capital campaigns are usually more practically focused than that, if you’re in a capital campaign, you ought to have an answer to the question…

I went to the movies to see the movie, “First Man,” last weekend because I was interested in what happened July 20, 1969. This reminded me of a capital campaign...      

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “Some people have all the luck.” And if you’re halfway reasonable, you wish you were one of those luck-struck folks—particularly if you’re working on a capital campaign...

I spent an hour talking with a client, Jenny, about capital campaign goals. She’d try them on and then toss them off again as though she was getting dressed in the morning and couldn’t decide what to wear...

It’s a rare day that I don’t spend two hours or more on the phone coaching groups of three to six people as their organizations get ready for capital campaigns, which often involve virtual capital campaign meetings...

Your organization is working on a large project; maybe it’s a new building, a renovation or another ambitious undertaking. Projects like these are complicated, and one of the most important parts of the process is determining how to pay for it...

In applying for funding or recruiting executive leadership, nonprofits are acutely aware of the competitive landscape before them and the impacts of these processes’ outcomes. However, when navigating a critical moment in nonprofit real estate, a mission-aligned approach may not seem plausible...