Capital appeals are exciting for any fundraiser. They can galvanise an organisation and its supporters behind a game-changing vision. They can take them to a whole new level. They can make a real difference to the services they offer to their beneficiaries
However, not all capital appeals succeed, and when they fall short of target it can be devastating. A failed appeal can cause lasting reputational harm, not to mention internal loss of motivation and morale.
That’s why it is vital to ensure that you have the best possible chance of success before you begin. There are no guarantees, of course, and running a successful capital appeal is as much an art as a science. However, carrying out a proper feasibility study beforehand means you can avoid the glaring pitfalls which can derail the most well-meaning project.
It’s rare that the answers to these questions show that an organisation should not embark on a capital appeal at all. However, they might just throw up the need for more work before launching. For example, the case for support may not be clear or engaging enough, or there may not be sufficient internal resources in place. These issues are generally quite easy to fix, but risk throwing a major spanner in the works if not addressed. Taking a step back, and devoting a bit of time to looking at things in a clear and rational manner at an early stage really can save time, money and heartache later on.
Our consultants are experts in running successful capital appeals. If you are thinking of embarking on a capital appeal and would like to explore your plans, please do get in touch.