Conducting a capital campaign during a downturn

If you’re contemplating a “must-do” campaign, what do you do? If your case is strong and your donors are with you, I advise that you move forward. It will take you longer to reach your goal than it would have two years ago, your pyramid may be somewhat flatter, and you will have to visit more donors, but you can make it. (In most campaigns, there are always some who are not contacted due to volunteer fatigue; now you will have to see more of them, and that requires more volunteers.)

A regional hospital foundation officer tells me they are proceeding with five separate hospital campaigns in as many communities. Of 30 donor prospectives whom they re-interviewed, only one advised them to pull back.

So again, is your case strong? Is it for a facility or improvements taht your community badly needs? Are your volunteers committed? If so, this may be precisely the right time, because those with less urgent campaigns may be withdrawing.

Emory development officer gives key to success in economy

Randy Gorod, Director of Development of the Arts and Sciences Department of Emory University told participants at the North American Association of Synagogue Executives meeting last week in Atlanta that the key to success in this economy is to remain one of a donor’s 2-3 top prioritiies. Most donors give to a number of causes, he said, but only 2-3 are at the top of the list.

To get and keep that position, he advised maintaining strong relationships with your organization’s donors through regular communication.