Fundraising Strategy0 min read

Capital Campaign Planning: Phases, Timeline, and Feasibility

A capital campaign is a time-limited, intensive fundraising effort to raise a specific dollar amount for a major project — typically a building, endowment, or strategic initiative — and requires 12-36 months of planning before the first public dollar is raised.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a capital campaign take?

Typically 3-7 years from initial planning through final pledge collection. The quiet phase alone can take 12-18 months.

What is a feasibility study?

An assessment (usually by an outside consultant) that interviews 30-50 potential major donors to determine whether the campaign goal is realistic and whether there's community support.

How much should come from the quiet phase?

Best practice is to raise 50-70% of the campaign goal during the quiet phase before going public.

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