When churches begin dreaming about what they need – a new facility, expansion, maintenance needs, debt reduction or elimination, or ministry investment – they’re often eager to dive in. The vision feels urgent. The needs are real.
Rushing ahead into a campaign without taking the time for a comprehensive Fundraising Feasibility & Planning Study is one of the most common, and costly, mistakes we see.
Skipping this process, or doing it half-heartedly, can severely limit your campaign’s potential. Done well, a study doesn’t just test the waters, it lays the foundation for success and often pays for itself many times over through increased giving and stronger strategy.
Unless your goal is to raise less than one times your church’s annual offertory, a study can still provide valuable insight, but it may not be essential.
What Is a Feasibility Study?
A feasibility study is an intentional process designed to help your church assess its readiness for a capital campaign. It involves preparing a preliminary case statement that outlines your proposed plans, the reasons behind them, and the anticipated costs. This is paired with a survey instrument which is often a mix of confidential interviews and broader input tools to allow you to gather feedback from those who matter most.
The most effective studies are led by professional consultants who bring objectivity and experience. They conduct in-depth, one-on-one interviews, usually with 30 to 60 of the most active and generous individuals in your church. These conversations provide rich, candid insights from your most likely major donors and campaign leaders. Additionally, all other members should be given the opportunity to provide input through an online survey.
What You Can Learn From A Study
A study explores and provides insight into questions that are critical to planning a successful campaign:
- How satisfied are people with the church’s current direction and leadership?
- Are people aware of and supportive of the proposed project?
- What other fundraising efforts might compete for attention?
- Who might be willing to volunteer or take leadership roles?
- What is the potential for major gifts and who might give them?
Why This Critical Step Matters
A solid Feasibility & Planning Study helps you answer questions central to your campaign’s success:
- Is your church ready to give?
- How much can you realistically raise?
- Are you presenting the project in a way that connects and inspires?
- Who should lead your campaign, and how can you best support them?
This is not just data gathering, it’s discernment. It helps you shape the right message, engage the right leaders, and set the right goal. Most importantly, it shows your people that their input matters. That builds trust, and trust fuels generosity.
Don’t Let the Study Become a Stumbling Block
A feasibility study is a launching pad, not a roadblock. It’s not designed to slow you down, it’s meant to ensure your next steps are wise, focused, and fruitful. If your church has a genuine need and a God-honoring vision, then the insights you gain through this process will only strengthen your resolve and sharpen your strategy.
Your Dreams Are Valid, & They’re Worth Doing Right
A Feasibility & Planning Study is one of the best investments you can make before a capital campaign. When done thoroughly and used well, it leads to stronger engagement, smarter decisions, and significantly better outcomes. Only if you’re raising less than one times your church’s annual offertory is a full study not necessarily required, but some level of planning and donor feedback is still wise.
