Conduct A Feasibility & Planning Study

 

The Importance of a Feasibility & Planning Study

After your preliminary plans have been developed and initially refined, we recommend conducting a Fundraising Feasibility and Planning Study. A study helps ensure that a campaign is both financially feasible and strategically sound, and allows leadership to test their case for support and gather valuable feedback.

By conducting a thorough Feasibility & Planning Study, churches can mitigate risks, refine their campaign approach, and build a solid foundation for success.

 

A Vital Tool to Test Support & Gather Feedback

Feasibility & Planning Studies are crucial because they survey church members to assess areas that impact your planned campaign’s success – financial capability, plan readiness, and the best path forward to maximize engagement and support for a campaign.

1. Congregational Satisfaction

Understanding the level of satisfaction within the church community helps determine the overall fundraising attitude. A church with strong engagement and a positive reputation will find it easier to garner campaign support.

2. Awareness & Acceptance of the Proposed Project

Before launching a campaign, it is essential to evaluate whether members understand and support the proposed project’s purpose and goals. If awareness is low or there are concerns, adjustments can be made to address them before moving forward.

3. Campaign Awareness & Acceptance

In addition to evaluating support for the project itself, it is important to gauge members’ willingness to participate in a fundraising campaign. This helps identify potential challenges and allows church leadership to shape messaging and strategies accordingly.

4. Competition For Funds

Churches often operate in a philanthropic landscape where multiple organizations are seeking contributions. Understanding the competition for funds enables leaders to effectively position the campaign and highlight its unique significance.

5. Volunteer Potential

A successful campaign requires strong volunteer support. A study helps identify people willing to serve in leadership or organizational roles, ensuring that the campaign has the workforce needed for execution.

6. Financial Gift Potential

A feasibility study also provides insights into the congregation’s financial capacity. By assessing potential giving levels, leadership can set realistic fundraising goals and create tailored giving opportunities that align with their donors’ abilities to contribute.

The Importance of Personal & Confidential Interviews

One of a feasibility study’s most valuable components is personal and confidential interviews. These provide church members with a private opportunity to share honest feedback, concerns, and insights without the influence of group settings. By conducting confidential interviews, church leadership can:

  • Gain deeper insight into members’ true thoughts and willingness to support the campaign.
  • Identify potential leaders, donors, and key supporters who may not otherwise voice their interest publicly.
  • Address concerns or objections in a direct and meaningful way before the campaign officially begins.
  • Strengthen relationships with major donors by demonstrating a commitment to listening and valuing their perspectives.
  • Gather qualitative data to complement survey responses and provide a more complete picture of the community’s readiness for a campaign.

Personal, confidential interviews serve as a critical bridge between leadership and the congregation, fostering trust and engagement that will be essential when the campaign is launched.

The Benefits of A Professional Firm for Your Study

Hiring an experienced, professional firm to conduct your feasibility and planning study offers significant advantages.

  • An objective perspective, ensuring that the study is conducted impartially and yielding more accurate and actionable results.
  • Proven methodologies, comprehensive data analysis, and expert insight to gauge community support, assess financial potential, and develop effective campaign strategies.
  • Valuable recommendations based on past successful campaigns which helps churches avoid common pitfalls and maximize their fundraising efforts.
  • Credibility for the campaign, reassuring donors that the process is well-structured and goal oriented.

By leveraging professional expertise, churches can enhance donor confidence, streamline campaign execution, and ultimately increase the likelihood of a successful fundraising effort.

A Study is a Proactive Step to a More Efficient & Effective Campaign

By conducting a thorough feasibility and planning study, churches can mitigate risks, refine their campaign approach, and build a solid foundation for success. This proactive step ensures that when the campaign is launched, it is strategically organized, well-communicated, and aligned with the church community’s readiness and willingness to give. A well-executed feasibility study leads to a more efficient and effective campaign that strengthens the church’s mission and vision for the future.

Download Today Step 6 For A Successful Church Capital Campaign Conduct A Feasibility & Planning Study