Capital Campaign Counsel
Your capital campaign journey begins here
Some of the amazing organizations I’ve had the privilege of training
At our core, we are your dedicated partners on your exciting capital campaign adventure. With an impressive 30-year track record in fundraising and major gifts and serving as a Capital Campaign Advisor at Capital Campaign Pro, we bring a wealth of experience to your team. Our mission? To be your unwavering support system, providing expert guidance and a strategic roadmap throughout every phase of your campaign. Our singular focus is crystal clear: we're here to help you reach that finish line and make your capital campaign dreams come true.
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But what exactly is a capital campaign?
Think of it as your organization's strategic launchpad for transformation. A capital campaign is a meticulously planned and visionary fundraising initiative, typically spanning three to five years. It's an endeavor that demands expertise, vision, time, a well-crafted strategy and process, as well as engaged volunteer leadership. In essence, it's an invitation to your community to be part of something transformational. Capital campaigns often aspire to secure the necessary financial backing for growth-related projects such as:
Constructing or renovating buildings and spaces
Acquiring state-of-the-art technology and equipment
Expanding your organization's programs and team through capacity-building initiatives
Establishing a robust endowment fund
But here's the exciting part: no matter the specific objectives of your campaign, the ultimate goal remains the same. It's about raising the essential funds that will empower your organization to amplify its impact, scale operations, and serve an even broader, more inclusive community. Together, let's embark on this journey to create a brighter and more successful future for your organization and those you serve.
“It’s been so exciting to see this project come to life. Tammy helped us exceed our capital campaign goal! We cannot thank her enough for all her help, advice and friendship. She is a huge part of this legacy project.”
— Cindy Vann, Director of Major Gifts, Meals On Wheels of Tampa
We'll help you navigate your capital campaign journey in five key phases:
In the world of capital campaigns, organization is the key to success. We've broken down the intricate dance of capital campaigns into five distinct phases, ensuring you stay on the path to your fundraising triumph:
The Pre-Campaign Planning Phase: This initial phase is all about setting the stage for success. We'll help you define your campaign objectives and goals, craft your compelling case for support, build a gift range chart, create a timeline and budget, assemble your dream team, conduct a feasibility study, and prepare a campaign goal recommendation.
The Quiet Phase: Here's where the magic begins. In the quiet phase, you'll engage and solicit your most passionate investors, securing gift commitments for the majority (typically 70-80%) of your campaign's total funding.
The Campaign Kick-Off: It's time to make some noise! The campaign kick-off phase marks your grand entrance into the public arena. You'll unveil your campaign to the world, solicit general support for your refined campaign goal, and get your supporters excited through engaging events like groundbreaking ceremonies, fundraising events and grass-roots activities.
The Public Phase: This is the final push to victory. During the public phase, donations of all sizes pour in, propelling you across the finish line and toward your campaign goal.
Celebration & Stewardship: These crucial steps celebrate the completion of your successful campaign and the beginning of stewarding lasting relationships with campaign supporters and volunteer leadership.
Why partner with us?
Choosing a capital campaign partner is a strategic decision with numerous advantages:
Objective Perspective: We bring an impartial, third-party viewpoint to the table, revealing insights that might elude internal team members.
Unique Insights: We provide unparalleled insights, helping you make informed decisions about the right time and dollar goal for a capital campaign.
Specialized Expertise: With specialized expertise in capital campaigns, we ensure your organization is primed for success in this distinct form of fundraising.
Extensive Experience: We boast a wealth of experience, surpassing even seasoned internal teams when it comes to capital campaign fundraising.
Step-by-Step Guidance: We care enough to ask the tough questions, hold you accountable, and push you to think bigger.
Proven Track Record: We're not just experts; we're successful experts. We have a history of triumphant capital campaign success under our belts.
Ready to transform your vision into reality?
Capital campaigns are complex endeavors, and there's little room for error. Luckily, we're here to guide you every step of the way. With our expert counsel and step-by-step support, you can rest assured that your capital campaign will be a resounding success, transforming your vision into a tangible reality.
Hey, there! I’m Tammy Zonker.
I'm the Founder and President of Fundraising Transformed and host of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast.
I’ve been a major gifts strategist and fundraising expert for more than 25 years. I’m also a certified AFP Master Trainer and international speaker.
I’ve led and trained thousands of nonprofit social service organizations, private schools, colleges and universities, and healthcare organizations to collectively raise more than a half-billion dollars — and counting — including a single gift of $27.1M.
I have served as adjunct faculty at Indiana University and technical editor for Wiley Publishing’s “Fundraising for Dummies” third edition.
I currently serve as Dean at the Institute for Charitable Giving, a member of the AFP International Conference Education Committee, a member of the Nonprofit Quarterly’s Editorial Advisory Board, a contributing writer to NonProfit PRO, and an advisor at Capital Campaign Pro.
I would love to learn more about the amazing work you do and explore how we can work together to make your capital campaign a resounding success.
