Feasibility Studies

In the English language, the word “campaign” generally means an activity with a specific objective that requires a clear plan, consistent focus, and the ability to adjust to constant change. Raising money for a nonprofit in a capital campaign is no different; you must have a plan before you start. 

A feasibility study is the vital first step in any campaign process. While we have been involved in campaigns with organizations that choose not to conduct a feasibility study, that decision has haunted them, causing gaps in information and constituent opinions, low volunteer participation, a case that does not resonate with their specific donor audience.

This is an image of a Heller Fundraising Group client Life Flight of Maine helicopter landing to rescue a person in need

Inspiring Data

Our Nonprofit Campaign Feasibility Studies

Our studies have been called “exemplary” by the nonprofit leaders who we have worked with. Why? It’s because when we conduct a study, we design every action to inspire prospective donor engagement. What’s more, our studies substantiate that your goal is attainable, your plan to reach it is backed up by data, and that you have a roadmap of next steps to get there. We make sure your campaign story is clear and compelling. This gives your staff and leadership the confidence necessary for achieving your goal. 

The first step we take is to assess your feasibility study needs. Do you already have one? We will analyze it with you to find out if it contains the data to effectively set up your campaign. (See Is Your Feasibility Study Terrible?) If you don’t have one, we will lay out the scope of study we recommend. Finally, if an organization has a lower dollar goal or existing campaign momentum, we can create a study work-around.

Client Benefits

Here are all the things our nonprofit campaign feasibility studies do for our clients:

  • Provide a context to get all your fundraising systems, communication materials, and data in place so that you can prove to yourselves and your community that you can make a campaign happen

  • Clarify the Case for Support – This document is much more than a brochure and much different from a grant proposal. It needs to be started early and given careful consideration because it tells the story of your project with the excitement it deserves that rallies internal and external players to get involved

  • Determine how much money can be raised and from what sources including individuals (primary), foundations and corporations (secondary). This is, of course, the crux of the matter and a study is the perfect platform to address this question

  • Determine when to start a capital campaign as well as its duration.

  • Use the interview process as a first step in cultivating potential top donors including Campaign Planning Committee members

  • Use the interview process to determine public perceptions of this potential project

  • Assess the larger landscape regarding competitors, cultural issues, and community

  • Assess immediate next steps and a roadmap for a capital campaign and fundraising staffing structures

This is an image of a Heller Fundraising Group client Temple Beth Tikvah new building construction after a Feasibility Study and Capital Campaign

The Heller Fundraising Group methodology involves structured meetings, dynamic interviews, and highly-tailored strategic actions that we plan carefully and schedule to fit a tight timeline. Once we have conducted the interviews, we use a handful of campaign planning metrics to analyze the interviews and data to determine recommendations. From there your campaign will be ready to soar.

We’re happy to schedule a free consultation session to explore how a feasibility study can help your nonprofit.

Methodology