Did you make a New Year’s resolution this year? How is it going? Have you stuck to it? If not, you are not alone. While many people have the best intentions of self-improvement through a resolution, most are only a memory by the time the calendar turns to February.
In many ways, a New Year’s resolution can be compared to the vision for a capital campaign. It is an ideal state of what your organization (or self) could be. And while it is important to think big about what you or your organization wants to achieve, both always run into the harsh realities of life. For resolutions, that might be demands on your time. For an organization, it is often funding.
The best goals, be it resolutions or campaigns, are those that balance a vision of betterment while recognizing the restraints we all face. It sets a goal that is achievable, but not easy. It recognizes that there will be obstacles and unforeseen events—no one is perfect at predicting the future. You anticipate as much as you can, but also allow room so a few curve balls won’t derail what you are trying to achieve.
As fundraising consultants, this is often the challenge with recommending a goal in a feasibility study. How do we propose a goal that pushes an organization to achieve its vision, but also recognizes other constraints uncovered throughout the study? Aspects revealed in a study that can propel an organization towards a goal or lead to pulling back include:
Relationships with and cultivation of top donors
Willingness to volunteer and staff capacity
Previous campaigns and annual giving history
Other campaigns or donor commitments
Click here to learn more about the benefits of a feasibility study
As a board member or leader of an organization considering a feasibility study, you are likely most interested in the top line recommendation of, “How much can we raise?” With such importance on this question, be sure to ask potential consultants how they come to that conclusion. Giving thought to the data that informs that decision will give you confidence (or lack thereof) moving towards your goal.
Happy New Year, and congratulations to those of you who have stuck with those resolutions!