Is your organization making the most of its fundraising opportunities?  Are you contemplating a capital or endowment campaign, but feel unsure about its success?  Do you feel as if there are “holes” in your development program? If so, a fundraising evaluation or a feasibility study can provide answers to these questions and more.

The Moran Company offers three different options to fit the unique needs of your organization.

1.  Campaign Feasibility Study
A feasibility study is like an advance scouting party sent to scope out the opportunities and dangers of undertaking a campaign.  Approximately 40 in-depth interviews are conducted with key supporters to test the level and depth of support for a campaign.  These supporters are asked for both their views on the “case” for the campaign and for the level of their own financial support.  Important information is gathered through the study process which includes:

• Constituency views on the need for the campaign.
• Constituency willingness to financially support the campaign.
• Availability and willingness of volunteer leadership.
• An informed judgment on the campaign’s potential for success and a recommendation on the dollar goal.
• Uncovering hidden pitfalls or opportunities important to the campaign.

 2.  Development Assessment
Organizations sometimes make fundamental decisions regarding their development programs without obtaining the necessary information.  A development assessment can give you the strategic guidance to make correct judgements necessary to enhance your fundraising program.  Interviews are conducted with 15-20 key individuals to test the proposed action, internal operations are reviewed and, if necessary, a comparison is done with similar organizations.  Recommendations are then made on the proposed action and how to increase financial support.  The final report includes:

• Recommendations on the strategic direction of the fundraising program.
• An operational plan for increased fundraising with specific objectives and a timetable.
• Recommendations on the infrastructure needed for a successful program including staffing needs.

3.  Combined Pre-Campaign Evaluation and Consulting Program
This program offers an effective alternative to the conventional campaign feasibility study.  Its purpose is to conduct a pre-campaign evaluation as part of an ongoing consultation process to move the organization directly into a campaign format. This alternative approach provides for a six-month collaborative partnership between the consultant and the nonprofit.  This program allows an adequate time frame to positively impact the organization and create the conditions necessary for a successful campaign. The program will accomplish the following objectives:

• Develop a “case” for the campaign and test the effectiveness of that case statement.
• Test the potential for financial support to the campaign.
• Review the internal readiness of the organization to undertake a campaign.
• Assemble a temporary Planning Committee for the campaign.
• Identify volunteer leadership.
• Engage in regular, systematic consulting sessions to initiate a number of necessary pre-campaign processes.