You’ve launched your campaign and the pledges of support are flowing in. The congregation is excited. So what do you do when your campaign hits a major snag?
In this blog series, we’re looking at campaign hurdles and pain points. We’ll outline how to avoid or overcome the most common issues we see impact a launched campaign. In the last post, we covered how to move forward when you lose a major donor or financial pledge. Equally concerning is the more common hurdle of rising project costs. How do you plan for and overcome spiraling costs?
As with every pain point we’ve identified, the first step is not to panic. You will get past this hurdle as long as your campaign project has the buy-in and support of your congregation.
Containing project costs is a major concern that all organizations face, especially when their campaign project is construction related. As much as possible in the planning phase, anticipate rising costs along the trajectory of your campaign timeline. The costs of labor or lumber today won’t be the same in one, two or four years. Build contingency funds into your plans, and account for “shovels in the ground” delays in your timeline.
But sometimes, no matter how much we plan, a piece of our project exceeds the budget to the extent that our fundraising goal no longer covers the project. Here are some tips for handling that hurdle:
1) Isolate the issue and match a donor’s passion to that cost. If you’ve been told the special flooring you need in your gymnasium extension is going to cost significantly more than what you’d planned, visit with key donors who have a heart for the use of that gym. Explain the alternative flooring and what a downgrade will mean for the use of the space. Find a member willing to help close the gap with a stretch gift.
2) Restructure your project and campaign in phases. Perhaps you’ll need to shell rather than finish the restrooms in the new children’s wing. Once the main space is completed, members will be excited to help finish the space that was shelled or left unfinished in the first phase. Look at creative ways to move pieces of your project into one, two or three phases.
3) Regroup with your campaign committee and board. Always communicate directly to your key major donors, and keep your stakeholders informed of the challenges and possibilities you’re exploring to stem the rising cost issue. Sometimes a clear urgency or need prompts a donor to step up.
Lean on your members and your congregation’s networks for help. Don’t try to solve and overcome these hurdles on your own – give people a chance to get involved, help the cause, and bless the project through their own investments.
In our final blog, we’ll outline what happens when you have a denominational change or congregational shift outside of your control in the midst of a campaign.
Capital Campaign Crises: Overcoming Hurdles and Pain Points
You’ve launched your campaign, and the pledges of support are flowing in. So what do you do when your campaign hits a major snag?
This guide outlines strategies for overcoming campaign hurdles and pain points – the most common issues that impact a launched campaign.
- What happens if your pastor resigns?
- If you lose a major donor or financing?
- If your project costs are spiraling?
Learn the steps to keep your campaign on track when a crisis hits.
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Tim has over 30 years of experience in Church, Non-Profit Administration, Management, and Fund Development. Serving as an Executive Pastor and Chief Development Officer in growing Churches and Non-Profit Organizations. He has provided a wide range of expertise and resources. Tim serves as the Founder and CEO of Non-Profit DNA. A boutique firm committed to helping nonprofits and churches. By building their capacity through fundraising, leadership, team building, staff recruiting, and coaching.
