Campaigns a Plenty

I read many philanthropic publications on the web each week. Probably it’s closer to skimming than it is reading. However, it gives me some context into trends in the nonprofit world. I feel it’s my responsibility not only as a professional but also as a consultant, to always be looking for that next thing.

Recently, there has been a bevy of announcements--all related to the same thing. Organizations announcing major campaigns. Universities, healthcare, social services, etc., are making a big splash with their philanthropic efforts, including:

• Central Arkansas $100M

• Marquette $750M

• Little Friends Chicago $2M

• First Park First Dallas $85M

• Vanderbilt Athletics $300M

Coming out of COVID, as has been discussed here and in many other places, finances are going to be a challenge for nonprofits. Thus, increased fundraising opportunities and responsibilities will only be heightened in the next several years. I believe the five organizations mentioned above, and many others to come, are just going to be the beginning of a wave of capital campaigns organizations will deem as necessary to not only increase their effectiveness but also maintain their important position within their own community. 

Why is this important? Organizations that normally announce a campaign have created some level of strategic direction or plan to better their organization. That normally means that they’re organized and understand where they’re at currently, where the competition is, and what their needs are.… And how much money it’s going to take to get to those objectives.

If pressed, could your organization announce a campaign? Is there a strategic direction? Is there a plan? While campaigns are the financial tool to get to the goal, they are not the most important part. Making sure your organization is ready for any type of campaign is the ability to align organizational needs with community interests.  When the two meet, that’s when success is right around the corner.