Are you a nonprofit executive director facing pushback from your board on hiring a capital campaign consultant? It's crucial to understand – and share with your board – why investing in expertise is vital for the success of a capital campaign.

We know that you're no stranger to the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities while striving to advance your organization's mission. We also know that when it comes to launching a capital campaign, the challenges intensify. You may be tasked with raising millions more than ever before and taking on a process that may be completely new to you. If your board is hesitant to invest in getting the expertise and support you need to do it right, share these reasons why hiring a capital campaign consultant can significantly impact your organization's fundraising success.

Why hire a capital campaign consultant?

1. Specialized Expertise for Capital Campaigns

Capital campaigns demand a unique skill set encompassing strategic planning, donor cultivation, and capital campaign expertise. A capital campaign consultant brings this specialized knowledge, honed through experience with numerous campaigns. They understand the nuances of fundraising strategies and donor motivations, ensuring your campaign is strategically positioned for success. Most nonprofits never embark on a capital campaign, and those that do, only do so about every 10 years. That’s why a consultant who does this work daily is invaluable to the planning and managing of an efficient and successful campaign.

2. Time and Resource Efficiency

As an executive director, juggling multiple responsibilities is part of your daily routine. But placing the weight of an entire campaign on your shoulders may be detrimental to you and to the effort. Hiring a consultant allows you to delegate the intricacies of planning and managing the campaign, freeing up your time to focus on vital face-to-face capital campaign solicitations and core organizational tasks. This efficiency not only prevents burnout but also ensures that both the campaign and day-to-day operations run smoothly.

3. Strategic Planning and Guidance

A capital campaign consultant provides invaluable guidance in crafting a comprehensive campaign plan tailored to your organization's goals and resources. Consultants conduct campaign planning studies (also called feasibility studies) to assess the organization's readiness for a campaign, identify potential donors, and develop targeted fundraising strategies. This independent, third-party guidance ensures that the campaign is well-positioned for success from the outset.

4. Risk Mitigation and Problem-solving

Even with meticulous planning, challenges are inevitable during a capital campaign. Consultants serve as experienced navigators, anticipating potential roadblocks and providing solutions to mitigate risks. Whether it's adapting strategies in response to changing circumstances or troubleshooting unforeseen issues, consultants offer invaluable support in overcoming obstacles. Their expertise ensures that the campaign stays on track, ultimately leading to greater success.

5. Increased Fundraising Potential

It has been shown over time that organizations with professional fundraising support raise significantly more funds than those without. By investing in a capital campaign consultant, you're investing in your organization's ability to complete a capital campaign efficiently and in the nonprofit’s long-term fundraising capacity. Capital campaign donors have a personal interest in your success and, if stewarded well, they can become donors for the future. Your investment in a professional capital campaign process leads to greater financial sustainability and mission impact in the long run.

Free Capital Campaign Workshop

Hiring a capital campaign consultant is not just a strategic move but a crucial investment in your organization's fundraising success. A consultant’s specialized expertise and strategic guidance are instrumental in achieving your campaign goals. However, hiring a consultant is a big investment decision for your board.

When facing board pushback, share these tangible benefits of hiring a consultant for your nonprofit's capital campaign. If possible, give them a chance to talk with consultants who are willing to guide them through the process before a commitment to a campaign is made.

At CampaignCounsel.org, we offer a no-fee, no-obligation capital campaign workshop for you and your board. During this two hour in-person or virtual session, we take a deep dive with your board into capital campaign planning, the stages of a capital campaign, board and staff responsibilities, and what to expect from any consultant you hire. Let us know if you’d like to learn more.

Melissa Sais is a CampaignCounsel.org vice president and partner.