Advancing Philanthropy

Jeffrey Byrne & Associates, Inc. is a full-service capital campaign, fundraising and financial development firm that specializes in building your capacity to connect stakeholders to your mission.  Our nationwide consultants help guide you with complete planning and campaign services:

• Community Readiness Assessments ^SM
• Capital Endowment and Major Gifts Campaigns
• Planned Giving
• Donor Research

Criteria for Success

Our process is based on defined criteria serving as guideposts for success in a major fundraising campaign. Everything an organization does to prepare and implement a community readiness assessment and capital campaign will be measured by these criteria.

A Case that is Valid, Realistic, and Universally Accepted
The case for a campaign must be made in terms of factual data that will validate it. It must be realistically presented as seen through the eyes of the prospective donor, rather than the institution. In addition, it must have universal appeal by demonstrating potential benefits to the majority, if not all, of the constituency.

Commitment by the Organization Leaders
Prior to asking others for a commitment to the project, the board of directors must demonstrate their own commitment to the project. They must be willing to give their time and financial resources. Ultimately, the board of directors sets the tone of the campaign. They must be able to establish the committed example that others will follow.

Involvement by the Community Leaders
More depends upon “who” asks for the donation than the size of the donation requested. Prospective donors must be approached by their peers for donations if a campaign is to succeed. Your organization must be able to recruit influential and affluent community leaders to fill the leadership roles in the campaign.

Strategy (including proper cultivation) to Obtain “Pacesetting” Gifts
Fundraising cannot be successful through mere mathematics. Large meaningful gifts must be secured if a campaign is to succeed. The key to success is often the ability to secure a lead gift that is equal to, or larger than, 10 to 15 percent of the overall goal.

In addition, the campaign must look for its top 10 to 15 gifts to equal 50 percent of the goal. In some cases, this will take cultivation of individuals with the ability to make large pledges. This kind of cultivation may require involvement in the planning stages of the project.

Proper Planning
Prior to launching a capital campaign, an organization must be willing to demonstrate a long-range plan to its constituents. This plan must include a mission statement and strategic goals. It must also present objectives and action steps that reflect how the plan will be implemented. The plan must demonstrate that consideration has been given to how the organization will meet its future commitments once the project is completed.

Proper Timing
The timing for a capital campaign must be taken into account. The campaign must be the center of attention for the organization, its constituents, board members, staff and prospective donors. There should be no other “competing” efforts coinciding with the capital campaign as they may diminish both the effort and the financial resources.