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A feasibility study assesses the internal readiness as well as the external market receptivity of the organization's vision and desired future. The study identifies issues to be strengthened, helps develop the case for support, and prepares the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and additional volunteers to develop specific skills and overall confidence to plan and execute a successful campaign.
A feasibility study identifies fires to be extinguished before you start and reduces crisis management during the campaign. The assessment is both written and verbally presented to the Board, with recommendations to proceed or alternatives to a campaign, size of goal, the case, campaign plan, timeline, budget, and suggestions of how to strengthen specific areas of need.
Methodology
confidential, personal interviews
may involve focus groups in lieu of or in addition to interviews
confidential telephone interviews
research, data gathering
l. Gift potential
review annual giving patterns, renewals and increases
major donor constituency, number, dollar volume
previous campaign success
2. Leadership potential
internal - ED or CEO, financial stability
external - Board, officers, quality of relationships with constituencies
3. Marketplace
competition from other campaigns in target region
if national campaign, national recognition?
other campaigns in competing organizations in industry
this organization in relation to its industry: unique? collaborations?
4. Organizational readiness
strength, professionalism of development staff
CEO, Board, development staff history with campaigns
gift recording, acknowledgment systems
development staff role in organization: authority, decision-making
Report
introduction (purpose, methodology)
findings (data, observations, conclusions)
recommendations: "go" or "delay" or "no go", goal, timeline, case, budget
What's next?
Next steps approved by board
Hire feasibility study provider or interview for campaign counsel
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