Fundraising for Archives
Capital Campaigns
Course Summary
Capital campaigns are often thought of as raising money to get a new building. Rather they are an
opportunity to transform your archive service or organisation. Managed correctly, a capital
campaign can build the overall strategic focus, increase delivery capacity and multiply the public
benefit achieved by your organisation as well as laying the foundation for substantially improved
ongoing fundraising. This course will help archivists to understand what is involved in a capital
campaign; how to lay the foundations for a successful capital campaign; what is involved in
delivering a capital campaign; and how such campaigns can be used to build long-term benefit that
will continue well beyond any specific major fundraising effort.
Aim
Participants understand what a capital campaign is, what planning and resources are required to run
a successful campaign, and will have increased confidence and skills to develop a campaign at a level
appropriate for their service.
Learning Objectives
The course will enable participants to
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Understand the difference between a capital campaign and ongoing revenue
fundraising.
Assess organisational readiness for a capital campaign.
Prepare and lay the foundations for a capital campaign.
Understand who needs to be involved in a capital campaign.
Begin developing a vision and strategy for a capital campaign.
Understand how to run and manage a capital campaign.
Understand the ongoing donor relationship and its benefits after a capital campaign.
Summary of content
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What is a capital campaign?
Transformative potential – understanding your outcomes and vision for the campaign
– funders don’t give money for buildings….
Are you ready for a capital campaign? (exercise)
Planning and resources required for a capital campaign
Vision, outcomes and public benefit
Format for a capital campaign strategy – what to include / sources of funds
Campaign team – leadership and involving others, e.g. Friends
Managing a campaign – timescale of investment
Managing/involving stakeholders and donors
Transforming the service and ongoing benefits/risks after the campaign.