Capital projects are a major investment for nonprofit organizations, but they are essential for growth and sustainability. However, not all nonprofits know how to raise money for these projects successfully. This is where Newman Consulting comes in. As experts in fundraising for nonprofit organizations, Newman Consulting has helped many nonprofits raise the capital they need to complete new construction, renovation, or major equipment purchases. In this post, we will share a step-by-step guide from Newman Consulting on how to raise money for your nonprofit’s capital projects.

Step 1: Define Your Capital Project and Its Impact

The first step in raising money for your nonprofit’s capital projects is to know exactly what you need. This information will be critical to your fundraising efforts as donors will want to know exactly what their investment is and that the project has a concrete plan in place.

Most importantly, know ‘why’ your organization ‘needs’ to do this. How will this project affect those you serve? It is absolutely critical to effectively articulate the potential impact of your project to prospective donors. Your communication should paint a clear picture of how their support will change lives or make a significant difference in the community. Whether your project will provide shelter for the homeless, improve medical facilities, or boost educational resources, it’s important to provide tangible examples of the real-world differences these improvements will affect. Being able to compellingly convey the ‘why’ behind the project – its urgency, its necessity, and its potential for impact – is vital to your success.

Step 2: Create an ‘ALL in’ Budget

Once you have defined your capital project, it’s time to set a draft budget. This will be the amount of money you need to see the project through to completion. Often, organizations focus narrowly on construction costs, considering these as the only funds required. However, it is critical to incorporate all potential expenses to ensure comprehensive planning. These additional costs can often be overlooked yet they play a significant role in the overall budget. They include legal fees, financing costs, moving expenses, the cost of additional staffing to bridge through the project phase, and of course, costs associated with fundraising. By accounting for these expenses in your draft budget, your organization can plan and fundraise more effectively and efficiently, ensuring the successful completion of your capital project.

Step 3: Identify Potential Donors

The next crucial step is to identify potential donors who are genuinely interested in your mission and may be willing to contribute to your capital project. This includes a wide range of individuals and organizations such as existing donors, community members, local corporations, foundations, and government agencies. According to Newman Consulting, it is highly recommended to create a formal list of potential donors and develop a well-thought-out strategy for engaging with each one individually. This involves reaching out to them and taking the time to understand their perspectives and opinions on your project. Building a personal connection with each donor and gaining insight into their unique giving preferences and goals is of utmost importance. The Feasibility Study process is widely employed by numerous organizations to acquire this knowledge and insight.

Prepared to progress and take the next step!

With these foundational steps carefully implemented, your organization is now in a stronger position to move forward effectively. The subsequent stage involves devising a robust fundraising plan. As each step is a critical building block, it’s wise to engage a consultant to guide your organization through this process. A consultant, like Newman Consulting, brings expertise and ensures that every aspect of your campaign is comprehensively planned and executed. This professional support can be the key to a successful capital fundraising campaign for your nonprofit organization.