This post was informed by our agency experience with clients and partially inspired by my reading of Jim Langley of Langley Innovations’ books on fundraising.

There are hundreds of ways for capital campaigns to go wrong, but these five characteristics define all successful ones:

Consequential: They set goals for lasting, measurable impact and for improvements to community, society and the human condition i.e. goals that transform the organization into an institution of consequence. 

Ambitious: They aspire for attainable, ambitious goals, not institutional survivorship. They propel the organization from great to extraordinary.

Strategic: They build on strengths rather than overcome institutional weaknesses. They deepen competitive advantage.

Heroic: They widen the margin of excellence.

Investable: They generate positive impact and returns.

My next blog post will outline characteristics of various types of donors.

Learn more about Elliance philanthropic marketing services.