Assessing Past Fundraising Success

Whether you organization is about to launch a capital campaign or an annual fund campaign with a bigger emphasis on "Major Gifts" (which may be $500 or $5,000+ depending upon the size of your organization and your current level of donor giving), you should first assess your past fundraising success so that your plan is based in reality and not theory.

Prior to launching a Major Gifts Campaign, here are a few questions that you should review with your Executive Director, Board and Development staff:


•What type of fundraising has your organization been successful with?  
  –Annual Giving (direct mail, telemarketing, & events) 
  –Major Giving (grant writing & face-to-face solicitations) 
  –Planned Giving

•Are your internal Development plans, policies and procedures set up?   
   –Annual and Long-term Fundraising Plan approved by Board   
   –Constituent Database(s)-donor & volunteer tracking   
   –Prospect Research   
   –Gift Acceptance Policies   
   –Donor Recognition   –Progress Reporting
   –Fundraising Material Preparation

•Has anything occurred to increase/decrease donor loyalty?

•Has there been a “personality” that your organization owes its success to?

•How active has your board and other volunteers been in fundraising?