Before you dive into a feasibility study or launch a campaign, there’s critical groundwork to be done—especially in today’s shifting political and economic landscape. Many organizations rush into a capital campaign without fully assessing their readiness, leading to stalled fundraising, donor hesitation, and unanticipated roadblocks. With evolving government funding priorities and economic uncertainty, organizations must be more strategic than ever in preparing for a successful campaign.

A strong capital campaign starts long before the first ask, requiring thoughtful planning, internal alignment, and a compelling case for support. In a climate where policies and funding structures may shift, nonprofit leaders must ensure they have the resilience, adaptability, and donor confidence to move forward. Without this foundation, campaigns can struggle to gain traction, leaving organizations scrambling to fill unexpected funding gaps.

This session will guide nonprofit leaders through the essential pre-planning steps that set campaigns up for success. We’ll explore what elements need to be in place before engaging donors, how to anticipate and navigate external challenges, and why a strong donor pipeline is more critical than ever. Attendees will gain insights into realistic campaign budgeting, internal capacity building, and board engagement strategies to sustain momentum in a rapidly changing environment.

By the end of this session, attendees will leave with actionable steps to move forward with confidence—and a clear understanding of why a thoughtful pre-campaign strategy is essential for long-term success. In uncertain times, proper planning leads to stronger campaigns, more engaged donors, and a greater impact on the communities we serve.

Learning Objectives:

• What key elements should be in place before a feasibility study, ensuring campaign readiness in a shifting funding and donor climate.
• How to determine realistic campaign costs—including operational and long-term sustainability considerations beyond construction—while accounting for economic uncertainty.
• The role of board engagement and internal capacity in campaign success, and how to align leadership in times of changing government funding priorities.
• How to assess and strengthen your donor pipeline before launching, recognizing shifts in philanthropic giving patterns and donor expectations.