Been holding them in for years. Can't refrain any longer. Must disclose the truths that are burning inside. Never before spoken out loud, they are … "The Five Dirty Secrets of Capital Campaigns." Read them once; commit them to memory; and then destroy this before anyone else sees it.
1. Campaigns Are Won or Lost Before They Start
The Campaign Planning Phase—which should begin well in advance of any potential campaign—is the essential building block upon which successful campaigns are built. This phase includes a number of components, including the establishment of institutional priorities, financial planning, internal consensus building, initial case development, lead prospect identification, and a campaign feasibility study. While each of these activities involves tremendous work, and a lot of discussions, the most important element during each step is listening. Is there agreement on and, more importantly, enthusiasm for the case? Is the financial goal based on what ...