12 Guides: Fundraising for Capital Appeals

These 12 Funding Guides will take you through the various stages of developing and delivering a large fundraising project.

We advise that you read them as and when the individual guide is relevant to your project, however reading all 12 will provide a good overview of fundraising for a capital appeal.

Each Guide has in addition a Tool, Template or Helpful Hint to  equip and explore the subject matter further.

FG 1: Introduction to Capital Fundraising

At some time or another, every church will need to raise a large amount of money for a capital campaign or large fundraising project, therefore fundraising should be an organised activity.

You may wish to start by watching our short web clip ‘6 P’s on Doing a Capital Project Properly’

FG 2: Is your Vision Clear?

With a large fundraising project you will be taking your congregation on a long journey, with only the vision to lead them, therefore it needs to be clear, concise and above all inspiring!

FG 3: Committees, Capacities and Capabilities

If you are embarking on a major project, it is a good idea to establish a number of support groups. These groups can be called a range of things, but whatever their name, these groups ensure that the work load does not fall on a select few.

FG 4: Bringing your Project to Life

This is a good opportunity to evaluate all the information you have collected, and work out what is most feasible in terms of project plans.

FG 5: Parish and Community Audit

A Parish or Community Audit explores the reality of the geographical church parish, and identifies the local demographic. Once this has been established, there is the opportunity to further explore how the proposed project can better serve its congregation and community.

FG 6: Budgets

Funders will require reassurance that you will be able to administer your project effectively so you will need to show that you have thought carefully about the finances. A robust budget will give confidence that you have planned ahead and your project is achievable.

FG 7: Developing a Funding Strategy

It is a good idea to identify two or three people to lead on fundraising as this should never be one person’s responsibility. A funding strategy needs to be clear and concise so the person assessing the funding application can easily understand your group’s future plans.

FG 8: Identifying Potential Funders

When considering who to apply to, it is important to be strategic, realistic and targeted. There are plenty of Funders out there – all you need to do is match your project to their funding criteria, and approach them with an application.

FG 9: Applying to Funders

When embarking on the application process, you need to have all the information, facts and figures at your fingertips, so that you can write a persuasive and inspiring application.

You may wish to start by watching our short web clip ‘What Funders Want To Know’

FG 10: Launching your Appeal

Don’t underestimate the value of individual donations. Churches are unique in being open to every person in your community so you have a large ‘audience’ to speak to and ask for their support.

FG 11: Project Planning and Building Works

There will be a number of different professional services you may need to employ. Your Architect will most probably manage the relationships, but it is useful to know who is doing what.

FG 12: Consolidate and Celebrate!

When you have completed your fundraising project, it is hugely important that you celebrate its success with a launch event. The best way to recognise everyone’s hard work and generosity is with a launch event or official opening.