Should You Say Yes to a Capital Campaign? A Readiness Guide for Major Gift Fundraisers

You’re not the only fundraiser who’s been handed an ambitious campaign goal and asked to “make it happen.”

The question is: should you?

In this practical session, we’re taking an honest look at what campaign readiness really means - so you can make thoughtful decisions before committing time, energy, and resources. ​

Here’s what we’ll cover:

✅ What true campaign readiness looks like (and what it’s often confused with)

✅ The most common gaps organizations overlook before launching

✅ The real costs of moving forward too soon - and how to avoid them

✅ Questions leaders should be asking before saying “yes” to a campaign

Capital Campaign Readiness: What Major Gift Fundraisers Need to Know

1:00 - The Real Question Behind Capital Campaign Readiness: What capital campaign readiness actually means for major gift fundraising - and why this is the question fundraisers should be asking first.

2:57 - What Capital Campaign Readiness Really Includes: The four core areas fundraising leaders need to evaluate before launching a capital campaign.

5:18 - What Campaign Readiness Is Often Confused With: Common phrases boards and leadership teams use that sound like readiness - but usually aren’t.

8:15 - The Most Common Gaps Organizations Overlook: From leadership misalignment to overstretched major gift systems, the three gaps that derail campaigns.

18:22 - The Real Cost of Moving Forward Too Soon: What launching a capital campaign too early costs your organization, your leadership team, and your major donors.

20:50 - The Questions Strong Leaders Ask Before a Capital Campaign: Four critical questions fundraising leaders should ask - without making assumptions about major donors.

23:40 - The Capital Campaign Readiness Scorecard: A practical tool to assess whether your nonprofit is truly ready for a capital campaign.

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