Why a Feasibility Study is Critical for Capital Campaign Success

Feasibility often feels like an unnecessary hurdle in capital campaigns. I often hear organizations say, “The goal is set. We can’t test for feasibility - we just have to move forward.”

But skipping feasibility is one of the biggest mistakes an organization can make.

What is a Feasibility Study in a Capital Campaign?

A feasibility study is an early planning step that tests whether your campaign goal is realistic. It answers critical questions:

• Do you have enough donor capacity to reach the goal?
• Is your organization ready to manage a campaign of this size?
• How do key supporters view your vision and priorities?

In short: a feasibility study validates your working goal before you launch.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Feasibility Phase

1. It prevents costly mistakes

You may know what your organization needs — but without feasibility, you don’t know if your donor community can support it. A study provides a reality check so you don’t set an unattainable goal.

2. It could reveal you can raise more

Sometimes feasibility brings good news. Donors may say your vision is too small, and signal that you could raise more than you originally expected.

3. It builds early donor engagement

A feasibility study isn’t just about numbers. When you invite donors into the process early, they feel valued and connected to the vision. That early involvement translates into deeper commitment when it’s time to give.

How Does a Feasibility Study Benefit Donors?

Feasibility is a chance to engage your donors early. When you involve key supporters before making the ask, they feel more invested and more connected to your vision.

This engagement makes them more likely to give - and to give generously.

💡If you’re planning a capital campaign, don’t skip feasibility. It could change the entire trajectory of your campaign.

If you liked this post, consider signing up for our newsletter.