Nonprofits use capital campaigns to raise money for large capital projects (construction of a new facility, renovation of existing facilities, purchase of equipment, furnishings, etc.). They use endowment campaigns to build an endowment fund (a reserve fund to take care of emergencies and assure the organization’s survival). An organization need not be large to conduct a capital or endowment campaign, but it does need to be well established and financially healthy.

Capital campaigns differ from other forms of fundraising in that they are massive projects that can span multiple years and cost a lot of money. As such, capital campaigns often require a targeted fundraising effort with specific phases.

As a capital campaign consulting firm, we see ourselves as your partner on the campaign team, advising on strategy for the overall campaign as well as strategies for individual prospects. We believe that every decision made along the campaign route impacts the outcome, and we strive to use the experience we have gained over the years to ensure that those decisions have a positive impact on your campaign’s success. We strive to be proactive and help guide you through the campaign, rather than being a “Monday morning quarterback” who critiques your decisions after they have been made.

At CEND, we understand that developing the campaign plan is only the beginning of the challenge. Successful campaigns depend on executing the plan, monitoring progress and the situation carefully, and making the right adjustments to maintain momentum and keep the campaign on course. We also understand the importance of executing the campaign in a manner that does not jeopardize, undermine, or disrupt ongoing annual fundraising programs.

We separate ourselves from other capital campaign companies through our unique and customized approach for all clients. We understand that no two organizations, no matter how similar, are exactly alike. There are unique strengths, challenges, and histories that all influence the campaign. We believe that our job, as counsel, is to develop and execute a campaign strategy that takes all of these factors into account in order to capitalize on the strengths and mitigate the challenges.

We also believe that campaign success is defined by what happens after the campaign is over: fundraising programs are stronger, annual giving has reached a higher level, staff is better trained, and—most importantly—leadership understands that fundraising is an ongoing, organization-wide investment. Because no two organizations are the same, in order to provide you with the level of service required for YOUR success, CEND offers a variety of campaign consulting services tailored to your specific needs and designed to maximize your success.