A Capital Campaign may seem daunting for any organization, but especially for our high schools.  Whether you are in need of funds for a new sports field, science center, or tuition assistance, you need a solid strategy and plan.  While there are many facets to a successful endeavor, here are just six to include in your plan:

• Build support from the inside out.  Before you can begin to invite people outside of your school to give, you must first communicate and gain support from within.  Starting with the President/Principal and flowing downward through the administration, board, teachers, and staff.  The stronger the support from within, the more successful you will be when you go out.
• Invest some time in your database.  You cannot ask alumni, families, and other friends to support your campaign if you cannot find them.  Investing some time, energy, and resources into enhancing your database can go a long way in generating support later on.

• Consider investing in a prospect research and philanthropy service.  Gather valuable information to determine donors’ interests and capacity.  This will not only help you to identify the “usual suspects,” but the “diamonds in the rough” as well.

• Communicate a clear and concise message to your donor prospects.  Know your audience and make sure your communications answer the questions, “Why should I attend this?” or “Why should I support that?”

• Coordinate alumni gatherings at the school and invite them to “walk the halls” once again.  Offer other events to bring people together to share memories and experiences of your school.  Include communications on multiple social media platforms to increase your reach.

• Keep alumni engaged with current students.  Gain support by encouraging alumni to take an active and continuous role in the school to cultivate relationships which may identify potential employees.