Feasibility Studies
test your priorities and goals
Set your campaign goals and cultivate major givers
A feasibility study is an important way to begin engaging major donors and prospects. It helps you test your campaign goals with your top supporters, and build consensus with leaders in your organization and community.
Through open, authentic conversations that are handled with discretion and respect for donor confidentiality, JGA learns about both the practical and personal factors that might influence someone’s decision to give.
By giving donors an early chance to hear about your plans, share their thoughts, indicate how much they might give, and talk about what they hope to see from the campaign, you’re setting the stage for stronger relationships and a more successful campaign.
Questions that a feasibility study should answer:
- How much money can you expect to raise in a capital campaign?
- Who are your potential volunteer leaders?
- What are the perceptions of your organization among your constituents?
- Are there underlying issues impacting your organization’s potential for success in a campaign?
- What are the broader questions that need to be asked specific to your organization?
feasibility studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What do JGA feasibility studies include?
We conduct analysis of your donor database, including some level of wealth screening. A review of your current resources, and past results is also important. We will work with you to craft a preliminary case for support of your campaign priorities. Then, we’ll test that document in authentic conversations with your donors to give us insight into how those campaign priorities resonate. Finally, JGA produces an in-depth report of our findings, and we offer significant help after the report is delivered so you can take your next campaign steps. That’s a quick overview, and our team would be happy to talk with you about a customized feasibility study plan for your mission.
How many interviews will JGA offer? Will they be virtual or in person?
This varies significantly between studies, and this decision will be informed by your donor history and the proposed campaign goal amount. We approach feasibility study interviews with flexibility and are able to conduct interviews in-person when it is most appropriate. We have found that today’s major donors are very comfortable on Zoom, and it can even make the interview more convenient for their busy schedules. We also often meet with principal donors in person, at the organization’s direction.
How does JGA use data to inform feasibility studies?
As part of your study, we will screen a select group of donors to determine their relative capacity and readiness. This is often a group of highly engaged donors with giving history. This will help inform both our view of the total campaign landscape within your donor base, as well as help us suggest potential interviewees. As an option to enhance your actionable data, you might also consider utilizing a full JGA Acuity® Insights analysis, to provide a full picture of your donor capacity and engagement.
What happens if our campaign ideas aren't "feasible?"
If we complete a study and find that your campaign support areas aren’t the right match for your current donors, or that your fundraising goal and timeline aren’t realistic, we go into strategy mode with you. The JGA team will help you adjust strategy, and we’ll suggest specific campaign preparation tactics you can immediately employ to get on track.
Campaign Feasibility Studies
Resources
Download the JGA Guide to Feasibility Studies for Nonprofit Fundraising Campaigns
Download the Campaign Readiness Tip Sheet
Services & Campaign Strategy,
Flagler College
Damar Foundation