Capital campaigns need to be about more than bricks and mortar.  They need to be strategically positioned within a well-thought long-range plan as a top priority for achieving a community impact that is worthy of leadership-level philanthropic investment.  This workshop will focus on how to develop and assess long-term vision goals, determine whether a capital campaign is appropriate and timely as a strategic initiative to meet vision goals and deliver a return on investment for donors while focusing on the fundraising relationship in a rural environment. Executing a successful capital campaign – like other strategic fundraising initiatives – comes down to three basic questions:

1)      Do you have a compelling story to tell?
2)      Do you have people to tell your story to?
3)      Do you have a way of telling your story?

This webinar will help you answer these three questions, and the dozen more that follow in a step-by-step, best-practices approach to capital campaigns of any size. 

Learning Objectives

1. Development of internal questions that drive first solid steps and avoid a slippery slope
2. Tips on how to approach strategic planning and vision casting
3. Understanding the reasons for and value of feasibility
4. Expectations for campaign planning, stages and timeline
5. Understanding fundraising relationships and the value they carry

About the Presenter

Mike Westby has logged 30+ years of experience in the development field with a distinct focus on major gifts and strategic fundraising campaigns. Over the years, he has represented a diverse group of organizations including hospitals and healthcare agencies, universities, museums, aquariums, theaters, social service agencies, humane societies, national youth associations, and police associations. Combined, Mike has represented projects that have generated more than $300,000,000.

Early in his development career Mike had the opportunity to rejuvenate stalled capital campaigns and developed a reputation for this distinct talent. He drew on this experience and success in forming the core business strategy for Westby Associates, Inc. By identifying the common failures in underachieving campaigns, Mike created a focus for a consultant model that “corrects the mistakes before they happen.” It is a model that has grown rapidly throughout the Pacific Northwest and is responsible for some great facilities and endowed programs in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Mike has an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of individual philanthropy, as well as foundation and corporate giving, based on solid relationships with leaders in those respective categories. He has been recommended to clients by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, and the Meyer Memorial Trust, among others.