Fundraising Feasibility Study

Fundraising Feasibility Studies are common for large development projects, and are typically conducted by an independent consultant. The process entails meetings with key stakeholders and potential big donors to test ideas and determine the likely level of support for specific projects.

The independent and confidential nature of the conversation means that potential supporters can be more frank about their concerns regarding a project, without directly offending an organization and/or jeopardizing relationships with leadership or board members.

A fundraising feasibility study can help gauge if the timing is right for the project in terms of competing for the same donors, and will determine the likely range of total dollars the project can attract.

The project concept has to be fairly far along for this to be accurate because donors are reacting to the site, the size, and their judgment of the organization's capacity to carry out the project and run the new facility.

When complete, the study presents a realistic sense of what kind of facility is affordable. For example, if your plans are for a $20 million facility, and your study determines you can raise $5 million, go back to the drawing board!