An objective test of your goal, your donors’ readiness and your organization’s capacity — before you go public.
A capital campaign feasibility study is one of the most valuable investments a nonprofit can make before launching a major fundraising effort. It provides an objective assessment of whether a proposed campaign goal is realistic, identifies the philanthropic capacity and readiness of key prospective donors, and surfaces organizational strengths and gaps that will affect success.
What a Feasibility Study Typically Includes
A thorough study generally involves:
- Confidential interviews with board members, major donors, community leaders, and other key stakeholders
- Analysis of the organization’s giving history, donor pipeline, and previous campaign results
- Assessment of internal readiness, including staffing, systems, and board engagement
- Testing of the preliminary Case for Support and campaign goal
- Clear recommendations regarding goal, timeline, leadership structure, and next steps
Why Feasibility Studies Matter
Campaigns launched without adequate testing frequently encounter avoidable problems: goals that prove unreachable, insufficient leadership donor support, unclear messaging, or internal capacity shortfalls. A well-executed feasibility study reduces these risks by grounding decisions in evidence rather than optimism alone. It also begins the quiet cultivation of leadership donors and helps build early ownership of the campaign among key stakeholders.
The Huddleston Group Approach
The Huddleston Group conducts feasibility studies that are rigorous, respectful of participants’ time, and directly useful to decision-makers. Our process draws on more than 40 years of campaign experience and is tailored to each organization’s size, sector, and culture. Findings are presented clearly, with actionable recommendations that position the organization for a successful quiet phase and public campaign.
Organizations that complete a thoughtful feasibility study enter their campaigns with greater clarity, stronger leadership commitment, and a higher probability of achieving or exceeding their goals.
Related reading
- Campaign Planning & Feasibility Studies — how we deliver a study as an engagement
- What is a Campaign Planning & Feasibility Study?
- Importance of the Campaign Feasibility Study
To discuss whether a feasibility study is the right next step for your organization, contact The Huddleston Group at (602) 920-3775 or ron@thehuddlestongroup.com.