10 Secrets to AMAZING Capital Campaigns


A capital campaign is an exercise in Extraordinary Stewardship and, therefore, the opportunity for a unique spiritual adventure. Plan it as such.

  1. Enlist Maximum Prayer Support from the Beginning. (This is the most important thing you will do.)
  2. Make it a Gospel Based Campaign. (This is the second most important thing you will do and the thing that will receive the most initial resistance. Be firm!)
  3. Involve as many people as possible in the steps leading up to the decision to conduct a capital campaign. Have a number of ways and opportunities to discuss vision, mission and their implications and collect opinions. However, when it comes time to plan the building, let a small group approve the design and manage the project.
  4. Get Help! An outsider will be objective and encourage you to do the things you need to do that you may not want to do without that encouragement.
  5. Conduct a feasibility study BEFORE you announce a goal.
  6. Don’t be cheap!!! Spend enough money for an accurate database, campaign software, communication, good materials and the staff to do it right.
  7. Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!!!
  8. Say Thank You! Thank You! Thanks You! Thank givers, workers, and God.
  9. Celebrate good news along the way and have a big victory celebration at the end.
  10. Send annual updates each year of the payout period. This will help you collect a higher percentage of the amount pledged.

Expect Miracles!!!!!

Reprinted with permission.
Terry Parsons
Stewardship Officer
Congregational Development
Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
1-800-334-7626 ext. 6284
stewardship@episcopalchurch.org