Capital Campaigns & Feasibility Studies

Organizing and conducting Capital Campaigns is a service offered through the Office of Development and Planning to parishes, schools and service organizations of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.  The Feasibility Study process is a critical step when planning and determining the readiness of the parish and/or school to move forward with a major fund raising effort and is required before entering into a campaign. A Capital Campaign can be a powerful extension of stewardship practices within a parish community and is most often conducted for one or more of the following reasons:

• Capital Restorations and Renovations
• New Building Projects
• Retire Debt
• Build or Rebuild Endowment Funds
• Program and Ministry Enhancements
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CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS
Capital Campaign must encompass a carefully planned and executed effort, within a fixed period of time, focused on addressing clearly defined and communicated needs.  As with any activity in the parish, a capital fund raising effort should not just be about new buildings, repairing roofs or fund raising. This effort should also be an opportunity to:
 

• Deepen the faith commitment of the parish community - Use this as an opportunity for the parish community to enrich their relationship with God and  to grow as a disciple of Jesus.
• Fortify the parish community - See this as a way to improve communication and collaboration among the various parish groups and ministries.
• Deepen the sense of Stewardship among the parish community - Use this effort to help the parish express our responsibility to give of our time, talent, and treasure; show appreciation to our ancestors and plan for our children and the next generation of parishioners. 

 

The role of the Office of Development and Planning as Campaign Director is to support and guide the pastor and parish leadership through every phase of the campaign.  Review the components of a successful capital campaign outlined in the  Capital Campaign Overview.  The Office of Development and Planning will remain faithful to the best practices and guidance offered by the  USCCB's Bishop's Pastoral Letter, “Stewardship: A Disciple's Response.”  Any fund raising effort in our parishes is an act of stewardship based on a fundamental belief that sacrificial giving is an act of gratitude and faith in God.  

 

FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Feasibility Study process is a critical step when planning a capital campaign.  It not only looks to answer the question “How much can we raise?” it is also designed to encourage the parish community to begin thinking about the future of the church whether a campaign is conducted or not.  The study provides an opportunity for parishioners who might be otherwise unengaged to have an opportunity to consider their involvement and learn about the plan and vision of the parish. 

The purpose of the study is to determine the extent of participation in a campaign, assess the need for education and awareness among the community, develop or refine the case statement and generate support among the community.  Results of the  Feasibility Study will provide clear guidelines and recommendations for creating a compelling  Case Statement for Support, establishing a target goal and strategies for reaching this goal.  Take a look at the  Feasibility Study Overview for more details.

 

The Office of Development and Planning staff is well experienced and well informed of the best practices guided by the USCCB's Bishop's Pastoral Letter, “Stewardship: A Disciple's Response.”.  A director will support and guide the pastor and parish leadership through every phase of the campaign.  For more information or to schedule a meeting, contact Andrea Pannell, Episcopal Moderator at 614-241-2550 or toll free at 1-877-241-2550 or email apannell@columbuscatholic.org.

AVAILABLE DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES:
Capital Campaign Overview
Feasibility Study Overview
Case Statment for Support