Over the past few years, I have assisted with a number of capital campaigns. These campaigns represent the dreams of leaders in a community to do something important and lasting on behalf of the community - to build a new performing arts center, housing for foster families, a new botanic garden in a struggling part of town, to build a school center for a K-8 school.

There are energetic, visionary people attached to each of these projects. It encourages me to think about how committed, creative, and passionate they are.

And now...COVID-19. How do these leaders and their teams react to something that might completely derail their project or at a minimum slow it down or make it more difficult to accomplish? What if they are in the middle of the campaign? What happens if their operating income decreases to the point that funds must be shifted from the campaign fundraising in order to save the organization? What if they are almost ready to launch the campaign?

Each campaign is different, but in general, here is my advice:

1. If your group's operating budget can take it, stay the course on your campaign. You might want to proceed more slowly and change internal strategy on approaching donors, but even if COVID limits face-to-face meetings and group gatherings for another year, you are in this for the long term, right?

2. Communicate more, not less, with your campaign donors and prospects. And don't dwell on COVID. They know the situation, and they want to be assured that people like you are still trying to make the community better. They will appreciate the continuity and hope your organization represents. Plus, your vision gives them something to look forward to.

3. Be more careful than usual about making asks, but continue to make asks. If you listen, listen, listen to each of your supporters, you will understand whether or not to ask. And when you make blanket asks by direct mail, email, or social media, be sure to acknowledge that it will not be a good time to give for some recipients.

4. Understand that some donors can still give, or even give more. I've heard it said that although we are all in a storm together, we are not all in the same boat. Some of your donors and prospects have not suffered loss of income or assets during the pandemic, and in fact some have increased their wealth over the past few months. Take the time to research which industries have benefited, and which donors and prospects have personal financial profiles that have been maintained, or even benefited.

5. Be even more transparent with the campaign's finances, along with your group's finances. Help supporters understand that this is still doable, but needs their continued investment. Of course, this assumes that your group's finances are sustainable.

6. If you need to put a pause in your campaign, ask a group of board members and lead donors (not necessarily your campaign committee, but do include the committee chairperson, at least) to meet with your executive team quarterly to revisit the conditions surrounding your project and what can be done to keep it alive. You will then be ready to jump back into the campaign with the full support of your leadership, when conditions warrant.

Yes, things look bad out there. But your dreams to help your community are important and maybe even crucial, in the long term. What you are doing reflects hope for the future and brings out the best in all of us.

Don't stop! But stay safe and step carefully...

______________________________