At Fellowship Development, we believe every successful church capital campaign is built on four key pillars: a compelling vision, committed leadership, consistent momentum and clarity. Together, these elements do more than raise funds — they foster meaningful, faith-filled engagement and inspire generosity at every level.
A Compelling Vision
Clear funding priorities are essential, but a truly effective campaign begins with a bold, prayerful vision. Is your campaign aligned with your church’s mission and long-term strategy? Does it reflect the needs and hopes of your congregation? Does your capital campaign fill a dire need? Will it have an impact beyond a shiny new space? Help your members see how their gifts will deepen the faith-life of your community and bless future generations.
Committed Leadership
Leadership starts at the top. Before beginning a capital campaign, it’s imperative that church leadership be passionate champions of the campaign goals. Their buy-in, enthusiasm and dedication of time and resources, at every stage of the campaign, projects confidence. But no one can do it alone.
The single most effective way to raise money is by personally visiting as many of your church members as possible, something one person simply can’t do. Build a team of trained campaign volunteers, who can help share the vision, make gift requests and follow up with peers. Research shows donors give 42% more when asked by someone they know! A deep bench of campaign leaders creates more opportunities for these fruitful conversations.
Consistent Momentum
Capital campaigns have a natural rhythm. Ideally, the generosity of church leaders and campaign volunteers generates early momentum, while also lending credibility to the effort and giving you positive news to share as you invite other members of the congregation to give.
Creative and consistent communications will help maintain momentum. Don’t assume everyone is as informed about the campaign as you are. Your church members are busy, and they get their information from a variety of sources. Cover all bases by consistently sharing campaign news across platforms: from the pulpit, in your church bulletin, on your website and social media channels, via signage and more. Keep the message clear, hopeful and mission driven.
Clarity
Every church member should be invited to participate in the campaign. However, before anyone is asked to make a gift, communicate how the capital campaign is distinct from the offertory. Tee-up the campaign in church communications, recognizing the generous support members are already providing, and emphasizing that everyone is invited to have an impactful role in realizing an exciting goal for their church.
When making a gift request, we recommend being specific and intentional. Consider a donor’s giving history and personal financial capacity remembering that a bold vision requires bold generosity. Encourage prayerful discernment and be prepared to offer tools like naming opportunities and non-cash giving options.
Finally, leverage your team of campaign volunteers to personally follow up and meet with your top tier donors. Encourage them to share their story, explain why they gave to the campaign and answer questions. These meetings will result in broader support while reinforcing your church’s sense of community.
A Final Word
As Henri Nouwen reminds us in The Spirituality of Fundraising, when we’re asking for gifts to a capital campaign, we’re not begging — we’re inviting others into a divine partnership. A church capital campaign is a chance to strengthen your church, welcome more families to your mission, deepen faith, and invest in the future God is calling us toward. With the right vision, team, and spirit, generosity will follow.
