Stewardship and Development
Capital Campaigns
In the life of a parish, school or service organization, it is often necessary to conduct a capital campaign. A capital campaign is basically a concentrated effort to raise significant funding over a relatively short period of time. Capital campaigns are usually conducted for one or more of the following reasons:
- For capital improvements or renovations
- For new building projects
- For debt reduction
- For an endowment fund
All capital campaigns in the Diocese of Austin must by approved by the Bishop, Finance Office, Facilities Office and Stewardship and Development Office. Scott Whitaker, Director of Stewardship and Development, is available to consult with parishes through all stages of their capital campaign planning.
The first step towards a capital campaign is a feasibility study. An outside consulting firm should conduct the feasibility study. After study of the current situation and interviews with members of the community, a feasibility report will indicate:
- If there is adequate support for the proposed project.
- If the project should possibly be scaled back or expanded.
- What the best goals and timeline would be for the capital campaign.
Because of the complexity of conducting capital campaigns, it is strongly recommended that all diocesan organizations retain the services of a professional capital campaign consultant to conduct a successful capital campaign. This consultant can be the same one who conducted your feasibility study or a different one.
Any parish interested in conducting a capital campaign or feasibility study, should contact Scott Whitaker to arrange any or all of the following:
- A meeting with the pastor and/or parish staff
- A meeting with the Finance Committee
- A meeting with the Parish Council.
- A meeting with the Building Committee