Campaign Feasibility Study: an Organizational "Snap-Shot"

What is a Feasibility Study?

The study is an objective survey of your synagogue’s fund-raising potential that measures the strength of your case and the availability of campaign leaders, workers, and prospective donors.

HOW IT IS CONDUCTED . . . . .

The key technique that we use is a confidential one-on-one interview with a sampling of members from the following suggested groups:

• leaders who have played a key role in the synagogue’s growth.


• members who have the potential to make major gifts to the campaign.


• members representing the various constituencies of the synagogue.


• i.e., Religious school, Nursery School, Sisterhood/Brotherhood, etc.


• a selection of members who don’t fit into any of the above categories. This will ensure a comprehensive sampling group. In addition to the interviews, an internal analysis of past fund-raising experiences and history is crucial to rendering a professional judgement.

THE IDS STUDY PROVIDES YOU WITH . . . . .

• An assessment of the strength of your synagogue’s case for funding, availability of leadership and depth of interest of the membership.


• Recommendations for an achievable dollar goal, timing for the campaign and prospective campaign leaders and major donors.


• A plan of action for the campaign, including: campaign plan, volunteer structure, timetable, staffing requirements and estimated budget.

IT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE . . . . .

Through competent and objective analysis, and before embarking upon a major campaign, you gain essential information that helps ensure your success, avoid mistakes, and identify issues that can affect the campaign.

SHANAH TOVAH!

Best wishes to all for a

Happy & Healthy New Year!

Shanah Tovah!

B'Shalom.

Barry Judelman

Union for Reform Judaism ~ Preparing for the High Holy Days

September 25, 2008 25 Elul 5768

"Preparing for the High Holy Days ~ As we approach the High Holy Days this season, we listen for the blast of the shofar, the deeper, reflective melodies for prayers and feel the cool winds of fall gathering strength from the north. Log onto the Union’s High Holiday page to prepare for this Yamin Noraim, read personal stories of preparation on RJ.org and visit the Jewels of Elul website for a daily dose of inspiration."

• Blogging on Elul
• High Holy Day resources
• Sounds of Kol Nidre - listen to audio in this RJ Magazine article about the history of Kol Nidre
• Jewels of Elul

Be sure to stop by the Union of Reform Judaism website to read and learn more about the valuable information they share - http://www.urj.org.

Campaign Feasibility Study: First Steps

When a congregation decides to embark on conducting a Feasibility it is imperative to follow a guideline to accomplish your goals. With over 26 years of fund-raising experience, IDS recommends the following:

CAMPAIGN FEASIBILITY STUDY: FIRST STEPS

1. DEFINING THE STUDY LEADERSHIP
a. Who is on the committee?
b. Why does this matter?
c. What role do we all have?
d. How are we different from the campaign/building committee?

2. IDENTIFYING THE STUDY PARTICIPANTS
a. Reviewing the four sub groups
i. Major Gifts
ii. Leadership
iii. Constituent Groups
iv. Other

3. LAUNCHING THE STUDY
a. Draft of the letter of invitation for the Study
b. Mailing the letters (two batches)
c. Scheduling appointments (establishing a clearinghouse)
d. First round of interviews: Setting dates

4. THE STUDY QUESTIONNAIRE

5. DEVELOPING THE PROJECTED CAMPAIGN PYRAMID

6. CREATING THE CAMPAIGN CASE

7. MARKETING THE STUDY TO THE CONGREGATION
a. What do we want to communicate?
b. To whom/when?

8. THE STUDY TIMELINE

9. THE POST STUDY TIMETABLE
a. Recruiting the Campaign Leadership infra-structure
b. Targeting Major Gifts
c. Recruiting Campaign Committees
d. Transition to Campaign Implementation

Established in 1988, IDS is a results oriented fund-raising consulting firm specializing in campaign planning and management in the Jewish community, both nationally and internationally. IDS prides itself in tailoring all of its fund-raising services to the unique needs and character of each client organization. The firm is directed by Barry Judelman who brings over 26 years of fund-raising experience to the benefit of his clients. He is a graduate of the Hebrew University School of Social Work and also has a Master's Degree in Contemporary Jewish Studies from Brandeis University.

IDS has developed a successful track record by servicing more than 50 non-profit clients, raising in excess of $100 million. IDS also provides local and national fund-raising services to members of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, as well as the UAHC Departments of Synagogue Management and Fund for Reform Judaism. Prior to creating IDS, Mr. Judelman spent 10 years in senior executive positions in major Jewish philanthropic organizations. He served as the Director of Development Services for the National United Jewish Appeal, Inc., providing state of the art fund-raising services and conducting major gift solicitations in communities across the country. He was later appointed the National Director of UJA's "Project Renewal", a $60 million urban renewal project hailed as one of the most innovative philanthropic programs introduced into the American Jewish community.

Vist us at http://www.idsfundraising.com or contact us directly at info@idsfundraising.com for further information on IDS Services. We would be happy to discuss with you your fundraising needs.