|
A planning
study is the single most important step to take before embarking on
a major fundraising or communications project. Hope Associates
believes that it is unwise to proceed, particularly with a
fundraising campaign, without first conducting a study.
Utilizing
a combination of personal interviews, focus groups, direct mail and
online survey instruments, our planning studies can be conducted
quickly, but often reveal essential information that can impact
success.
A planning
study is used to more fully reveal the scope and potential of a
proposed capital campaign or stewardship education project. Hope
Associates knows that a planning study helps raise awareness among
constituents that a special project is being considered and that
awareness and inclusiveness are critical factors influencing
success. Planning studies also lend credibility to the effort by
soliciting opinions, ideas and concerns from everyone in preparation
for a major project. Our experience is that planning studies also
serve as an important marketing vehicle for the hopes, dreams and
commitment of church leadership and as a barometer of future success
at the church.
Personal interviews include 20 to
25 people representing leading donors, church administration and
staff, key volunteer leaders and an influential thorn or two in the
side of the church. This helps to reveal a true picture of the
church community and serves to diffuse any negative situations
before they can develop out of control and impact the success of a
project.
Focus groups would begin after
identifying a second cross section of people. At the focus groups, a
facilitator would make a brief but informative presentation
detailing the needs of the church, explaining proposed plans, costs
and potential results, and outlining a general plan to reach-out to
all church families. In addition to personal interviews and focus
groups, our consultants would also prepare a survey instrument for
all remaining families that can be completed on paper or through an
online form hosted at our
www.planningstudy.com web site. By offering all
constituents the opportunity to participate in planning for a major
project, the stage will be set for an inclusive effort where
everyone is asked to take action in support of the church.
|
