Planning for Capital Projects and Campaigns

A New Edition!

In 2003, the Gates Family Foundation developed a web-based guide that provides nonprofits with a step-by step approach to planning for facility expansion and capital campaigns, beginning with an assessment of the organization’s readiness, including fundraising strategies, and ending with construction and long-term maintenance. In the past year, the Foundation updated both the PowerPoint and desktop reference (PDF) versions. A talented team of experts in construction, fundraising, lending, high performance (green) buildings, website development, and nonprofit management served as reviewers.

The guide is available in two versions: as an Executive Summary in PowerPoint and as a full length Handbook in a Word PDF format. We have found the Executive Summary to be the best way to get familiar with the guide or to communicate the process to one's staff or board. The handbook makes an excellent desk reference. While the core guide is now complete, it is considered a living document. Suggestions on improvement are always welcome! The Gates Family Foundation, which focuses on grants for capital projects in Colorado, developed the guide to encourage nonprofits to plan earlier and more effectively and thus avoid costly and all- too- common mistakes. While it is not necessary to follow all the steps outlined, understanding the reasons for them is important for large and small organizations. The guide has been used in workshops for over 400 nonprofits since its creation.

High Performance Building Perspectives & Practice

Nonprofits about to embark on a capital project are encouraged to investigate green building practices. The Rocky Mountain Institute and the U.S. Green Building Council have partnered to produce a compelling film that documents the business case for building green. Check out this new documentary that profiles more than a dozen LEED projects and features interviews with CEOs, school administrators, government officials, building managers and designers who recognize the real benefits of going green. While the video focuses on mostly on larger organizations, the advantages of planning early and considering high performance building should be helpful to any organization.

The Foundation welcomes your feedback (info@gatesfamilyfoundation.org)

Tom Kaesemeyer, Executive Director
Gates Family Foundation