What is the primary purpose of a capital campaign in fundraising?

The primary purpose of a capital campaign in fundraising is to encourage gifts specifically aimed at significant, one-time projects, such as building construction or renovation. Capital campaigns are usually structured to raise substantial amounts of money within a defined timeframe, focusing on major gifts for specific capital projects rather than ongoing operational expenses. This type of fundraising initiative appeals to donors’ desire to contribute to tangible improvements or expansions that have a lasting impact on the organization or community.

As for the other options, while they pertain to different aspects of fundraising, they do not accurately reflect the distinct goal of a capital campaign. Ongoing support for annual operations generally falls within regular fundraising efforts or annual campaigns, while funds for operational expenses typically rely on different strategies, such as annual giving or membership drives. Promoting membership growth, although essential for the sustainability of an organization, does not align with the specific objectives of a capital campaign focused on large-scale, capital-related projects.