Why Supported Feasibility Studies Don’t Require More Capacity—They Build It

When nonprofits consider a supported feasibility study, one of the first questions they ask is: “Does this take more of our time?”

It’s a fair question—especially for lean development teams. At first glance, it might look like more work. You’re having the conversations with your donors, not the consultant. You’re setting up the meetings. You’re listening and following up.

But here’s the key: You’re not doing it alone—and you’re getting exponentially more value.

With a supported feasibility study, we support you every step of the way:

• You receive training, tools, and prep materials

• You receive our expert guidance to help you select the 20-30 best people to interview

• You involve a small Core Committee of staff and board to help conduct interviews

• You end up with not only insights, but relationships

Compare that to a traditional study, where a consultant interviews your donors and you get back anonymized feedback. Sounds easier… until you realize:

• You don’t know who said what

• You can’t follow up with thoughtful action

• You weren’t in the room building trust or momentum

• You have to double back post-study to re-establish relationships

In fact, a traditional study may save time upfront but cost you more time and dollars in the long run.

By contrast, a guided study offers:

• 20-30 high-value touchpoints with top donors and stakeholders

• A chance to practice and build your team’s skills

• Real-time insight into donor hesitations, excitement, and questions

• A deeper sense of ownership and readiness for your campaign

And let’s be honest—if your study results in a red or yellow light? Those conversations are still a goldmine. You’ve cultivated 20 to 30 people who are more engaged than before. That’s not wasted time—that’s future readiness.

A supported feasibility study isn’t more work.

It’s smarter work.

And it builds your capacity long after the interviews are over.

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Frances Roen (she/her/hers)

Founder + CEO

Fundraising Sol

Founder of Fundraising Sol and a fundraising strategist with two decades of experience. She is deeply passionate about relationship building, individual donor work, and supporting nonprofit professionals’ health and wellness to enable them to deliver their best work.