Q: We are planning to use the Benevon Model—to have Point of Entry^® Events, do follow up, and eventually put on an Ask Event^™. However, we just finished with a big capital campaign, and we're not sure how to transition from one to the other. Is there a way to keep capital campaign donors involved when we start using the model?

Maria in Ohio

A:  A completed capital campaign is actually a great place to get started with the model because it provides a natural list of previous donors whom you can cultivate. Invite all the capital campaign donors to a Point of Re-Entry or Free Feel-Good Cultivation Event^™. At the event, thank them for their capital gifts and show them the ongoing needs of your programs. Follow up one-on-one after these Point of Re-Entry Events and see if anything else about your organization piqued their interest. Then invite them to your next Ask Event as VIPs with no expectation that they will give again. Once there, and after hearing about your operational needs, many of the same donors will give to operations, even if they are still paying off their remaining pledge to your capital campaign.

For information on using the model for capital or endowment, visit our archives.

Terry