Capital Campaign Coaching for Small Town Nonprofits

Capital campaigns can be a long, lonely journey, especially in small towns.

You work for the most inspiring mission, yet you often wonder if you can successfully complete the campaign.

You may feel isolated, wondering how to get the support for a successful capital campaign.

But you don’t have to journey alone.

Capital campaign coaching provides you with the insights, tools, and small town expertise to:

  • Plan and adapt with clarity
  • Engage your donors & community
  • Fund your goal and future support.

"Rural nonprofits often struggle to access the kind of fundraising expertise that is right fit for their small communities, especially for capital campaigns. That’s where Chany makes all the difference. With nearly 20 years of experience coaching hundreds of organizations, particularly small and rural nonprofits, she deeply understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing small towns and rural communities across the U.S. Chany translates that insight into practical strategies that work, especially with capital campaigns. She brings not only expertise, but also empathy and encouragement—helping small town and rural nonprofits expand their capacity, strengthen relationships, and raise the resources and relationships they need to thrive." Kimberly O'Donnell, Chief Fundraising and Engagement Officer, Bonterra

What is Capital Campaign Coaching?

When you work with me as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), I assist you in transitioning your vision to reality through:

Coaching

No matter where you are in your career, campaign coaching can provide you with a guide who understands both capital campaigns and fundraising in a small town; a sounding board to troubleshoot challenges; and an advisor for accountability and support to help you stay on track and achieve your capital campaign goals.

Planning

Planning is essential for a successful capital campaign. A well-crafted plan can help you: identify and reach your ideal donors; develop compelling case for support messages; choose the right fundraising methods for each phase of the campaign; set realistic and achievable campaign goals; and track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Training

Training helps everyone in your organization feel more confident as you embark on what is likely the largest campaign in your organization's history. Customized training will support the leadership, Board members, and campaign volunteers to leverage in their abilities and networks, allowing them to be more successful.

Years Fundraising
+
Years Consulting
+
Clients
+

Why Hire Me?

Sector Wide Experience

I coach small town nonprofit professionals, Board members, and volunteers in capital campaign best practices and lessons across various sub-sectors, including human services, conservation, arts and culture, and animals. My experience working with a wide range of missions allows me to bring the best fundraising ideas from each sub-sector to each client, enabling them to achieve their goals and make a difference through their mission.

Extensive Knowledge

I've worked in the nonprofit sector across various fields after graduating in 2000 from Carroll College in Helena, Montana, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. I started my practice in 2007. In September 2016 I was awarded the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. In October 2019, I obtained the Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource, the recognized leader in nonprofit Board leadership. In March 2023, I was certified as a Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach.

Community Oriented

As a fourth generation Montanan, I live and work in the beautiful small town of Bigfork, Montana. I serve as a CASA advocate/volunteer and as a member of the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee in Montana. I host the weekly 5-minute podcast, Reflections on Generosity.

What My Clients Say

Read more testimonials and a few projects I was privileged to work on together with staff and volunteers here.

"Working with Chany Ockert has been an amazing experience. Chany was able to shift our thinking in how we fundraise, how we ask, how we plan and how we engage our board in the effort."
Tri-Town Council
“Chany is just amazing. She is so supportive and inspiring. As a first year fundraiser, a lot of what I do can be intimidating. Chany gave me so many ideas and it didn't feel overwhelming at all. She is just an amazing fundraising coach!”
Solutions of North Texas
“If you are interested in raising more money on behalf of your mission, you will be hard pressed to find a Consultant better suited to your task than Chany Ockert. She will draw upon her wealth of experience – in all facets of friend and fundraising – to identify your unique opportunities and the sequential steps you need to take to realize your fundraising potential.”
Terry Chaney