Twenty five years ago, few community or technical colleges considered launching capital campaigns. They lacked community standing, professional fundraising staff, and the related institutional foundation structure to manage charitable efforts. Gradually, as public funding eroded, bond issues became harder to pass, and colleges recognized the need for private fund development, this has changed. Hundreds of community and technical colleges are staging successful campaigns, attracting unprecedented financial support from their communities. The author examines the science behind successful capital campaigns and offers a set of best practices for colleges committed to increasing their earning potential.