In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein welcomes nonprofit leader, coach, and advocate Joan Garry for an inspiring conversation about how development directors and nonprofit executives can maintain optimism, motivate their teams, and rethink what fundraising success looks like in challenging times.Joan Garry is an internationally recognized champion for the nonprofit sector, an executive coach for top nonprofit leaders, founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, and host of her own podcast and blog. With decades of experience across nearly every role in nonprofit leadership, she brings both practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement to the discussion.Together, Amy and Joan explore how nonprofit professionals can reframe fundraising from a stressful numbers game into an opportunity for donors to feel connected, valued, and part of meaningful impact.They discuss:Why development directors often struggle with discouragement when revenue sources shiftHow focusing solely on total dollars raised can create a harmful and unrealistic definition of successAlternative metrics to measure fundraising effectiveness, including donor retention rates, board engagement, and stewardship practicesThe importance of innovation and creativity in fundraising, with real-world examples of organizations trying bold approaches to meet urgent needsHow leaders can support staff through professional development, peer learning, and community support to build confidence and resilienceThe role of board members in donor stewardship and why even simple gestures from board leaders can significantly strengthen relationshipsPractical steps for reconnecting with the mission, “touching the work,” and finding inspiration that replenishes energy for fundraisers and leaders alikeListeners will hear stories ranging from a climate change think tank tapping into untapped expertise in Washington, to LGBTQ advocacy groups addressing urgent needs through imaginative funding models, to a legal nonprofit rethinking the concept of a capital campaign by focusing on “human capital.” These examples highlight what is possible when leaders are willing to experiment and redefine what success looks like.Joan also shares advice on how nonprofit executives can manage fear, support their fundraising staff, and avoid the trap of holding onto poor performance because of the myth that strong development professionals are scarce. She emphasizes the importance of professional development and investment in fundraisers, noting that providing learning opportunities is a powerful way to strengthen skills and morale.Amy and Joan both highlight the value of peer communities—whether through Capital Campaign Pro’s weekly mastermind groups or the Nonprofit Leadership Lab’s global membership network—where nonprofit leaders can share challenges, celebrate wins, and draw inspiration from one another.Whether you are an executive director, development officer, or board member, this conversation will help you see fundraising in a new light. By focusing on relationships, creativity, and inspiration, nonprofit leaders can foster resilience and optimism in their organizations even when external challenges feel overwhelming.For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of a successful capital campaign: creating and funding a campaign budget.A capital campaign requires more than enthusiasm and a compelling case. It demands resources, staff support, and a financial plan that spans several years. Amy and Andrea explain why it is unrealistic for nonprofit leaders to think a campaign can succeed without investing in additional help, expertise, and infrastructure. They walk through the essential elements of a strong campaign budget and show how the campaign itself can raise the funds needed to cover these expenses.Listeners will learn:Why capital campaigns are fundamentally different in scale from annual fundraisingThe types of staff support most organizations actually need (and why it’s not always a major gift officer)How to think about campaign consultants, feasibility studies, donor recognition, and events as part of the budgetExamples of real campaign costs, from simple kickoff gatherings to large-scale celebrationsHow to address board concerns about “overhead” and gain approval for campaign expensesThe widely accepted rule of thumb that campaign budgets average about 10% of the overall campaign goal—and why that percentage can vary based on project sizeThe conversation also covers practical tips for making budgeting conversations easier with boards and leadership teams. Andrea and Amy describe both the “top down” approach (starting with a percentage of the campaign goal) and the “bottom up” approach (listing specific anticipated expenses) to arrive at a realistic and effective campaign budget.By the end of the discussion, nonprofit leaders will have a clear understanding of how to plan for campaign expenses, make the case for additional staff or consulting help, and use the campaign itself to fund these investments. Amy and Andrea also share success stories from organizations that shifted their thinking, gained board support, and found relief in knowing that their campaigns were properly resourced.Whether your organization is preparing for a $3 million initiative or a $40 million project, this episode will give you a framework for understanding capital campaign budgets and the confidence to explain them to your team and board.For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt talks with Capital Campaign Pro senior advisor Dedee Wilner-Nugent about what to do when a capital campaign feels stalled. Dedee shares a practical framework she uses with clients across the country: the Four Rs. These simple moves help leadership teams steady nerves, reengage volunteers, and rebuild momentum during the quiet phase and beyond.You’ll learn how to:Reframe expectations so leaders, staff, and committees understand that campaigns rise and fall in pace across phasesRecommit to purpose by centering mission moments in meetings and inviting a campaign champion to keep vision and energy front and centerRefocus on small wins through short-term benchmarks, internal updates, and celebrations that recognize progress in outreach, meetings, and gift conversationsReassess when progress slows by refreshing prospect priorities, addressing capacity gaps, and shifting attention to donors who are ready to advanceHighlights from the conversation:Why early lead gift work often creates long stretches with few visible results, and how to set expectations before that lull beginsA simple way to map phases on a shared timeline so every participant knows the current focus and their roleHow a lead donor’s brief remarks can reenergize a board at key pivot pointsWhat to include in a monthly internal update to lift morale and show momentum across teams working on feasibility, design, prospecting, and leadership recruitmentA relationship-first approach to the quiet phase that tracks meaningful touchpoints, introductions to additional leaders, and readiness for an askWhen to rotate prospects up the depth chart to secure near-term wins while larger gifts continue on a longer pathWhether you are a CEO, development director, or campaign chair, this episode gives you a clear playbook to steady the team and move forward with confidence when progress feels slow.To ensure your campaign ends in a celebration, download our free Capital Campaign Step-by-Step Guide & Checklist.This intuitive guide breaks down each step of your campaign, and the timeline allows you to visualize your whole campaign, from start to finish!
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt talks with Rob Riley, President of the Northern Forest Center, about how his organization raised $35 million through a unique blend of philanthropy and impact investing.Spanning 30 million acres across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, the Northern Forest Center set out to revitalize rural communities while protecting the largest continuous forest east of the Mississippi. Rob shares how the organization structured its first capital campaign to combine traditional fundraising with investment opportunities tied to real estate redevelopment, housing, and community revitalization projects.Listeners will learn how the Northern Forest Center:Balanced philanthropic gifts with investment capital to strengthen local economies and fund conservation initiativesOvercame challenges tied to multi-state fundraising and community-based givingBuilt a fundraising team that grew from two staff members to five while tripling the organization’s budgetDesigned campaigns that engaged both donors and investors, with 75% of participants contributing in both waysUsed feasibility studies, case statements, and clear messaging to gain support for complex projectsCelebrated milestones with community events that inspired reinvestment and long-term engagementRob also highlights the role of volunteer leadership, the lessons learned from structuring matches and incentives, and the importance of celebrating success to keep momentum alive. From board development to donor cultivation, this conversation offers insights into what it takes to raise transformational capital for large-scale, place-based initiatives.Whether you are leading a nonprofit campaign, exploring impact investing, or looking for creative approaches to engage donors across regions, this episode offers practical takeaways and inspiring strategies.To ensure your campaign ends in a celebration, download our free Capital Campaign Step-by-Step Guide & Checklist. This intuitive guide breaks down each step of your campaign, and the timeline allows you to visualize your whole campaign, from start to finish!
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein welcomes Capital Campaign Pro’s Director of Engagement, Steven Shattuck, to explore how nonprofit organizations can approach artificial intelligence with confidence, strategy, and purpose. Whether you’re skeptical of AI or eager to experiment, this conversation unpacks what it means to use AI responsibly while staying focused on relationships and results.Steven, author of Robots Make Bad Fundraisers, shares his perspective on how AI fits into modern nonprofit work: not as a replacement for the human element, but as a set of tools that can improve efficiency and free up time for the work that truly matters.Topics Covered in This Episode:How to assess your organization’s needs before adopting any AI toolsWhy nonprofits often lag in tech adoption, and how to overcome those barriersThe importance of having an internal “tech champion” to evaluate and experiment with new toolsReal-world examples of AI helping with campaign planning, meeting prep, donor communication, and volunteer trainingWhy Capital Campaign Pro developed Andie, an AI tool trained specifically for capital campaign strategy, and how clients are using it to save hours of time each weekPractical safety reminders when using AI tools, including data privacy best practicesWhat tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and others are good at (and when to use each)Throughout the conversation, Amy and Steven emphasize that AI should never replace the strategic thinking and relationship-building at the heart of fundraising. Instead, it should support the work of nonprofit leaders, making it faster to draft documents, generate ideas, and prepare for donor interactions. From customizing gift agreements to training new staff or board members, AI is already making a difference for organizations of all sizes.Notable Highlights:“Donors give to outcomes—not organizations. AI can help us communicate those outcomes more clearly and more efficiently.”“You don’t need to jump on every new tech trend, but ignoring AI altogether could cost you valuable time and energy.”“The first step is to check what you already have. Your CRM or other tools may already offer AI-powered features.”“Our clients aren’t replacing advisors with AI—they’re using AI between meetings to move faster and make better decisions.”Steven also reflects on the current moment in nonprofit tech: AI isn’t a passing trend. It’s a shift in how we work.Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders:Start with your goals. Choose tools based on your actual pain points, not the latest trendLook for low-risk opportunities to experiment, like creating first drafts of agendas or donor lettersAssign someone - staff, volunteer, or board member - to lead your internal AI explorationTrain tools with trusted data and frameworks to get relevant, high-quality responsesBe mindful of privacy, especially when using free public AI toolsCollaborate with consultants and vendors who are tech-forward and actively integrating new toolsWhether you’re running a $60 million campaign or just beginning to think about how to modernize your systems, this episode offers approachable, practical ideas to help you get started (or go deeper) with AI in your organization.Resources Mentioned:Capital Campaign Pro’s online toolkit and Andie, the AI assistantSteven’s book: Robots Make Bad FundraisersAI tools discussed: ChatGPT, Claude by Anthropic, PerplexityFree blog articles, webinars, and tools available at capitalcampaignpro.com
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explain why a gift range chart is one of the most essential planning tools for any successful capital campaign. They break down what a gift range chart is, how to create one, and why it can guide your campaign from start to finish.You’ll hear why setting the right top gift amount is critical, how your donor base size influences the chart’s shape, and what percentage of your total goal should come from your largest gifts. Andrea and Amy share practical examples showing how different organizations—such as a large, well-known nonprofit versus a smaller, more specialized group—might structure their charts for the best results.The conversation covers:How to determine your campaign goal before building your chartWhy the top gift often needs to be 20–35% of your total goalThe relationship between donor base size and gift distributionCommon mistakes, like underestimating top gift size and overestimating small gift totalsHow to use a gift range chart calculator to test different scenariosWhy this tool is a guide, not a formula, and still requires your judgmentHow to identify potential lead donors based on past giving historyWhat to do if your donor base can’t support your original goalThe role of feasibility studies in confirming gift potentialListeners will also learn why large gifts almost always come from people already connected to the organization—and why it’s rare to receive a transformational gift from someone with no prior giving history. Amy and Andrea discuss how to set aspirational yet achievable targets, and how to adjust your campaign plan if early research shows that your original goal may be out of reach.By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how a thoughtfully constructed gift range chart can help you anticipate challenges, guide donor cultivation, and keep your campaign on track from start to finish.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Capital Campaign Pro Gift Range Chart CalculatorFor more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt unpack a deceptively simple question: what counts toward your campaign goal?Getting this wrong can damage your credibility, confuse your board and donors, and throw off your reports. The good news? A clear set of campaign policies established early on can prevent most of the trouble. But clarity is not always easy.Amy and Andrea walk through some of the most common questions organizations face when deciding what to count:Should annual fund dollars be included in the campaign total?What about planned gifts that might not mature for decades?How should you treat in-kind donations like construction materials, technology, or donated property?What happens when the development office and the finance department count gifts differently?Using real-world stories and candid advice, they explore the consequences of unclear counting rules and the benefits of getting your team on the same page before the campaign is underway. You'll hear how one organization solved a million-dollar deficit thanks to a bequest made 70 years earlier, and how another spent more time than they’d like to admit trying to offload a donor’s beloved collection of heavy metal figurines.The episode also covers how to handle situations where accounting and fundraising standards don’t align. You might need two sets of reports: one for your auditors and one for your campaign committee. That tension is normal, but it needs to be addressed openly with your team—especially your finance colleagues.If you're planning a campaign or even thinking about one, this conversation will help you ask smarter questions now so you can avoid bigger problems later. And if you're not sure where to start, the Capital Campaign Pro Toolkit includes sample policies and discussion guides to help you think through these decisions.To ensure your campaign ends in a celebration, download our free Capital Campaign Step-by-Step Guide & Checklist. This intuitive guide breaks down each step of your campaign, and the timeline allows you to visualize your whole campaign, from start to finish!
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, host Amy Eisenstein is joined by nationally recognized nonprofit consultant Christal Cherry, known to many as “The Board Pro,” to talk about one of the biggest challenges for nonprofit leaders: how to find and keep the right board members.With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Christal has helped hundreds of organizations rethink board service by focusing on purpose, inclusion, and long-term commitment. In this candid conversation, Christal shares practical, experience-based strategies for board recruitment, onboarding, and engagement that go far beyond the usual advice about fundraising potential or "big pockets."This episode has answers if you’ve ever wondered:What makes someone the “right” board member for your organization?Why lived experience and community representation are just as valuable as fundraising capacity?How to plan ahead so your board reflects your future, not just your present?What a diverse and inclusive board culture looks like in real life?How to remove unengaged board members and make space for fresh energy?Amy and Christal explore how to build a board matrix based on your actual needs and values rather than a generic template. They talk about how to assess skill gaps, governance expertise, and lived experience. You’ll hear why recruiting "another Kevin" is often a mistake and why the best question to ask is, "Who is missing?"Christal also shares smart strategies for organizations with limited staff or budget, including:How to use LinkedIn and other tools to identify strong candidatesA “roll and scroll” phone exercise to activate your board’s networksLow-cost ways to build an inclusive board culture, like DEI calendars, peer mentors, and shared mealsThe importance of onboarding that goes beyond a binder or slide deckYou’ll also learn how to keep board members engaged between meetings. Christal shares examples of “board bites,” or mini-trainings on governance or fundraising, and ideas to connect board members to programs and events in a hands-on way.Finally, the conversation turns to culture. It’s not enough to invite diverse candidates if your boardroom dynamics, expectations, or meeting times haven’t changed. Christal explains what it means to prepare your organization for inclusion, including how to rethink time commitments, accessibility, and the unspoken norms that might be keeping new voices out.Whether you’re preparing for a capital campaign, growing your board, or trying to strengthen governance, this episode is full of advice you can put to work right away.Topics covered:Defining the right board member for your unique missionCommon board recruitment mistakes and how to avoid themHow to balance fundraising with lived experienceBuilding a skills-based board matrixOnboarding new members in meaningful waysCreating a culture of belonging with limited resourcesRemoving inactive or unengaged board membersLearn more about Christal Cherry at www.theboardpro.com, including tools and resources for recruitment and engagementFor more board engagement tips, be sure to download our free Board Member’s Guide to Capital Campaign Fundraising. It answers the questions board members most frequently ask, or wish they could ask.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt break down a true story about a $2.5 million gift — and how it started with a donor who originally gave just $1,000 a year.Andrea shares a firsthand account from one of her coaching clients who transformed a modest corporate gift into a major, multi-year commitment. What made it happen? A mix of persistence, timing, courage, and a smart, hands-on approach to donor engagement.You’ll hear:How an early annual donor (who once asked to stop being emailed!) became a seven-figure campaign sponsorWhat changed when a new leader stepped into the decision-making roleWhy inviting a company’s entire marketing team to visit the organization in person made all the differenceHow having the courage to ask for more can lead to transformative giftsWhy “we don’t have major donors” often just means “we’ve never made the case”This episode is packed with practical takeaways for campaign leaders who are wondering how to move donors from modest support to leadership-level giving. Andrea and Amy reflect on the real work that happens behind the scenes, including building relationships over time, watching for leadership changes, and creating moments that spark genuine enthusiasm.They also emphasize that even if your organization doesn't have a science center or museum to show off, you can still craft meaningful ways for donors to feel connected and invested in your mission. Whether it’s a tour, a hands-on experience, or a story told with heart, engagement can be your strongest strategy.If you’re heading into a campaign and wondering how to inspire your donors to step up in a big way, this episode shows how it happens—not through luck, but through strategy and care.To explore how Capital Campaign Pro can support your next campaign, visit capitalcampaignpro.com. And if this episode got you thinking, share it with your team or fellow fundraisers. You never know who might need to hear it!
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt sits down with Cindy Mewhinney, Director of Advancement at the Shaw Festival, and Richard Quinn, Senior Advisor with Capital Campaign Pro, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Shaw Festival’s bold and inspiring $150 million capital campaign: All.Together.Now.Cindy and Richard unpack how a campaign that began with a simple plan to rebuild the Royal George Theatre transformed into a movement built around creativity, community, and long-term impact. From the acquisition of a new property for artist housing to the launch of the Burton Center for Lifelong Creativity, the campaign expanded in vision, scope, and ambition—all while keeping donors, volunteers, and board members engaged and energized.Listen as they share:How the campaign grew from a $50 million project to a $150 million campaignWhy legacy gifts became a central pillar of their strategy—and how those conversations startedWhat role “long-shot” prospects played in some of their largest and most surprising giftsHow board alignment and volunteer leadership fueled momentum from the quiet phase through the public launchWhy patience, flexibility, and trust in leadership were essential as the campaign evolvedThe unique way they’re using this campaign to spotlight “real human connection” through theater and communityYou’ll also hear the value of combining capital and planned giving conversations, and how early feasibility testing helped reshape the entire direction of the campaign.Whether you're just getting started or already deep into planning, this episode offers practical takeaways and strategic insight from a campaign that redefined what’s possible.For free resources and support for your own capital campaign, visit capitalcampaignpro.com.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-founders Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore one of the most pressing and often overlooked issues in campaign planning: staffing. Whether you’re leading a small shop or part of a more established development office, running a capital campaign on top of your existing workload presents real challenges—and demands smart staffing decisions.Amy and Andrea outline practical strategies for expanding your team in ways that support both short-term campaign success and long-term fundraising growth. They emphasize that campaigns are not just about raising money—they’re about strengthening your organization’s capacity, including your development infrastructure.Listeners will learn:Why staffing up for a campaign is not optional, and why the better questions are when and how to do itHow to involve your executive director more fully by freeing up their time through administrative supportWhen to consider adding new positions like a campaign manager, major gifts officer, or dedicated support for annual givingHow to use simple, self-assessment exercises to clarify staffing needs across executive leadership and developmentThe value of outsourcing specific functions like grant writing, communications, and prospect researchWhen to leverage virtual assistants to add flexibility without increasing overheadHow campaign staffing requirements shift during the different phases—from quiet to public—and how to prepare for those changesHow to frame campaign staffing as part of your campaign budget, and why board members should see it as a strategic investment rather than an expenseThe conversation also covers the importance of campaign-specific expertise. Amy and Andrea explain why engaging consulting support early on is critical to help your team develop strategy, set priorities, and remain accountable throughout the campaign.This episode is especially useful for executive directors, development leaders, and board members who want to understand what it truly takes to support a campaign effectively. It offers grounded advice on aligning capacity with goals so that your team can succeed without burning out.Additional highlights include:Why staffing is a critical piece of campaign ROIA phased approach to hiring and outsourcing throughout the campaign timelineHow to help your executive and development directors assess their workload and delegate strategicallyWhat campaign communications should include and how to manage them without overloading internal staffIf your organization is preparing for a capital campaign - or currently trying to keep one afloat without enough hands - this episode offers clear direction and valuable insights to help you structure your team for success.Be sure to check out the Development Office Readiness Assessment, a free downloadable tool mentioned in the episode, available here and at capitalcampaignpro.com under the Resources tab.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein hosts a conversation with Stephanie Wilensky, Development Director at CooperRiis Healing Community, and Capital Campaign Pro Senior Advisor Xan Blake. Together, they share a compelling story of how a small fundraising team kept momentum alive in the face of extraordinary circumstances, including a devastating hurricane that left the organization temporarily disconnected and without water.Located in Western North Carolina, CooperRiis Healing Community launched a capital campaign focused on long-term sustainability through a $6 million endowment and 10 documented planned gifts. When Hurricane Helene struck mid-campaign, the team’s response was immediate and community-centered. Despite personal and professional disruptions, including severe property damage and the urgent need to care for residents, staff, and families, the organization chose to continue its campaign with renewed clarity.Listeners will hear how:A guided feasibility study helped identify strong community support for an endowment-based campaign with no bricks-and-mortar componentStephanie, a first-time fundraiser, grew in confidence and skill through direct donor interviews and relationship-buildingCooperRiis used the crisis as a moment to deepen connections, reevaluate priorities, and reaffirm the need for sustainable fundingDonor conversations during and after the hurricane became a springboard for further campaign success and renewed engagementPlanned giving became a natural and meaningful part of campaign conversations, even for an organization new to the conceptXan Blake offers a consultant’s perspective on the critical decisions that helped preserve campaign momentum and the importance of honoring both immediate needs and long-term goals. Stephanie reflects on the personal and organizational growth sparked by working through a campaign in the midst of disaster recovery.Whether you're working in a small shop, planning an endowment campaign, or simply wondering if you can continue your campaign after a major disruption, this episode offers valuable insights, encouragement, and concrete examples of how determination, flexibility, and mission alignment can help you move forward.Highlights include:How CooperRiis adapted campaign strategy in the aftermath of a natural disasterThe value of building donor relationships through feasibility study interviewsA practical approach to introducing and securing planned giftsLessons in team collaboration and leadership under pressureReal-life proof that endowment campaigns without a building component can succeedTune in to learn how one team turned challenge into opportunity, and why long-term vision can withstand even the toughest storms.For more tips on how your organization can maintain your resiliency during whatever challenging times lie ahead, download our free eBook Fundraising in Uncertain Times.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore a topic too often overlooked: how to include your full staff—not just your fundraising team—in the campaign process.From front-desk staff to program leaders, finance officers to communications teams, everyone has a role to play. Andrea and Amy walk through how different departments are affected by a campaign and why it's crucial that each group understands the timing, goals, and expectations. They offer real examples, including a front-desk "mystery donor" test that revealed a major gap in internal communication.You’ll hear how campaigns often require a shift in messaging, reporting, and collaboration across departments. The conversation covers:Why development staff not directly involved in the campaign still need clear communication and coordinationWhat communications staff need to understand about the quiet phaseHow to avoid tension with finance staff over campaign gift reportingWhy program and public-facing staff should be kept in the loopThe episode also highlights the importance of ongoing internal updates—quarterly or even monthly—to keep your team aligned as the campaign progresses. Amy and Andrea emphasize that campaigns should energize your entire organization, not just the development office.If you're already in a campaign or just starting to plan, this episode will help you build internal clarity and momentum from the inside out.To ensure your campaign ends in a celebration, download our free Capital Campaign Step-by-Step Guide & Checklist - https://capitalcampaignpro.com/checklist/ - This intuitive guide breaks down each step of your campaign, and the timeline allows you to visualize your whole campaign, from start to finish!
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein welcomes two experienced Capital Campaign Pro advisors, Paula Peter and Kristin Raack, for a deep conversation about assessing campaign readiness. With decades of combined experience guiding nonprofits through the early stages of major fundraising initiatives, Paula and Kristin offer practical insights to help organizations determine if the time is right for a campaign—and what to do if it’s not yet.The discussion begins by exploring the foundational elements of readiness: a clear and compelling vision, internal alignment among board and staff, and a solid understanding of what the campaign will fund and why it matters. Paula and Kristin highlight the importance of internal consensus and strategic planning to ensure that all key stakeholders are working toward a shared goal.They also stress the value of early engagement among leadership teams. When boards and staff are out of sync—whether due to capacity concerns, unclear priorities, or lack of experience—the likelihood of campaign success diminishes. Through stories from their advisory work, they demonstrate how a readiness assessment can uncover disconnects and help organizations build internal alignment before launching a campaign.Kristin introduces the concept of “campaign mindset”—a critical ingredient for success. Beyond having resources or experience, what matters most is an organization's commitment to prioritize the campaign. Are the board and staff prepared to make strategic decisions and sustain momentum even when the process becomes challenging?The conversation moves to donor readiness. Paula and Kristin discuss what they look for in a donor base, including how well an organization understands its top supporters and how engaged those donors are. They debunk the myth that an organization must already have a mature major gifts program to succeed. Many organizations learn to raise major gifts through the campaign process itself.Practical examples are shared throughout the episode, including:A social service nonprofit that had the vision and donor pool but needed to pause and address internal stress and operational changes before moving forward.A youth-focused organization with board-staff alignment and vision, but missing tactical pieces like CRM hygiene and prospect tracking.A national nonprofit transitioning from a founder to a new CEO, in need of a cultural shift toward collaborative planning.Amy, Paula, and Kristin emphasize that a readiness assessment rarely ends with a flat “no.” Instead, it typically results in a roadmap of clear next steps so that organizations can move forward confidently in the next 6 to 18 months. Whether that means strengthening internal processes, clarifying goals, or building new donor relationships, a thoughtful preparation phase positions campaigns for long-term success.Listeners will walk away with clarity on:What campaign readiness really meansHow to identify and address misalignment between board and staffWhat to look for in a donor base and how to develop oneTactical improvements that make campaigns less stressfulWhy campaign mindset matters more than past experienceTo see if your organization is truly ready for a capital campaign, download this free Readiness Assessment. This guide will help you evaluate six aspects of your organization, including the board and your case for support.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt answer a key question: Do you need a feasibility study before launching a capital campaign? Their answer is a clear yes—and they explain why skipping one can lead to poor decisions, missed opportunities, and campaign failure.They walk through how traditional feasibility studies have often kept donor feedback behind a curtain, leaving nonprofit leaders with vague reports and no way to follow up. Amy and Andrea introduce a new model where nonprofit staff lead the conversations with major donors themselves—building stronger relationships and collecting better insights along the way.Learn the benefits of guided feasibility studies, how they help shape realistic campaign goals, and why involving your largest donors early can change the course of your fundraising. You’ll also hear a compelling story of a million-dollar gift that would’ve been lost under the old model.If you're thinking about a campaign, don’t miss this episode. You’ll come away with two key takeaways: a feasibility study sets you up for a successful campaign, and you should never outsource your donor relationships.For more feasibility study guidance, be sure to download our free Ultimate Guide to Capital Campaign Feasibility Studies.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle a common challenge: well-meaning board members whose ideas can derail a campaign. From insisting on fundraising galas to asking for gifts too early—or too small—board members often act with good intentions but without a clear understanding of how campaigns actually work.Amy and Andrea share real-life examples of how campaigns have gone off course due to board members pushing for events, making premature asks, setting unrealistic goals, or resisting professional help. They explain why these situations happen and what staff and leadership teams can do to address them without damaging relationships.You’ll hear practical suggestions like:Inviting outside campaign consultants for informal interviews to offer perspectiveBringing in peer leaders from other successful campaignsUsing tools like one-on-one conversations and Capital Campaign Pro’s free Board Member’s Guide to Capital CampaignsThis episode also explores why compassion and curiosity matter when redirecting board members—and how a calm, strategic approach can keep your campaign focused, your team unified, and your donors confident.If you’ve got a board member pushing for a golf tournament to raise $10 million, this one’s for you.For more board engagement tips, be sure to download our free Board Member’s Guide to Capital Campaign Fundraising. It answers the questions board members most frequently ask, or wish they could ask.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explain how to set a realistic, aspirational fundraising goal for your capital campaign—without pulling a number out of thin air.They share three essential factors to consider: the cost of your project, a multiple of your current fundraising capacity, and the potential size of your top gifts. You'll learn how these inputs come together to form a working goal—a draft goal used to guide early planning and donor conversations.Amy and Andrea also tackle what happens when the full project cost exceeds what your donors can realistically fund. You'll hear why it's smart to test a high goal, how to plan for multiple funding sources, and why flexibility is built into the best campaigns.If you're unsure where to start with goal setting, this episode offers a clear, grounded approach—and a reminder that courage and clarity go hand in hand when asking for big gifts.To ensure your campaign ends in a celebration, download our free Capital Campaign Step-by-Step Guide & Checklist. This intuitive guide breaks down each step of your campaign, and the timeline allows you to visualize your whole campaign, from start to finish!
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt unpack a common but costly mistake nonprofits make—treating donors as checkbooks instead of partners. Sparked by recent federal funding cuts to arts organizations, this conversation challenges fundraising teams to rethink how they communicate with their most committed supporters during a crisis.Too often, when a major grant disappears or budgets fall short, nonprofits react with urgency but little strategy. A mass email plea might generate a trickle of support, but it rarely strengthens long-term donor relationships or builds confidence. Amy and Andrea argue there’s a better way—one that starts by treating your top donors like trusted advisors.The episode digs into the difference between reactive fundraising and relationship-based fundraising. The key? Seeing your donors as people who want your mission to succeed and are willing to help in more ways than writing a check. Andrea shares a personal example of how a missed opportunity left her feeling like "just another wallet," and Amy discusses the psychological impact of mass appeals versus personalized outreach.You’ll hear:Why most fundraising appeals fall flat after a crisis—and what to do insteadHow to engage your top donors in real conversations about strategy, not just fundingWhy even non-fundraising experts have valuable insight into program decisionsThe value of building a mental “donor committee” that you turn to regularlyHow relational fundraising mirrors real-life friendships—and why that mattersWays to make your follow-up more than a thank-you noteAmy and Andrea offer a practical framework that fundraising professionals can adopt immediately—starting with a simple mindset shift: Donors are institutional friends, not vending machines. If that sounds soft, think again. This approach can lead to larger gifts, more meaningful partnerships, and long-term campaign success.This conversation is especially timely for nonprofit leaders facing funding cuts, uncertainty, or stalled campaigns. If you’re tired of short-term fixes and want to start building lasting support, this episode offers a clear path forward.To learn more about capital campaign strategy and donor engagement, visit capitalcampaignpro.com, where you’ll find free resources and ways to work directly with expert advisors like Amy and Andrea.
In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle one of the most pressing concerns for campaign leaders: the fear of failure. They explore the nuanced definitions of campaign success and failure, revealing that it’s not just about meeting financial goals but also about setting the right expectations and navigating unexpected challenges.Listen in as they recount real-life stories of organizations that faced campaign obstacles and emerged stronger. Discover how a clear order of solicitation, a compelling case for support, and a well-defined campaign plan can be your keys to success.
In this insightful episode of the All About Capital Campaigns podcast, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the pivotal role of feasibility studies in capital campaigns. They present three compelling reasons why conducting a feasibility study is not just beneficial but essential for campaign success.Amy and Andrea also introduce Capital Campaign Pro's innovative Guided Feasibility Study model, which empowers nonprofit leaders to conduct donor interviews themselves, with expert guidance, enhancing authenticity and internal capacity.Whether you're contemplating a capital campaign or seeking to optimize your fundraising strategy, this episode offers practical advice and proven methodologies to set your campaign on the path to success.