All About Capital Campaigns: Nonprofits, Fundraising, Major Gifts, Toolkit
All About Capital Campaigns is a weekly podcast offering nonprofit fundraising advice. Hosts Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein, co-founders of Capital Campaign Pro, along with guests, share practical tips on raising more money for nonprofits. Episodes cover capital campaigns, feasibility studies, board and donor engagement, major gifts, volunteers, and related topics. It is aimed at executive directors, CEOs, development directors, board members, and others who want to learn about nonprofit fundraising.
Episodes
The Executive Director’s Role in a Capital Campaign: 4 Essential Responsibilities
Your capital campaign needs an executive director who can steady the team, stand up to the board, and secure the resources to succeed.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Capital Campaign Pro co-founders Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt discuss four essential responsibilities for nonprofit CEOs and executive directors leading a capital campaign. Drawing on a recent conversation with
How to Track Capital Campaign Progress and Show Your Board a Path to Goal
What if your next campaign update was already there when you needed it, with your progress, major gift prospects, and path to goal in one place instead of scattered across reports and spreadsheets? In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-founder Andrea Kihlstedt talks with Capital Campaign Pro’s Director of Engagement and Technology, Steven Shattuck, about a challenge familiar to develo
Should Consultants Interview Your Donors? Rethinking the Capital Campaign Feasibility Study
What if the most valuable part of a feasibility study is the donor conversation your consultant never has? In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Capital Campaign Pro co-founders Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt challenge a longstanding assumption about capital campaign feasibility studies: that an outside consultant should conduct confidential interviews with your largest donors.Tradi
Why $2 Trillion in Charitable Funds Isn’t Reaching Nonprofits
More than $2 trillion designated for charitable purposes is sitting in foundations and donor-advised funds. Why isn’t more of it reaching the communities that need it now?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein speaks with Glen Galaich, CEO of the Stupski Foundation and author of Control: Why Big Giving Falls Short.Drawing on more than 25 years of experience with major donor
Capital Campaign Staffing: Who Should You Actually Hire?
Preparing to hire a high-level fundraiser or campaign manager for your capital campaign? The person you actually need may have a very different job description. In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt challenge a common assumption about capital campaign staffing and explain how nonprofits can expand their capacity without necessarily adding another senio
Can You Run a Capital Campaign Without a Wealthy, Well-Connected Board?
A board filled with wealthy, well-connected fundraisers may sound ideal, but it is not a requirement for a successful capital campaign.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt address a concern shared by many nonprofit leaders: Can an organization conduct a capital campaign when its board members care deeply about the mission but do not have access to wea
How a Rural Hospital Turned a $2 Million Capital Campaign Into $5.27 Million
What happens when a small rural hospital foundation that typically raises $200,000 to $300,000 per year is asked to launch a $2 million capital campaign and ultimately raises more than $5 million?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt speaks with Charity Roth, Executive Director of the Jersey Community Hospital Foundation, about the remarkable campaign that transformed he
How Much Should Your Board Give to a Capital Campaign?
How much should your board give to a capital campaign? The answer is not a universal percentage, but there is a practical way to arrive at a goal your board understands and supports.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explain how nonprofit leaders can establish a realistic collective board giving goal, prepare board members for the conversation, and
Should You Hire a Capital Campaign Consultant? What Nonprofits Need to Know
A capital campaign may be the largest fundraising effort your nonprofit ever undertakes, but is hiring a campaign consultant really worth the investment?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explain why experienced capital campaign counsel can make such a significant difference when the goals are high, donor relationships are at stake, and your staff a
How a Small Nonprofit Raised 75% of an $8.5 Million Capital Campaign in 11 Months
What can a nonprofit with just 650 active donors—and a median gift of only $100—teach us about raising millions through a capital campaign?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt speaks with Sister Marilyn Lacey, founder and executive director of Mercy Beyond Borders, about how her small international nonprofit raised more than 75% of its $8.5 million campaign goal in less
Capital vs. Capacity vs. Comprehensive Campaigns: What’s the Difference?
Capital campaign terminology can be surprisingly confusing—and choosing the wrong campaign structure could make it harder for your board, donors, and staff to understand exactly what you are raising money for.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt untangle the differences among capital campaigns, capacity campaigns, combined campaigns, comprehensi
The Importance of Involving People in Your Campaign Process
A capital campaign is too large, too complex, and too consequential for one staff member to carry alone. In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explain why engaging more people in your campaign can lead to larger gifts, stronger decisions, and a far less lonely experience for the person responsible for fundraising.For many development directors, involvi
How to Turn Donor Conversations Into Joyful Yeses
What if asking for a major gift didn't feel uncomfortable at all? The best fundraising conversations aren't about persuading donors—they're about helping them discover how they want to make a difference.In this Best of All About Capital Campaigns summer re-run, Andrea Kihlstedt is joined by Capital Campaign Pro Senior Advisor Kent Stroman, author of Asking About Asking: Mastering the A
Campaign Communications: More than Just Your Case for Support
Every successful capital campaign depends on more than compelling fundraising asks. It depends on delivering the right message to the right people at the right time, and knowing when not to communicate publicly.In this Best Of summer episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt revisit one of our most practical conversations about capital campaign communications. Rat
Unlocking Major Gifts: The Art of Soliciting Top Donors
In this episode, hosts Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein dive deep into the world of soliciting major gifts, particularly focusing on the top 10 to 20 donors.Discover the strategic complexity behind soliciting these substantial gifts and why they can make or break your campaign's success. The hosts emphasize the importance of meticulous planning and thorough research in the solicitation process.
The Capital Campaign Book Every Board Member Should Read
Board members play a critical role in every successful capital campaign—but too often, they're expected to lead without ever being taught how campaigns actually work. What if there were a practical guide written specifically for them?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt interviews Amy Eisenstein and Sarah Plimpton about their new book, A Board Member's Guide to
When Your Campaign Plan Changes: Turning Roadblocks Into Opportunities
Think your capital campaign plan is set in stone? Think again. The most successful campaigns aren't the ones that unfold exactly as planned—they're the ones that adapt when reality has other ideas.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore one of the most important—and least discussed—truths about campaign fundraising: campaign plans change.
How a Small Development Team Raised $10 Million for a Youth Shelter Campaign
What happens when a nonprofit thinks it's ready for a capital campaign—but discovers it still has critical groundwork to complete before moving forward?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein sits down with Jacqueline House, Vice President for Communications and Community Engagement at Safe Children Coalition, and Paula Peter, Capital Campaign Pro Campaign Advisor, to ex
The Natural Ebbs and Flows of a Capital Campaign (And How to Use Them to Your Advantage)
What if the “slow” periods in your capital campaign are actually some of the most productive opportunities for building donor relationships and campaign success?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore the natural ebbs and flows that every capital campaign experiences—and why nonprofit leaders should stop viewing slower periods as setbacks.
How a Capital Campaign can Turbo-Charge a Modest Fundraising Operation
What does it actually take to launch a $40 million campaign when your organization has almost no fundraising history?Andrea Kihlstedt sits down with Wendy Connors, CEO of the Hertz Foundation, for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most remarkable campaign transformations in recent memory. The Hertz Foundation supports science and engineering PhD students — but for most of its history,
Three Myths About Where Your Biggest Campaign Donors Come From
Where are your biggest campaign donors going to come from? If you're like most nonprofit leaders, the answer feels like "somewhere out there" — a major philanthropist who just needs to hear your story.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt are here to challenge that assumption — and bust the three most common donor myths that derail capita
When Your Campaign Goes Over Goal: What to Do Next
Three clients. One week. All of them over goal. And then the question no one fully prepares for: what do you do the day after?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt celebrate a remarkable milestone — three CCPro clients crossed their campaign finish lines in the same week — and walk through exactly what nonprofits should do in the hours, days, and weeks
When Big Donors Push Back: Navigating Ethics in Your Capital Campaign
What do you do when your biggest donor wants to fund something that isn’t in your campaign plan? Or when a wealthy prospect makes you uneasy but you can’t quite explain why? These are the kinds of ethical gray areas that surface in nearly every capital campaign—and most organizations aren’t prepared for them.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein tackle
Not Every Capital Campaign Builds a Building — But This One Changed 800 Lives
When most nonprofit leaders hear "capital campaign," they picture a new building. A groundbreaking ceremony. Architectural renderings. But what if the most transformative investment your organization could make isn’t a building at all — it’s the people who do the work?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt spoke with Esther Landau, Senior Director of Advancement
The 10-Year Rule: How Often Should Your Nonprofit Run a Capital Campaign?
Most nonprofit leaders think of a capital campaign as a one-time event — a massive push that happens once, maybe twice in the life of an organization. But that mindset can actually hold organizations back. The most effective nonprofits treat campaigns as a recurring cycle, and understanding the right cadence can make the difference between an organization that grows strategically and one that stal
Why More Nonprofits Are Ditching the Traditional Feasibility Study
Before launching a capital campaign, most nonprofits hire a consultant to conduct a feasibility study. The consultant interviews donors, disappears for a few weeks, and returns with a report and a number. It’s the way it’s been done for decades. But a growing number of organizations are choosing a different path—and getting dramatically better results.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns
From Ghost to Host: 7 Strategies to Re-Engage Donors Who’ve Gone Silent
Every fundraiser has been there. A donor expresses interest, maybe even during a feasibility study, and then goes completely silent. Emails go unanswered. Calls aren’t returned. You’re being ghosted.It’s one of the most frustrating experiences in nonprofit fundraising, and one of the most common. On a recent Capital Campaign Pro podcast episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt shared a real cl
What to Do When a Donor Gives Before You Ask
What do you do when a donor gives before you even ask?In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore one of the most overlooked—and potentially costly—moments in capital campaign fundraising: the preemptive gift.While it may feel like an easy win, an early donation can actually limit a donor’s full potential if not handled strategically. Amy and Andrea walk through a real-world story
Transcend or Transmit: How Nonprofit Leaders Can Break the Burnout Cycle
You got into nonprofit work to make a difference. So why does it feel like you’re running on empty most days?On this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein sat down with Indra Lahiri — an organizational psychologist, certified traumatic stress specialist, and founder of Indraloka Animal Sanctuary — to talk about what burnout really looks like, why it’s more dangerous than most lead
Is the Sky Really Falling?
When the economy dips, political tensions rise, or a major funder pulls back, nonprofit leaders often hear the same refrain from anxious board members: "Maybe we should stop fundraising until things settle down." It sounds reasonable on the surface. But reacting out of fear rather than strategy is one of the most damaging things a nonprofit can do—especially in uncertain times.The instin
Why Capital Campaigns Should Start with Ideas Instead of a Campaign Brochure
Many organizations assume a polished campaign brochure is one of the first things they must create for a capital campaign. That assumption can slow down the most important work of building a compelling campaign.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt talks with Sarah Plimpton, Vice President and Chief Happiness Officer at Capital Campaign Pro, about campaign communications
Stop Nagging Your Campaign Committee and Start Getting Results
If your campaign committee members agreed to make calls but nothing is happening, this episode will change how you respond and improve your results.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-founders Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle a common frustration in capital campaigns: committee members who accept prospect portfolios and then stall. The assignments are clear. The meeting is
Will Your Capital Campaign Cannibalize Your Annual Fund? What Really Happens
Will a capital campaign drain your annual fund or strengthen it in ways you never expected?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt talks with Hilary Jansen, Director of Philanthropic Engagement at Community MusicWorks in Providence, Rhode Island, about what actually happens to annual fundraising during and after a major capital campaign. Community MusicWorks recently compl
The Secret to Major Gifts Success is Making Time for Donor Conversations
What if the biggest barrier to your capital campaign success is the phrase “we don’t have time”?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt pull back the curtain on a truth that experienced fundraising consultants see every day: organizations that prioritize real conversations with major donors outperform those that try to outsource or avoid them. Drawing fr
What the Data Really Says About Capital Campaign Success
Most capital campaign advice comes from stories and experience. This episode brings three years of real data that confirms what actually works and what common fears miss.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, host Amy Eisenstein is joined by Steven Shattuck, Director of Engagement and Technology at Capital Campaign Pro, to share findings from the third annual Capital Campaign Benchmark Re
Crisis, Clarity, and Capital Campaign Leadership: How Smart Donor Engagement Strengthens Decisions
A snowstorm shuts down a city, a systems failure brings operations to a halt, or a major campaign gift suddenly falls apart. Moments like these reveal how strong a nonprofit’s donor relationships really are.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, host Amy Eisenstein is joined by Capital Campaign Pro co founder Andrea Kihlstedt to explore how nonprofit leaders can engage donors as true part
How to Hire the Right Capital Campaign Consultant and Get Your Board Fully On Board
Hiring a capital campaign consultant can quietly shape the success of your entire campaign, long before a single dollar is raised.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt walk through how nonprofit leaders can involve their boards, educate their teams, and choose a capital campaign consultant with clarity and confidence. Amy and Andrea share why the
Your Biggest Capital Campaign Donors After the Ask: What Happens Next Matters Most
Your largest capital campaign donors often give early, generously, and then quietly disappear from view. That silence can cost you far more than most organizations realize.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt talk candidly about what strong stewardship looks like during the long middle stretch of a capital campaign and why the period after the i
Capital Campaigns Without a Traditional Board: How Small and Grassroots Organizations Raise Big Money
When your board lacks time, wealth, or fundraising experience, does that mean a capital campaign is out of reach?In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, host Andrea Kihlstedt is joined by fundraising trainer, author, and longtime colleague Andy Robinson to explore how capital campaigns succeed in small, grassroots, and unconventional organizations. Drawing on decades of experience and two
Is There Ever a Bad Time to Run a Capital Campaign?
There is always someone in the room who believes the timing is wrong, the moment feels uncertain, and waiting sounds safer than moving forward.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle one of the most common objections heard in boardrooms and leadership meetings: the belief that now is a bad time to raise money. Drawing from a real dinner conv
How to Create a Behind the Scenes Power Team
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, campaign experts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt discuss why it matters that your board chair, executive director, and development director are the real power team for your campaign and they share some thoughts about how to get them working together well.
Can you Raise Money for Endowment Through a Campaign?
Capital campaigns are not well suited for raising money for endowment. The most successful endowment fundraising is done through concentrated work on planned giving. That being said, most campaigns include a component of endowment. Amy and Andrea will unpack this complicated idea in this episode.
How Neuroscience Shapes Donor Decisions in Capital Campaigns
Stories change how people think, feel, and choose to act, and the science behind that process has direct implications for fundraising success.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein welcomes Cherian Koshy, vice president at Kindsight and a leading voice on the neuroscience of generosity, to explore how brain science explains donor behavior in major gifts and capital campaign
When Capital Campaigns Hit a Snag: How to Respond, Adjust, and Keep Moving Forward
The moment a major gift falls through, a construction issue pops up, or a key leader steps away can feel like a turning point. Yet these situations often reveal how much control organizations actually have during a capital campaign.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore the practical actions nonprofit leaders can take when campaigns encounter re
Five Feasibility Study Myths That Hold Campaigns Back
Some long-held assumptions about feasibility studies can slow an organization’s progress long before a campaign begins. Many teams believe they should polish every detail, finalize every plan, and prepare elaborate materials before speaking with their largest supporters. But when you pause to look closely, those assumptions create missed opportunities and weaker campaign momentum.In this episode o
Finding and Securing Lead Donors for a Successful Capital Campaign
Curiosity about who your earliest campaign leaders could be often sparks surprising discoveries and opens paths to support you may not have recognized.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore how organizations can identify and engage the select group of donors who provide the earliest and most significant gifts in a campaign. Their conversat
The Most Important Principle of Capital Campaign Fundraising
A core principle shapes the success of every capital campaign, and this conversation clarifies exactly how it works and why it matters.In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt talk with each other about the strategic order of solicitation and how top gifts drive momentum, confidence, and overall campaign performance.Andrea explains why campaigns
When to Hire an Owner’s Representative for Your Capital Campaign Building Project
If your capital campaign includes a construction or renovation project, there’s far more to think about than fundraising goals and donor lists. In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, host Andrea Kihlstedt sits down with Sanjeevanee Vidwans, an independent capital project management consultant, to unpack what it really takes to plan and manage a successful building project from the owner’s
Stepping Beyond Your Comfort Zone: Building Confidence, Mastery, and Better Donor Relationships
What happens when you say “yes” to something that feels just a bit bigger than what you’ve done before? In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-founder Amy Eisenstein takes the guest seat as Andrea Kihlstedt interviews her about stepping outside her comfort zone — preparing for and delivering a 35-minute keynote speech without notes in front of hundreds of peers. Amy shares how she buil
How to Use Video to Strengthen Your Capital Campaign Messaging
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore how nonprofits can use video to connect with donors, share impact, and bring their campaign stories to life. They discuss why video has become such an essential communication tool, replacing traditional brochures and static materials, and how organizations can use it effectively throughout every phase
Expert Answers to Common Capital Campaign Challenges: Donor Recognition, Feasibility, Wealth Screening, and Managing the Workload
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt, the co-founders of Capital Campaign Pro, invite listeners behind the scenes of a recent Campaign Conversations session: a live Q&A forum where nonprofit leaders ask their most pressing campaign questions.Four guests join to discuss real-life challenges many organizations face during their campaigns:Randy Whipp
When Leadership Changes Mid-Campaign: How to Stay Steady and Keep Your Capital Campaign on Track
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-founder Andrea Kihlstedt is joined by senior advisor Jeff Hensley to discuss what to do when leadership shifts in the middle of a capital campaign. From sudden retirements and staff departures to unexpected crises, they share practical ways to keep your campaign moving forward while maintaining confidence among staff, donors, and your board.Jeff e
How Nonprofits Can Embrace AI for Greater Impact with Alonda Williams
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein sits down with Alonda Williams, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, to talk about how artificial intelligence is transforming nonprofit leadership, operations, and impact. With a background in technology at companies like Microsoft, Qualcomm, and Verizon, Alonda brings a unique perspective to the nonprofit sec
Three Steps to Prepare Your Board for a Successful Capital Campaign
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt outline three essential steps that nonprofit leaders should take to prepare their boards for a capital campaign. Many board members come to the table with limited or inaccurate ideas about what a campaign involves. Amy and Andrea explain how to bridge that knowledge gap, address common anxieties, and set clear expe
Staying Positive in Fundraising: Joan Garry on Motivation, Metrics, and Creative Approaches
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,
Capital Campaign Budgets: How to Plan, Staff, and Fundraise Effectively
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
Stuck Campaigns, Quick Wins: The Four Rs to Restart Capital Campaign Momentum
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 a
Impact Investing and Philanthropy: How the Northern Forest Center Raised $35 Million Across Four States
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
Smarter, Not Harder: How Nonprofits Can Use AI to Save Time and Boost Fundraising Results
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 relati
How to Build an Effective Gift Range Chart for Your Capital Campaign
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 b
Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins: Graeme Watt on Strategic Storytelling for Fundraising Success
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt sits down with Graeme Watt, co-owner of Anthem Creative, to explore how nonprofit leaders can sharpen their storytelling to strengthen donor engagement and drive campaign results.Graeme shares his journey from founding a grassroots youth nonprofit in his living room to leading large-scale digital storytelling efforts with organizatio
What Counts Toward Your Capital Campaign Goal? Policies, Pitfalls and Practical Advice
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.
How to Recruit the Right Board Members and Build a Culture of Belonging
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 reth
From $1,000 to $2.5 Million: How One Donor Stepped Up in a Big Way
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
How a $150MM Capital Campaign Took Center Stage at the Shaw Festival
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 rebu
How to Staff Up for a Capital Campaign Without Overloading Your Team
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
Resilience Through Disaster: How a Small Fundraising Team Sustained Their Capital Campaign During Hurricane Helene
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 or
How to Engage Your Entire Staff in a Capital Campaign
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 campaig
Are You Ready for a Capital Campaign? Key Insights from a Readiness Assessment
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 i
Do You Really Need a Feasibility Study? Yes! Here’s Why
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
How to Manage Rogue Board Members During a Capital Campaign
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 example
Setting the Right Capital Campaign Goal: Practical Advice for Nonprofits
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 t
Donors Are Not ATMs: How a Mindset Shift Can Transform Your Fundraising
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 ma
Why Capital Campaigns Fail
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 orga
Three Reasons a Feasibility Study is your Golden Opportunity
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 Feasibi
Gap Funding Campaigns: Responding Effectively to Government Cuts
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle a pressing challenge faced by many nonprofit organizations: managing unexpected government funding cuts. They explore strategies for launching a successful gap funding campaign, a targeted approach to securing crucial short-term donations to sustain vital programs.Amy and Andrea explain what distinguis
How to Assess Whether Your Board is Ready for a Campaign
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore how to evaluate your board's readiness for a capital campaign. They discuss key indicators such as consistent board meeting attendance and annual financial contributions from all board members, emphasizing that these factors reflect the board's commitment and engagement. The episode also introduces a
Prepare for a Campaign by Getting Super-Efficient – 4 Time Management Tips
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the challenges of managing time effectively when preparing for a capital campaign. They offer four practical strategies to enhance efficiency, discuss the importance of investing in better systems, and explore how to secure board approval for these investments. This episode is essential for nonprof
How to Make the Most of the Quiet Phase of a Capital Campaign
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt break down the essential quiet phase—the period that can make or break your campaign. They clarify that while it's called "quiet," this phase is actually an active and strategic time for securing major gifts before making a public announcement.Amy and Andrea share three critical tips to ensure a
Opportunity or Obligation? Rethinking Who You Interview for Your Feasibility Study
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt challenge the common mindset around feasibility study interviews and make a compelling case for expanding the list beyond your current top donors.A simple question from a prospective client—“Why do we have to interview more than 12 people?”—sets the stage for a deeper discussion about how nonprofit leaders of
