All About Capital Campaigns: Nonprofits, Fundraising, Major Gifts, Toolkit

Are you worried that a capital campaign might cannibalize your annual fund? If so, you’re not alone! And in this podcast, campaign experts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt will tell you what to do to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Amy and Andrea are joined by campaign expert, Xan Blake, in a lively conversation about boards and capital campaigns. Xan suggests that for the early planning phases of a campaign, board members should be in learning mode. Once the campaign plan takes shape, your board will move into a more active role that falls into three buckets: organizing, advocating and participating.

Fundraising is part art, part science. In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt discuss the fine art of asking donors for advice.

In this episode, campaign experts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt have some fun role-playing examples of asking donors for complex gifts that combine campaign, annual and planned giving.

If you’re curious about what goes into a campaign plan, this episode is for you. Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt go through each of the 10 elements of a campaign plan one at a time.

In this insightful episode, Andrea Kihlstedt and Dedee Wilner-Nugent dive into the transformative power of adopting a growth mindset, particularly in the context of capital campaigns. As fundraising professionals know, embarking on a capital campaign can be daunting, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Dedee, a senior advisor at Capital Campaign Pro, shares her deep understanding of mindset...

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the essential, yet often overlooked, aspect of fundraising: understanding why donors choose to give. Andrea starts by challenging the conventional focus on donors' financial capacities and emphasizes the importance of uncovering the underlying motivations behind their generosity. She points out...

Join Andrea Kihlstedt, co-founder of Capital Campaign Pro, and her colleague, senior campaign advisor Richard Quinn, as they unravel the secrets behind successful capital campaigns and effective fundraising strategies. In each episode, Andrea and Richard delve into core principles of capital campaign fundraising, offering practical insights and real-world applications. Discover how to set ambitiou...

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into the essentials of prioritizing major gift fundraising. If you are a development director feeling overwhelmed by urgent tasks, this episode is for you. . Amy and Andrea discuss how to shift your focus to the important work of cultivating and soliciting major gifts, which are crucial for success...

Campaign experts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt question the traditional practice of naming buildings and room after large-gift donors. While that approach may be right for some organization, it may be worth reconsidering for others.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle the complex relationship between fundraising campaigns and project financing. Do you need to raise all the money before the groundbreaking for your new project? How does the timing of your campaign affect its success? Buckle up as Amy and Andrea unravel these questions and provide actionable strategies...

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," join Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt as they reveal a groundbreaking approach to capital campaign consulting that empowers nonprofits to take control of their fundraising efforts. Discover the transformative formula that steers away from traditional, costly consulting methods, and instead, leverages technology and community to provide...

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," Andrea Kihlstedt, co-founder of Capital Campaign Pro, delves into the intriguing world of donor-advised funds and community foundations, breaking down their complexity and revealing how they can be a game-changer for your fundraising efforts. With guest expert Laura Young, a former vice president at the Maine Community Foundation and a se...

Join hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt as they unravel the complexities of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) in retirement accounts and how they can become a strategic opportunity for philanthropy. Learn why fundraisers must grasp this concept, empowering them to engage donors effectively and maximize charitable giving potential. Dive into real-life examples and practical insights to n...

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt provide more insight into engaging the wealthiest people in town for your campaign. Listen to learn how to identify, research, and cultivate them for your capital campaign.

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," hosts Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein tackle one of the most challenging aspects of capital campaigning: identifying and securing lead donors. If your nonprofit is grappling with a shortage of lead donors or struggling to predict where significant campaign contributions will come from, this episode is a must-listen. Andrea Kihlstedt s...

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," we dive into an enlightening conversation with Esther Landau, the Senior Director of Advancement at The Arc of San Francisco. Join host Amy Eisenstein as she explores the strategic planning and execution behind successful capital campaigns, focusing on The Arc's innovative approach to expanding its programs and services. Esther shares...

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," join fundraising experts Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein as they dive deep into the essence of giving through personal stories and insights. Discover the profound impact of building genuine relationships with donors and learn how personal connections can transform the landscape of fundraising. Andrea shares her touching experience wit...

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of campaign goals versus project costs. While not the most glamorous topic, it's undeniably essential for any organization embarking on a fundraising endeavor. What do you do when your project costs exceed your fundraising potential? Join Amy and An...

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the critical components of accountability, habits, and motivation in the context of fundraising campaigns. Drawing on their extensive experience, they explore real-life scenarios highlighting the significance of staying accountable and cultivating productive habits. Discover the importa...

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the often misunderstood quiet phase of fundraising campaigns. Contrary to its name, the quiet phase doesn't mean complete silence. Instead, it's a strategic period where organizations focus on soliciting major gifts while keeping the campaign goal discreet. Amy and Andrea demystify the quiet phase, emphasizing the importance o...

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and special guest Sarah Plimpton, Director of Client Happiness, delve into the critical importance of thoughtful donor cultivation before soliciting gifts for a campaign. Discover the art of asking meaningful questions that inspire donors and prepare both parties for the big ask. From uncovering donors' philanthropic passions to exploring their visions for the o...

In this episode, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the crucial indicators that your organization might not be prepared for a capital campaign. From lacking a clear vision to insufficient fundraising staff and history, they outline five telltale signs that necessitate strategic planning and preparation before embarking on such a significant fundraising endeavor. With insightful a...

In this episode, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dissect the enigmatic message when donors express reluctance to meet. Through candid anecdotes and strategic insights, they unveil the layers beneath such responses and offer actionable steps for fundraisers. Discover why a "no" doesn't equate to rejection and learn how to navigate various scenarios with empathy and persisten...

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the crucial aspects of successfully concluding your capital campaign. Celebrating five years of Capital Campaign Pro's business journey, they share insights on how to effectively wrap up your campaign and celebrate its accomplishments. Learn why the completion of a campaign is just the beginning, and discover strategies for ensuri...