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

In this episode, we have an inspiring success story featuring Kari Viola-Brooke, the Executive Director of Child Enrichment in Augusta, Georgia. Join us as Kari shares her journey from facing doubts following a discouraging feasibility study to raising a remarkable $6.3 million for their much-needed new facility. Discover the strategies and lessons learned, including the power of asking for advice...

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt discuss what to do when your feasibility study results are disappointing. They emphasize the importance of not letting fear of disappointing results deter you from conducting a feasibility study, as it provides crucial data for making informed decisions. They share insights on how to handle such situations, including avoiding magical thinking, e...

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein, CEO and co-founder of Capital Campaign Pro, and Andrea Kihlstedt discuss the often-overlooked but crucial aspect of campaign success—campaign mindset and donor engagement. They delve into the importance of engaging potential donors long before soliciting gifts, emphasizing the significance of building relationships and seeking advice from philanthropic leaders in y...

In this episode, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore the age-old question: Do you really need a consultant for your capital campaign? We delve into the pros and cons of hiring a consultant for your campaign and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision. Amy Eisenstein, CEO and co-founder of Capital Campaign Pros, along with her colleague and co-founder, Andrea K...

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein, your host, and special guest Xan Blake, a Capital Campaign Pro supreme advisor with decades of experience in nonprofit consulting, dive deep into the critical topic of cultivation. Many people are confused about what cultivation really means in the context of capital campaigns, and in this enlightening conversation, Amy and Xan demystify the concept. Cultivation, a...

Embark on a journey with Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt as they delve into the critical aspect of staffing for a successful capital campaign. In this episode, they unravel the complexities of determining who does what, emphasizing the need for a well-equipped team to navigate the intricacies of fundraising. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit or a founder-run organization, staffing consid...

Join us on this insightful episode of "All About Capital Campaigns" as Andrea Kihlstedt engages in a candid conversation with Jacqueline House, Vice President of Communications and Community Involvement at Safe Children Coalition in Sarasota, Florida. Jacqueline, a trailblazing woman of color, shares her journey in fundraising and communications, shedding light on the challenges and triu...

In this episode, Amy and Andrea explore the art of setting the right campaign goal. Is there such a thing as a "right" goal, and how do you determine it? Discover the three key considerations organizations must keep in mind when establishing their campaign goals. First and foremost, what do you need the money for? Amy and Andrea guide you through aligning your financial objectives with t...

In this episode, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt share a quick 15-minute readiness quiz to determine if your organization is ready for a capital campaign. Whether you're considering a million or $100 million campaign, these three simple questions will guide you in assessing your preparedness. Question 1: What's the purpose of your campaign? Discover why it's crucial to articu...

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein, joined by special guest Sarah Plimpton, the Director of Client Happiness at Capital Campaign Pro, dives deep into an effective strategy for keeping your capital campaign prospects organized during the quiet phase. Discover the ABCD method, a straightforward approach to categorizing and managing your prospect pipeline. From the initial discovery phase to making the...

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt discuss the critical role of campaign committees in your fundraising efforts. They delve into why the traditional long-term campaign committee structure often fails and propose a more effective approach by creating short-term, specialized committees. Discover how breaking down the campaign into phases and forming committees for specific tasks ca...

Join us for another episode of "All About Capital Campaigns" where we delve into the intricacies of running a successful capital campaign. In this episode, our host Amy Eisenstein is joined by Jodi Pink, the Development Director at Friends Academy. Jodi shares her incredible journey of raising funds for the school's capital campaign, exceeding their goal, and getting their middle sch...

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," co-hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into the intricate world of fundraising campaigns. They explore the key differences between capital campaigns and comprehensive campaigns, helping you understand which one might be the right choice for your organization. Capital campaigns are usually project-focused, aiming to build or ren...

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," we are joined by a trailblazing leader in the world of fundraising, Birgit Burton. Birgit, the first African-American woman to chair the AFP Global Board, shares her insights and experiences on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) in the fundraising profession. She discusses the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive f...

Napleton Consulting, with over 25 years of leadership experience in education and the nonprofit sector. Beth shares her insights on leadership, providing tips and strategies for nonprofit leaders to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency. As a former educator, principal, and founder of a charter school network, Beth brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. She discusses the ch...

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve deep into the world of nonprofit endowment campaigns. We'll explore when and how to raise money for endowments, as well as the critical considerations involved. Join us as we navigate the complexities of endowment campaigns to help you make informed decisions for your organization's financ...

Step into the world of capital campaigns and fundraising strategies with the "All About Capital Campaigns" podcast. In this episode, we bring to light groundbreaking research findings that provide essential insights into the keys to capital campaign success. Join host Amy Eisenstein as she engages in a discussion with Steven Shattuck, Director of Engagement at Capital Campaign Pro, about...

In another episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," host Andrea Kihlstedt is joined by her remarkable friend and colleague, Brian Saber , for an insightful discussion on " Fundraising for Introverts ." If you're an introvert who's ever grappled with the idea of asking people for money, this podcast is a game-changer for you! Brian Saber, the author of "Fundraising...

Join us on "All About Capital Campaigns" as we delve deep into the world of fundraising campaigns. In this episode, co-founders Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore the intriguing realm of naming opportunities and donor recognition within capital campaigns. Traditionally, naming opportunities have been a common way to honor major donors by putting their names on buildings, rooms,...

Welcome to the "All About Capital Campaigns Podcast," your comprehensive guide to the world of capital campaign fundraising. Join our hosts, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt, co-founders of Capital Campaign Pro, as they unravel the complexities of hiring the perfect campaign consultant. In this episode, Amy and Andrea share invaluable insights on why your organization needs an expert...

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...

Campaign experts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt discuss how to get ready to solicit a lead gift donor. They share with you three important and often overlooked things to do that will increase your chances of success.

Campaign communications include much more than your case for support. Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt discuss audience, message, and medium for each stage of your campaign in this important episode.

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.

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.