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

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive deep into one of the most critical questions facing nonprofit leaders: "How do you know if your organization is ready for a capital campaign?" As seasoned campaign experts, Amy and Andrea walk you through the essential indicators that signal whether your nonprofit is prepared to embark on this significant fundraising journey. They start by debunking a common myth: an anniversary or milestone year does not automatically qualify your organization for a capital campaign. Instead, they emphasize the importance of having a compelling, transformational idea that truly elevates your mission to the next level. Learn why a strategic plan and a well-vetted big idea are crucial before even considering launching a campaign. Andrea and Amy also discuss the critical role of board engagement. Is your board fully committed and excited about the campaign? Do they understand the project’s implications and are they willing to step up their involvement? Without a solid and supportive board, your campaign is unlikely to succeed. Another vital point covered in this episode is the necessity of having a history of effective fundraising. The hosts explain why having a track record of securing major gifts and maintaining robust donor relationships is key to campaign readiness. They offer practical advice for organizations that may not yet have asked for million-dollar gifts but have the potential to do so with the right preparation and approach. Throughout the conversation, Amy and Andrea share real-life examples, including the story of a small arts organization that secured a million-dollar gift despite never having raised such an amount before. This example illustrates that with a compelling vision and the right approach, even smaller nonprofits can achieve big results. For those who feel their organization might not be ready just yet, don’t worry—Amy and Andrea explain how the pre-campaign planning phase can be a powerful process in itself. By taking the time to prepare, you can build the necessary relationships, strengthen your board, and set the foundation for a successful campaign. Whether you're on the brink of starting a capital campaign or just exploring the idea, this episode provides actionable insights and expert guidance to help you assess and enhance your readiness. 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 and Amy Eisenstein dive into the art of transforming your capital campaign meetings from boring and unproductive to engaging and effective. Whether you're tired of meetings where attendance dwindles or you’re just looking to inject more energy into your sessions, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies. Andrea and Amy begin by discussing the critical role that meetings play in the success of a capital campaign. Campaigns often span several years and involve numerous committees and workgroups, making well-run meetings essential to maintaining momentum and engagement. They highlight the importance of designing meetings with clear objectives and meaningful participation, ensuring that every attendee feels valued and involved. The hosts then break down the elements of a "bad meeting"—those sessions where participants check out mentally, engage in other activities like checking emails, or simply don't show up at all. They contrast this with the features of a successful meeting, where participants are eager to attend, actively contribute, and leave feeling accomplished. Andrea and Amy provide actionable advice on how to design meetings that resonate with your team. They suggest starting every meeting with a clear purpose, engaging participants right from the beginning, and ensuring that everyone has a role to play. They also share their insights on how to handle different personalities in meetings, such as the overly talkative or the silent observer, ensuring a balanced and inclusive discussion. The episode includes real-life examples and anecdotes that bring their tips to life, illustrating how effective meetings can propel your campaign forward. They also discuss how to use meetings as opportunities for brainstorming, decision-making, and progress reporting, making sure that every session is a step toward your campaign goals. Whether you're meeting in person or virtually, the principles discussed in this episode apply across the board. Andrea and Amy emphasize that good meeting design is crucial, no matter the format, and they share their experiences in both in-person and virtual settings. From the importance of clear agendas to the necessity of follow-up tasks, this episode covers it all. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a toolkit of ideas to ensure your meetings are productive, engaging, and pivotal to your campaign’s success. If you’re involved in leading or organizing meetings for a capital campaign, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t let another meeting pass by without putting these expert strategies into practice! Join Andrea and Amy as they turn the mundane into the motivational and show you how to make every campaign meeting count. Tune in now and start transforming your meetings today! For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into the transformative power of women in philanthropy with their special guest, Kathleen Loehr. Kathleen, a leading expert on women's giving and author of "Gender Matters: A Guide to Growing Women's Philanthropy," shares her deep insights on the unique ways women approach charitable giving and why they are often the unseen yet significant donors in capital campaigns. Kathleen discusses the rising wealth among women and how they are becoming key decision-makers in philanthropy, often giving more and in different ways compared to their male counterparts. She highlights the importance of curiosity in fundraising, encouraging organizations to ask insightful questions and truly understand the motivations and values of women donors. Kathleen also challenges the traditional fundraising practices that were established with male donors in mind, emphasizing the need to adapt these strategies to better resonate with women and other unseen donors. Throughout the episode, Kathleen offers practical advice on how to engage women donors effectively, from data mining and asking the right questions to understanding the complexities of women's relationships with money. She also touches on the growing trend of collective giving among women and how role models like MacKenzie Scott and Melinda Gates are inspiring more women to make significant contributions. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the world of capital campaigns, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will help you better engage with women donors and unlock their full philanthropic potential. Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation that could transform your approach to fundraising. Tune in to learn how you can start seeing and valuing the unseen donors in your campaigns! For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive deep into the critical roles that board members play in a successful capital campaign. With decades of experience, Amy and Andrea share practical insights and actionable advice on how to fully engage your board members, ensuring everyone is aligned and contributing effectively to the campaign’s success. The episode kicks off with a discussion on the importance of evaluating and possibly restructuring your board before launching a campaign. Andrea emphasizes the need to ensure all board members are not just present, but also fully engaged and excited about the campaign. They discuss how to identify and politely transition those who may not be a good fit for the campaign’s demands. Amy and Andrea then explore several key roles that board members should take on during the campaign. From selecting the right consultant and making a stretch gift, to serving as advocates and solicitors, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of how each role can contribute to the overall success of the campaign. They also discuss the significance of board members making meaningful gifts that are significant to them, regardless of the amount. The hosts highlight the importance of involving board members early in the process, particularly in the selection of a campaign consultant. Andrea points out that this not only aids in selecting the right partner but also serves as a valuable educational experience for the board members. A key takeaway from this episode is the idea that not every board member needs to be comfortable with asking for donations, but all should support the fundraising efforts in their own way. Amy and Andrea offer tips on how to identify board members who are natural askers and how to train them for success. Throughout the episode, Amy and Andrea share practical tips on how to keep board members motivated and engaged, such as involving them in prospect brainstorming sessions and leveraging social media to expand their networks. If you're preparing for a capital campaign or are in the midst of one, this episode is packed with valuable strategies to help you maximize your board’s potential. Don’t miss the chance to download the free Board Member’s Guide to Capital Campaigns available on the Capital Campaign Pro website under the Resources tab. This guide provides even more detailed insights into board members’ roles and responsibilities during a campaign. Tune in to learn how to turn your board members into your campaign’s biggest champions, and be sure to share this episode with your fellow board members and fundraising team. 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 eye-opening episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt address the critical issue of rampant fraud that can impact anyone, including nonprofits and individuals. Andrea shares her personal experience of check fraud and offers practical advice on how to prevent it. From using indelible ink pens to the importance of regularly monitoring bank accounts, they cover essential tips to safeguard your finances. Tune in for a vital public service announcement that aims to protect your personal and organizational funds from fraudulent activities.

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 mindsets and explains how a growth mindset—characterized by resilience, adaptability, and positivity—can be the key to overcoming the inherent stresses of fundraising. Throughout the conversation, Andrea and Dedee explore practical strategies for cultivating a growth mindset, from harnessing optimism and engaging in positive self-talk to thinking like a scientist when faced with setbacks. Dedee offers compelling anecdotes from her experience with various organizations, illustrating how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset not only mitigates anxiety but also opens the door to greater opportunities and successes in capital campaigns. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the field, this episode provides valuable insights into how a growth mindset can enhance both your personal and professional life.

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 that while organizations invest heavily in researching donors' financial backgrounds, they often neglect to explore the personal reasons that drive major gifts. They discuss several tactics to better understand donor motivations, such as analyzing previous donations, recognizing patterns in their philanthropy, and identifying personal connections to specific causes. Andrea likens this process to being a "Sherlock Holmes of fundraising," where every detail about a donor's interests and behaviors can provide valuable clues. Join Amy and Andrea in this engaging episode to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for unlocking the motivations of your major donors and transforming your fundraising efforts. Visit capitalcampaignpro.com for more free resources and to explore how our expert campaign advisors can assist in strategizing and executing effective capital campaigns.

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 ambitious goals, prioritize big donations, engage key donors, and create a timeline that ensures success. Through engaging discussions, Andrea and Richard reveal how these principles can transform annual fundraising efforts, turning conventional strategies on their head and injecting new life into your campaigns. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the field, "Campaign Chronicles" provides the tools and inspiration you need to achieve your fundraising goals and elevate your organization's mission. Tune in to learn from the experts and revolutionize your approach to fundraising.

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 successful fundraising and capital campaigns. Key Highlights: This episode is packed with valuable insights for nonprofit leaders, executive directors, and development directors who are looking to enhance their fundraising efforts. Amy and Andrea offer clear and practical advice on how to manage your time better and focus on activities that will significantly boost your fundraising outcomes. Whether you're in the middle of a capital campaign or planning for one, these strategies will help you cultivate major donors effectively and ensure your organization's long-term success. Tune in to learn how to balance your urgent tasks with the crucial work of engaging major donors, and discover the steps you can take to double your fundraising revenue by prioritizing the right activities. Listen to the full episode for more tips and strategies on major gift fundraising!For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.

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 for navigating the financial planning of your capital campaign. Key Highlights: Understanding Project vs. Campaign Funding:Financial Planning Insights:Timing and Milestones:Engaging Key Stakeholders: Case Studies and Real-World Examples:Creating Flexible Plans: Andrea and Amy also emphasize the crucial role of early donor engagement and financial planning in ensuring the sustainability and success of your capital campaign. Whether you're in the pre-campaign planning phase or gearing up for your public launch, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of project and campaign funding. Join us for an enlightening discussion that will leave you better equipped to lead your capital campaign to success! For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.

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 a scalable, more effective form of support. Amy and Andrea dive deep into why traditional consulting often falls short, emphasizing how their method focuses on equipping organizations with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed independently. They detail their innovative online toolkit comprised of over 130 resources, designed to guide nonprofits through every phase of a campaign, from planning to execution. The discussion also covers the benefits of peer support groups and group coaching, explaining how these forums offer a platform for shared learning and problem-solving, enhancing the collective experience. Andrea shares insights into the dynamic nature of these groups, highlighting how they foster a collaborative environment where participants learn not only from experts but from each other's experiences and challenges. Moreover, the episode explores the pivotal role of technology in modernizing capital campaign strategies. Amy and Andrea discuss how digital tools have removed geographical and logistical barriers, enabling more frequent and cost-effective interactions that keep campaigns agile and responsive. Listeners will also get a firsthand look at the enriched training programs that the duo offers, including solicitation training and board training, which are crucial for building confidence and competence among nonprofit teams. The episode concludes with a call to action, inviting listeners to engage directly with Amy and Andrea through their website to explore how this innovative consulting model can be tailored to their organization's needs. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or new to the field of fundraising, this episode provides invaluable insights into making capital campaigns more accessible, less intimidating, and significantly more successful. Tune in to "All About Capital Campaigns" for a detailed discussion that promises not only to enlighten but also to inspire your next fundraising venture.

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 seasoned capital campaign consultant, this episode offers a rare insight into both the advantages and the subtleties of engaging with community foundations. Laura shares her journey from consulting to managing philanthropic efforts and explains why donor-advised funds can be a smart choice for donors looking to make a significant impact while gaining tax advantages. The discussion also covers practical tips for development directors on how to navigate and leverage relationships with community foundations to support their organizations' goals. This episode is packed with actionable advice, including how to: Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a development professional, or simply interested in the mechanics of philanthropic giving, this episode provides valuable insights into making the most of community foundations and donor-advised funds. Tune in to learn how these vehicles can provide strategic advantages to your fundraising efforts and help you connect more deeply with your donors.

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 navigate RMDs confidently, ensuring donors' philanthropic goals align seamlessly with their financial planning.

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.