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

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein hosts Melissa Bank Stepno from Helen Brown Group, a leading prospect research firm. Melissa brings her extensive knowledge to explore donor-advised funds (DAFs) and their transformative role in the nonprofit sector. With DAFs becoming a popular charitable giving vehicle, nonprofit leaders often have questions. Melissa explains what DAFs are, their tax advantages, and how they function as a “giving bank account” managed by nonprofits or financial institutions on behalf of donors. Discover the differences between DAF sponsors—community foundations, financial institutions, and single-issue funds like religious organizations—and how each contributes uniquely to the landscape of donor-advised funds.

The episode dives into why donors choose DAFs beyond tax benefits, including simplicity, flexibility, and even anonymity. Melissa addresses a common question among nonprofit professionals: Are DAFs helping or hindering philanthropy? By unpacking both the advantages and challenges, such as the “distance” sometimes created between donor and organization, she sheds light on how fundraisers can build strong relationships with DAF holders and why this knowledge is crucial for campaign success.

Amy and Melissa also discuss essential tools, like the DAFinitive database developed by the Helen Brown Group, which allows nonprofits to research and identify potential high-value DAF donors. Listen in for practical strategies to engage with DAF donors, including tips on how to leverage communication channels and online tools to facilitate DAF giving directly from your organization’s website. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to integrate DAFs into your fundraising strategy, connect with these uniquely positioned donors, and harness the full potential of donor-advised funds to boost your next campaign.

Tune in to hear why understanding donor-advised funds is more important than ever for fundraisers and how DAFs can become a valuable part of your nonprofit’s campaign strategy. 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 much-anticipated findings from the second annual State of Capital Campaigns Benchmark Report. This essential research, conducted by Capital Campaign Pro, unveils key insights into the capital campaign process, providing data-driven answers to questions that have lingered in the fundraising world for years.

Amy and Andrea discuss pivotal takeaways, such as the reassuring evidence that capital campaigns do not detract from annual fund revenue. In fact, for over three-quarters of organizations surveyed, annual funds either held steady or grew during their campaigns, debunking the common fear of "cannibalization."

The hosts also reveal the remarkable role of feasibility studies in enhancing campaign success, emphasizing that organizations who conduct these studies experience improved donor relationships, stronger staff performance, and more effective fundraising systems.

Other enlightening topics include:

Tune in to gain insights, bust myths, and learn best practices that will strengthen your campaign strategy. Be sure to download the full research report at capitalcampaignpro.com/research.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-founders Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein dive into the hot topic of whether hiring a capital campaign consultant is a necessary investment or an unnecessary expense. They explore the significant role consultants play in guiding nonprofit organizations through the complex landscape of capital campaigns. From clearing up common misconceptions to highlighting the strategic advantages of expert guidance, this episode sheds light on how consultants can be the linchpin of a successful fundraising campaign.

Andrea and Amy discuss the challenges organizations face when they attempt campaigns without experienced leadership, emphasizing the value of an external consultant who brings a wealth of knowledge and an objective perspective. They share real-world examples, debunk myths, and offer practical advice for nonprofits navigating their campaign journeys.

Whether you're skeptical about the necessity of a consultant or curious about what they can bring to the table, this episode provides a thorough analysis. Discover why investing in a seasoned capital campaign consultant might just be the best decision your nonprofit can make to achieve its ambitious fundraising goals.

Tune in and learn how to maximize your campaign’s ROI and ensure a smooth, successful journey from planning to completion. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies from two of the leading experts in the field!

For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-founder Andrea Kihlstedt speaks with Lila Thorne, former Director of Development at the Northern Forest Center, about their groundbreaking $30 million capital campaign. Lila shares the compelling story of how the Northern Forest Center launched an innovative campaign that combined philanthropy and impact investing to support communities across a 30 million-acre landscape spanning four states in the Northeastern U.S.

Lila provides a behind-the-scenes look at the unique challenges and successes of this campaign, which initially set out to raise $20 million but surpassed expectations, driving them to raise the goal to $30 million. She discusses how the organization navigated asking for major gifts and impact investments, the power of big ideas in securing support, and the importance of developing a strong, resilient fundraising team. Along the way, Lila shares valuable lessons learned, such as the importance of meticulous planning, thinking big, and investing in your team’s success.

This episode also delves into the innovative financial model that fueled the Northern Forest Center’s impact investments, how they managed to raise funds across multiple communities and states, and how they achieved success by securing significant investments from national foundations, corporations, and even a church. Lila explains how they were able to appeal to donors and investors alike by offering both philanthropic and investment opportunities, highlighting the organization’s ability to combine social good with financial returns.

Throughout the conversation, Lila recounts the personal side of her journey, managing to lead a high-stakes campaign while also becoming a mother of three. Her story is both inspiring and informative, offering key takeaways for anyone involved in nonprofit fundraising, especially those embarking on capital campaigns that blend philanthropy with innovative financing.

Tune in to learn:

Whether you’re planning your first capital campaign or looking for ways to innovate your fundraising efforts, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world advice from a successful campaign leader.

Don’t miss Lila’s reflections on leading through challenges, taking risks, and achieving big goals, all while balancing work and family. Plus, hear Andrea Kihlstedt’s expert thoughts on what makes campaigns like this not only possible but successful.

Listen now to discover how you, too, can create an inspiring and effective capital campaign!

To 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, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into one of the most crucial aspects of campaign planning: setting a realistic and effective capital campaign goal. Whether you're building a new facility, expanding your programs, or establishing an endowment, determining the right working goal is far from simple.

Amy and Andrea discuss why a working or draft goal is essential and explore the factors that influence how much you can realistically raise for your project. They explain why organizations often misunderstand the role of feasibility studies, the importance of accounting for all project costs (from architectural fees to startup program costs), and why it's crucial to think big early in the planning process.

You'll learn how to test your goal, inspire your board—especially more conservative members—to embrace a higher target, and the risks of setting a goal that's too low. Plus, the hosts share research from their latest Capital Campaign Pro Benchmark Report, which reveals that many organizations raise their goals after a feasibility study, further emphasizing the flexibility needed in goal-setting.

Key takeaways include:

Whether you're just beginning your campaign or preparing to test your goal, this episode will provide you with actionable strategies to plan and execute a successful campaign that pushes your organization to the next level.

Tune in now to get expert tips on setting a winning capital campaign goal!

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!

Amy and Andrea break down the key challenges that arise when the heads of organizations try to juggle all these responsibilities, likening the experience to taming a multi-headed beast. They share insights on how to structure a campaign leadership team, ensuring that the board, development staff, and campaign chair collaborate seamlessly. The episode offers practical advice on how to unify these moving parts into a cohesive strategy, smoothing out communication gaps and empowering every stakeholder to play their role effectively.

Listeners will learn how to create and sustain a "core committee" to drive campaign leadership, strategies for keeping all parties in lockstep, and how to prevent the typical pitfalls that occur when campaign leaders feel isolated or overburdened. Amy and Andrea also explore real-life examples from their CEO roundtable sessions, including stories of campaigns undergoing rapid organizational growth and the importance of clear communication during times of disruption.

If you're an executive director or CEO navigating the complexities of a capital campaign, this episode provides expert guidance on how to lead with confidence, streamline operations, and build strong leadership teams. Plus, gain actionable tips on fostering productive relationships with your board and campaign volunteers, and discover the importance of regular leadership team meetings for addressing roadblocks before they derail your campaign.

Tune in to learn how to transform your role as the campaign's chief communicator into one that promotes collaboration, engagement, and ultimately, campaign success!

To 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 your leadership and your case for support.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive deep into the concept of extreme gratitude and how recognizing the unsung heroes of capital campaigns can elevate your nonprofit’s success. Join them as they explore heartwarming stories of individuals—staff, board members, and volunteers—who go above and beyond to drive a campaign forward, and how organizations can thank these heroes in extraordinary ways.

From creating personal keepsakes like handwritten notes to organizing unforgettable gifts that align with the recipient's personality, Amy and Andrea share real-life examples of thoughtful and tailored recognition. They emphasize that true gratitude doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive but should reflect the recipient’s values and contributions. Whether it’s a video scrapbook filled with heartfelt messages or a surprise trip to a dream destination, these creative ways to show appreciation can leave a lasting impact.

Andrea shares a story about a modest executive director who received a simple but meaningful book of notes from board members, and Amy discusses a nurse-turned-volunteer whose efforts were recognized with a special trip to Rome. These stories highlight the importance of aligning your gratitude with the recipient's preferences—whether they enjoy public praise or prefer a more private acknowledgment.

Key takeaways from this episode:

This episode is perfect for nonprofit leaders, development officers, and campaign volunteers looking to foster deeper relationships through thoughtful recognition. Learn how to keep your key players engaged, inspired, and appreciated as your campaign nears its goals.

For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein of Capital Campaign Pro sits down with fundraising expert Courtney Leonard, who shares her experiences from an 18-year career in philanthropy. Currently serving as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Clark University, Courtney delves into the challenges and triumphs of leading a $40 million comprehensive campaign at a small university.

Courtney shares how her team leveraged strategic restructuring and pre-campaign planning to ensure they stayed on track while balancing the demands of a swift timeline. She emphasizes the value of cultivating donor relationships during the quiet phase of the campaign and how maintaining open communication with constituents helped build momentum without compromising on strategy.

This episode is packed with practical advice for nonprofit leaders, from how to approach capital campaigns in smaller institutions to the importance of following a structured plan.

Tune in to hear Courtney's reflections on lessons learned, unexpected challenges, and how the right planning can set a campaign up for long-term success.

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt discuss the importance of recognizing the unsung heroes of fundraising campaigns. These individuals often work behind the scenes, making crucial contributions that drive campaigns to success. Amy and Andrea share stories of meaningful and creative ways to show gratitude.

They talk about how personalized recognition, such as handwritten notes or thoughtful gifts, can have a lasting impact. Tailoring gratitude to fit each person's personality ensures the appreciation feels genuine. The hosts offer practical examples to inspire listeners to think outside the box.

Finally, Amy and Andrea encourage listeners to share their own ideas for showing gratitude. They emphasize the value of recognizing the key players in campaigns in a way that feels sincere and special to them.

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Sarah Plimpton tackle a common issue in the world of fundraising—campaigns getting "stuck." Every fundraising campaign experiences ebbs and flows, but the key to success is knowing how to navigate the valleys. Together, Amy and Sarah share actionable strategies to help you get your campaign back on track.

From revisiting current donors for potential second gifts to leveraging project developments for renewed excitement, this episode is packed with insights. They also dive into the value of asking for donor advice, engaging your community foundation, and deploying targeted challenge gifts. Whether you're in the early stages of a campaign or facing a mid-point slowdown, these tips will give you the tools to reenergize your efforts.

Join Amy and Sarah as they offer practical advice and success stories from real campaigns. Learn how to turn a stalled campaign into a momentum-building success, all while maintaining strong donor relationships and inspiring your community to achieve your fundraising goals.