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

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.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into the delicate art of managing donor expectations when their funding ideas don’t align with your organization’s mission.

Drawing from a real-life scenario, they explore what to do when a wealthy donor offers a significant contribution—but with a catch. The donor’s vision, in this case, starting a goat farm in Africa, doesn't match the organization’s strategic goals or mission. How do you navigate this complex situation without alienating the donor?

Amy and Andrea share practical advice from a discussion with their CEO Roundtable, emphasizing the importance of sticking to your organization’s strategic plan while tactfully engaging donors in meaningful conversations.

Discover strategies for redirecting donor interests, avoiding mission creep, and preserving relationships—even when the proposed project doesn’t fit. Learn how to buy time, leverage your board, and maintain transparency with donors, all while upholding your organization’s long-term goals.

Key takeaways include:

Andrea and Amy also highlight one of Capital Campaign Pro’s innovative services: the monthly CEO Roundtable, where nonprofit leaders from around the globe come together to discuss challenges and solutions related to capital campaigns. This episode is packed with wisdom for nonprofit leaders on how to handle tricky donor situations with grace and strategic foresight.

Tune in to learn how to keep your campaign on track, preserve donor relationships, and confidently steer your organization toward success.

Visit CapitalCampaignPro.com to learn more about how Capital Campaign Pro can help you manage your capital campaign and navigate these vital donor conversations.

Don't miss this insightful episode on managing donor expectations during your capital campaign!

In this comprehensive episode, Andrea Kihlstedt and Chelsea Lamego dive deep into the critical aspects of managing and reporting on donor funds. Chelsea, co-founder and CEO of FundMiner, shares her expertise on overcoming the complexities of fund management, particularly in large institutions and small nonprofits alike.

The discussion highlights common challenges such as tracking funds, managing restricted gifts, and creating effective impact reports.

Chelsea provides practical advice on where responsibility for impact reporting should lie within an organization, emphasizing the importance of allocating resources wisely and engaging board members. The conversation also addresses the catch-22 of fundraising—how to ensure that the effort to raise funds translates into effective and transparent management that meets donor expectations.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

Chelsea also shares her personal experiences and practical tips for making impact reporting a fundamental part of fundraising strategy. This episode is essential for anyone involved in development or financial management, offering actionable strategies to enhance donor relations and organizational success.

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!