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

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle a common challenge: well-meaning board members whose ideas can derail a campaign. From insisting on fundraising galas to asking for gifts too early—or too small—board members often act with good intentions but without a clear understanding of how campaigns actually work.

Amy and Andrea share real-life examples of how campaigns have gone off course due to board members pushing for events, making premature asks, setting unrealistic goals, or resisting professional help. They explain why these situations happen and what staff and leadership teams can do to address them without damaging relationships.

You’ll hear practical suggestions like:

• Inviting outside campaign consultants for informal interviews to offer perspective
• Bringing in peer leaders from other successful campaigns
• Using tools like one-on-one conversations and Capital Campaign Pro’s free Board Member’s Guide to Capital Campaigns

This episode also explores why compassion and curiosity matter when redirecting board members—and how a calm, strategic approach can keep your campaign focused, your team unified, and your donors confident.

If you’ve got a board member pushing for a golf tournament to raise $10 million, this one’s for you.

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 episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explain how to set a realistic, aspirational fundraising goal for your capital campaign—without pulling a number out of thin air.

They share three essential factors to consider: the cost of your project, a multiple of your current fundraising capacity, and the potential size of your top gifts. You'll learn how these inputs come together to form a working goal—a draft goal used to guide early planning and donor conversations.

Amy and Andrea also tackle what happens when the full project cost exceeds what your donors can realistically fund. You'll hear why it's smart to test a high goal, how to plan for multiple funding sources, and why flexibility is built into the best campaigns.

If you're unsure where to start with goal setting, this episode offers a clear, grounded approach—and a reminder that courage and clarity go hand in hand when asking for big gifts.

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, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt unpack a common but costly mistake nonprofits make—treating donors as checkbooks instead of partners. Sparked by recent federal funding cuts to arts organizations, this conversation challenges fundraising teams to rethink how they communicate with their most committed supporters during a crisis.

Too often, when a major grant disappears or budgets fall short, nonprofits react with urgency but little strategy. A mass email plea might generate a trickle of support, but it rarely strengthens long-term donor relationships or builds confidence. Amy and Andrea argue there’s a better way—one that starts by treating your top donors like trusted advisors.

The episode digs into the difference between reactive fundraising and relationship-based fundraising. The key? Seeing your donors as people who want your mission to succeed and are willing to help in more ways than writing a check. Andrea shares a personal example of how a missed opportunity left her feeling like "just another wallet," and Amy discusses the psychological impact of mass appeals versus personalized outreach.

You’ll hear:

• Why most fundraising appeals fall flat after a crisis—and what to do instead
• How to engage your top donors in real conversations about strategy, not just funding
• Why even non-fundraising experts have valuable insight into program decisions
• The value of building a mental “donor committee” that you turn to regularly
• How relational fundraising mirrors real-life friendships—and why that matters
• Ways to make your follow-up more than a thank-you note

Amy and Andrea offer a practical framework that fundraising professionals can adopt immediately—starting with a simple mindset shift: Donors are institutional friends, not vending machines. If that sounds soft, think again. This approach can lead to larger gifts, more meaningful partnerships, and long-term campaign success.

This conversation is especially timely for nonprofit leaders facing funding cuts, uncertainty, or stalled campaigns. If you’re tired of short-term fixes and want to start building lasting support, this episode offers a clear path forward.

To learn more about capital campaign strategy and donor engagement, visit capitalcampaignpro.com, where you’ll find free resources and ways to work directly with expert advisors like Amy and Andrea.

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 organizations that faced campaign obstacles and emerged stronger. Discover how a clear order of solicitation, a compelling case for support, and a well-defined campaign plan can be your keys to success.

In this insightful episode of the All About Capital Campaigns podcast, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the pivotal role of feasibility studies in capital campaigns. They present three compelling reasons why conducting a feasibility study is not just beneficial but essential for campaign success.​

Amy and Andrea also introduce Capital Campaign Pro's innovative Guided Feasibility Study model, which empowers nonprofit leaders to conduct donor interviews themselves, with expert guidance, enhancing authenticity and internal capacity.

Whether you're contemplating a capital campaign or seeking to optimize your fundraising strategy, this episode offers practical advice and proven methodologies to set your campaign on the path to success.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle a pressing challenge faced by many nonprofit organizations: managing unexpected government funding cuts. They explore strategies for launching a successful gap funding campaign, a targeted approach to securing crucial short-term donations to sustain vital programs.

Amy and Andrea explain what distinguishes gap funding campaigns from traditional capital campaigns, highlighting why nonprofits should approach them differently. Learn practical steps for clearly communicating urgent funding needs to your donors, building contingency plans, and leveraging this moment to strengthen relationships with your supporters.

You'll hear inspiring examples of how nonprofits have swiftly mobilized donor support to replace lost government grants, providing a lifeline for critical community services. Amy and Andrea also discuss common concerns about donor capacity during uncertain economic times and offer reassurance about the generosity and financial stability of committed supporters.

Listeners will come away equipped with actionable guidance on crafting a compelling case for support, organizing an effective short-term fundraising committee, and using this campaign as an opportunity to connect more deeply with major donors. Discover how proactive fundraising can safeguard your organization’s mission and set the stage for increased sustainability.

Listen now to ensure your nonprofit is prepared to handle funding uncertainties with confidence and clarity.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore how to evaluate your board's readiness for a capital campaign. They discuss key indicators such as consistent board meeting attendance and annual financial contributions from all board members, emphasizing that these factors reflect the board's commitment and engagement.

The episode also introduces a free Board Readiness Assessment tool designed to help nonprofit leaders identify areas that may need strengthening before launching a campaign.

Tune in as Amy and Andrea provide practical insights and actionable advice to ensure your board is prepared to support a successful capital campaign. Whether you're in the early planning stages or ready to launch, this episode offers valuable guidance to align your board's efforts with your fundraising goals.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the challenges of managing time effectively when preparing for a capital campaign.

They offer four practical strategies to enhance efficiency, discuss the importance of investing in better systems, and explore how to secure board approval for these investments. This episode is essential for nonprofit leaders seeking to balance their existing responsibilities with the demands of a capital campaign.

Tune in as Amy and Andrea share real-world examples, expert insights, and actionable tips to help you streamline your efforts and set your campaign up for success. Whether you’re just beginning to consider a campaign or already deep in planning, this episode will leave you feeling more confident and in control of your time.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt break down the essential quiet phase—the period that can make or break your campaign. They clarify that while it's called "quiet," this phase is actually an active and strategic time for securing major gifts before making a public announcement.

Amy and Andrea share three critical tips to ensure a successful quiet phase:

1️⃣ Identify the right donors – Focus on your biggest potential givers and those closest to your organization, such as board members.

2️⃣ Be patient and strategic – Work through solicitations methodically, starting with top donors before moving down the list.

3️⃣ Stay organized – Track conversations, proposals, and donor progress to keep everything moving smoothly.

This episode offers expert insights into donor engagement, solicitation timing, and how to create momentum for a winning capital campaign. Tune in and set your campaign up for success! 🎙️

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt challenge the common mindset around feasibility study interviews and make a compelling case for expanding the list beyond your current top donors.

A simple question from a prospective client—“Why do we have to interview more than 12 people?”—sets the stage for a deeper discussion about how nonprofit leaders often confuse necessity with opportunity. Andrea recounts a recent conversation that sparked this topic and explains why interviewing 30 or more people isn’t a burden—it’s a strategic move with long-term benefits.

Amy and Andrea break down why feasibility study interviews are not just about assessing campaign readiness but also serve as a powerful tool to build relationships, raise sights, and gather community feedback. This episode offers multiple frameworks for deciding who should be included in your interviews—ranging from concentric circles of connection to categories of influence and gift potential.

The conversation includes:

• Why focusing only on your current top donors limits your campaign’s reach
• How talking to $200 donors may uncover individuals with much higher giving capacity
• The role of community leaders and philanthropic influencers—even if they aren’t donors
• How to use feasibility interviews to inform and activate powerful connectors
• The difference between transactional interviews and strategic relationship-building
• Real client stories that show how consistent communication can lead to million-dollar gifts

This episode also unpacks why including diverse voices, even skeptics or naysayers, helps sharpen your campaign planning and create buy-in across key stakeholder groups. Whether you’re planning your first feasibility study or rethinking your approach for the next one, Amy and Andrea offer practical advice that’s grounded in years of hands-on experience.

Their core message? These interviews aren’t a checklist item. They’re an opening. An invitation. A chance to shape how your community sees your campaign and to build new relationships that could turn into major gifts—sometimes months or even years down the road.

If you’ve ever wondered how to “find new donors” or questioned the value of guided feasibility studies where staff conduct interviews themselves, this episode offers insights worth considering.

Have you been thinking too small with your interview list? This conversation might just change your mind.

Don’t forget to subscribe to All About Capital Campaigns wherever you get your podcasts. If you find value in what Amy and Andrea share, take a moment to rate and review the show—it helps others discover practical, experience-based capital campaign advice.

For more feasibility study guidance, be sure to download our free Ultimate Guide to Capital Campaign Feasibility Studies - https://capitalcampaignpro.com/feasibility-study-ultimate-guide