In this episode, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dissect the enigmatic message when donors express reluctance to meet. Through candid anecdotes and strategic insights, they unveil the layers beneath such responses and offer actionable steps for fundraisers.

Discover why a "no" doesn't equate to rejection and learn how to navigate various scenarios with empathy and persistence. From deciphering genuine disinterest to uncovering hidden opportunities, this episode empowers fundraisers to forge meaningful connections and transform setbacks into triumphs.

Tune in for invaluable tips on nurturing donor relationships and turning "nos" into "yeses" in your fundraising journey.

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

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the crucial aspects of successfully concluding your capital campaign. Celebrating five years of Capital Campaign Pro's business journey, they share insights on how to effectively wrap up your campaign and celebrate its accomplishments.

Learn why the completion of a campaign is just the beginning, and discover strategies for ensuring lasting donor engagement and organizational success. From acknowledging hardworking staff to tying up loose ends with donors, volunteers, and committees, Amy and Andrea provide actionable tips for a seamless campaign wrap-up.

Explore the significance of internal and external campaign reports, and understand their role in informing future fundraising efforts. Discover the importance of celebrations in smoothing out the bumps in your campaign journey and fostering a sense of accomplishment among stakeholders.

Whether you're on the brink of completing your campaign or planning for future fundraising endeavors, this episode offers invaluable insights to guide you through the final stages of your capital campaign journey.

Don't miss out on this episode filled with practical advice and inspiration for celebrating success in your fundraising endeavors!

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, 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, building strong support teams, and reframing your perspective on fundraising. Whether you're embarking on a capital campaign or seeking insights into effective fundraising, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

To see if a DIY capital campaign is right for you, download this free eBook - The Fundraiser's Guide to Do-It-Yourself Capital Campaigns - It includes a checklist for deciding if DIY is right for you.

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, exploring alternative funding sources, and considering project phasing. They stress the significance of engaging key donors and maintaining a campaign mindset to turn challenges into opportunities for success.

Don't miss this valuable advice on planning a successful capital campaign, even when faced with unexpected results.

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, hosts Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein dive deep into the world of soliciting major gifts, particularly focusing on the top 10 to 20 donors.

Discover the strategic complexity behind soliciting these substantial gifts and why they can make or break your campaign's success. The hosts emphasize the importance of meticulous planning and thorough research in the solicitation process.

You'll gain insights into crafting a compelling plan, understanding your donor's motivations, and assembling the right cultivation team. Learn how to initiate exploratory conversations that lead to mutual understanding and trust-building with your potential donors.

The hosts share real-life examples of how organizations navigated the solicitation process, including challenges and solutions they encountered along the way. You'll hear about the power of patience, negotiation, and adaptability in building relationships that result in successful major gifts.

If you're ready to elevate your major gift solicitation game and secure significant contributions for your campaign, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to effectively soliciting top donors for your nonprofit's success.

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 your community.

Learn how adopting a generative approach to capital campaigns can lead to not only fundraising success but also a more enjoyable and rewarding journey. Discover the real secret to campaign success in this insightful podcast episode.

Amy Eisenstein, CEO and co-founder of Capital Campaign Pros, along with her colleague and co-founder, Andrea Kihlstedt, share their extensive experience and evolving perspectives on the role of consultants in capital campaigns.

Traditionally, organizations seeking to embark on a capital campaign would hire a consultant to conduct a feasibility study and guide them through the campaign process. However, the landscape has shifted with the advent of technology and innovative solutions. Amy and Andrea introduce a new model that leverages technology to make campaign support more accessible and cost-effective.

Their journey began with the vision of providing nonprofit leaders with a toolkit of samples and templates, granting them access to critical tools employed by campaign consultants. Instead of relying solely on consultants, they aimed to empower nonprofit leaders to lead successful campaigns.
Discover the two levels of support they offer:

Throughout this episode, Amy and Andrea highlight the importance of having a structured approach to campaign planning, regardless of whether you opt for full-service consulting or the DIY route. They emphasize the value of weekly peer support and group coaching calls, where participants gain insights from their peers and learn from real-world campaign experiences.

The message is clear: You have choices when it comes to campaign consulting. Whether you decide to engage a consultant or prefer a more hands-on approach, Amy and Andrea are passionate about helping organizations avoid stalled and failed campaigns by providing access to expertise, guidance, and support.If you're curious about the future of capital campaigns and want to explore innovative alternatives, visit CapitalCampaignPro.com. You'll find information on their DIY support system, consulting options, and an array of free resources to help you make informed decisions about your campaign strategy.

Don't miss this enlightening discussion on the evolving landscape of capital campaigns and how you can choose the right approach for your organization's success. Tune in now, and let Amy and Andrea be your guides on this journey to fundraising excellence.

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, as Xan explains, is an organized effort to grow a supporter or potential supporter's interest in your organization. It involves ensuring that donors have accurate information, understanding their initial connection to your organization, and asking questions to avoid making assumptions about their interests. The goal is to better inform donors about your organization and strengthen their attachment to it.

They emphasize the importance of two-way communication in cultivation, where organizations not only share their stories and facts but also actively engage donors by getting to know their motivations, interests, and philanthropic goals. It's a dynamic process that involves building relationships and trust.

Xan and Amy also discuss campaign-specific cultivation, offering insights into how to approach donors at different stages of their relationship with your organization. They stress the significance of tailoring your cultivation efforts based on where donors fall on the spectrum of familiarity with your organization.

Furthermore, the podcast explores the idea of organic cultivation opportunities, where meaningful conversations can lead to unexpected and substantial gifts. Amy and Xan share inspiring examples of how simple, genuine interactions can lead to extraordinary results.

Throughout the episode, you'll gain valuable insights into cultivating donors effectively during capital campaigns, whether through one-on-one conversations, events, or spontaneous organic opportunities. Don't miss this episode if you want to enhance your cultivation strategies and build stronger relationships with your supporters.

Tune in and discover the power of cultivation in fundraising success.

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 considerations are paramount.

Discover diverse staffing models through real-world examples, including insights from a New York-based organization with an involved executive director and a special projects lead. Amy and Andrea stress the importance of acknowledging your organization's unique needs and leveraging existing resources. Uncover the art of identifying underutilized talents within your development team and explore the potential to optimize your campaign budget for additional staffing.

Join the conversation as they share a valuable exercise to assess your development office's capacity, helping you pinpoint areas for improvement and potential delegation. Learn how staffing decisions during a campaign offer a Trojan horse opportunity, allowing you to enhance your development shop, implement new systems, and strategically invest in your organization's future.

As a bonus, visit capitalcampaignpro.com for free resources, including a development office assessment to gauge your readiness for a campaign. Whether you're a nonprofit professional or a curious board member, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering or embarking on a capital campaign journey. Tune in now to elevate your understanding of staffing dynamics and set your campaign on the path to success.

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 triumphs of leading a $7.5 million capital campaign in an organization undergoing significant transformation.

Discover how Jacqueline's strength, courage, and strategic approach have propelled her through the complexities of fundraising in a predominantly white-led organization. Gain valuable insights into the dynamics of being a person of color in leadership and the nuanced strategies employed to navigate unconscious biases.

Explore the intricacies of Safe Children Coalition's capital campaign, unraveling the unique challenges and successes along the way. With a working goal that may surpass $7.5 million, Jacqueline reflects on the organization's progress, touching on the importance of a hands-on approach and the decision to work with a non-traditional capital campaign model.

In this episode, Jacqueline shares her wisdom for those considering roles in capital campaign leadership, emphasizing the need for a broad and deep development background, an entrepreneurial spirit, flexibility, and the ability to pivot when needed. Learn from her experiences as she discusses the power of setting clear goals and the determination required to achieve them, fostering change and making a lasting impact.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of capital campaigns, diversity in fundraising, and the transformative power of strategic leadership. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in fundraising, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to empower your efforts. Don't miss this compelling conversation on "All About Capital Campaigns."