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

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt sit down with nonprofit expert Cherian Koshy to discuss the urgent federal funding crisis affecting organizations across the country. With government funding decisions shifting rapidly, many nonprofits are unsure how to secure financial stability. Cherian breaks down the latest legislative updates, what executive orders mean for nonprofit funding, and how organizations can adapt.

This conversation explores key questions:

• What’s really happening with federal funding, and who is impacted?
• How can nonprofits plan for potential funding cuts?
• Is private philanthropy a realistic solution to fill the gaps?
• What strategies can organizations use to advocate for continued support?

If your organization depends on federal grants or contracts, this episode is a must-listen. Learn what steps you can take now to navigate uncertainty and ensure long-term sustainability.

For more conversations surrounding the recent federal funding crisis, visit the Capital Campaign Pro resources archives.

Volunteers are the backbone of a successful capital campaign—but how do you truly engage, activate, and motivate them to take action? In this episode, fundraising experts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore the key strategies to transform passive supporters into passionate advocates.

From setting clear expectations to creating accountability structures and celebrating wins, Amy and Andrea share practical, proven techniques to help campaign leaders inspire their volunteers and board members. You’ll learn how to assign meaningful tasks, align volunteer efforts with the fundraising cycle, and create an environment where participation is not only effective but also fun and rewarding.

If you’ve ever struggled with getting your board or campaign committee to take action, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover how to build a motivated, energized team that drives your campaign forward.

And if you need expert guidance, the Capital Campaign Pro Team is here to help! Visit our website to learn how we can support you in building a high-performing volunteer network for your next campaign.

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, marketing and strategy expert Seth Godin joins Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt from Capital Campaign Pro for a conversation about storytelling, outreach, and engagement.

Seth shares insights on crafting messages that inspire action and build stronger connections. This discussion explores ways organizations can communicate effectively, especially when clarity and trust are more important than ever.

Whether you're refining your donor outreach or looking for fresh ideas to strengthen engagement, this conversation offers practical takeaways to help you connect with your audience in meaningful ways.

Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with actionable advice on strengthening donor relationships and creating messages that resonate.

In this episode ofAll About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt break down how to plan and run meetings that keep campaign volunteers engaged, energized, and eager to contribute. Discover practical strategies for structuring meetings, creating effective agendas, and ensuring that every participant feels heard and valued.

Drawing from real-life campaign experiences, Andrea shares how well-facilitated meetings helped one organization achieve outstanding financial success over a six-year period, with volunteers so engaged that they didn’t want committees to end. Amy and Andrea offer specific techniques for setting meeting goals, fostering meaningful discussions, and avoiding common pitfalls like unproductive wordsmithing and disengaged participants.

You’ll also learn the benefits of structuring conversations to give everyone “air time,” how to balance input from dominant voices with quieter participants, and why sometimes the best meeting decision is to cancel it altogether. Whether you’re planning in-person or virtual meetings, the tips shared in this episode are designed to boost productivity and build strong volunteer connections.

If you’re interested in learning more about creating compelling meetings or want to explore Capital Campaign Pro’s services, tune in and find out how successful campaigns are fueled by thoughtful planning and enthusiastic participation.

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

In this episode ofAll About Capital Campaigns, we’re sharing the audio from a recent webinar addressing the uncertainty nonprofits are facing due to the federal funding pause in early 2025. While we usually record standalone podcast episodes, this discussion was too important not to repurpose.

Hosts Amy Eisenstein, Andrea Kihlstedt, and Sarah Plimpton of Capital Campaign Pro break down the impact of the funding freeze, what it means for nonprofit leaders, and how to approach fundraising in unpredictable times. They discuss:

• How to communicate with donors in a time of uncertainty

• The role of emergency funding campaigns and scenario planning

• Why staying engaged with funders, legislators, and board members is critical

• Practical ways to support nonprofit staff through the stress of an unstable funding landscape

The conversation also highlights lessons learned from past crises and why nonprofit leaders must stay proactive, adaptable, and connected to their communities.

If your organization relies on government grants, is planning a capital campaign, or is facing financial uncertainty, this episode offers valuable perspectives and strategies.

For additional insights and steps you can take now, check out the full webinar series atcapitalcampaignpro.com/emergency

Don’t miss this essential discussion for nonprofit leaders navigating a shifting funding environment.

In this episode ofAll About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into one of the most pressing challenges for nonprofit leaders: managing a capital campaign on top of an already packed workload. If you’re an executive director or development professional, you know the demands of juggling end-of-year fundraising, annual campaigns, galas, and donor management. Adding a $5 million or $10 million campaign can seem impossible, but Amy and Andrea share practical strategies to make it manageable.

They begin by discussing the importance of setting clear, actionable goals tailored to the unique structure of capital campaigns. Unlike regular fundraising, these campaigns are top-heavy, requiring you to secure large gifts early on. Learn how to use a gift range chart to structure your efforts, break down large goals into smaller, achievable milestones, and maintain momentum without burning out. Amy shares her passion for goal-setting, offering tips on dividing big objectives into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks that drive results.

Andrea emphasizes the power of focused work, offering a simple but effective tactic: dedicating a consistent time block each week solely to securing meetings with key donors. You’ll hear why this time investment can be a game-changer, how to collaborate with board members to open doors, and why even the smallest actions can lead to major funding breakthroughs. They illustrate this through real-life examples, including a nonprofit that successfully secured a $2 million gift by prioritizing top prospects.

Whether you’re facing your first capital campaign or looking for tips to refine your approach, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you prioritize effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve your campaign goals. Plus, Amy and Andrea remind listeners that the quiet phase is where success begins—so staying laser-focused on top gifts is crucial before broadening outreach.

To ensure your campaign ends in a celebration, download our free Capital CampaignStep-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, Andrea Kihlstedt talks with Alexandra O’Connor about her journey in capital campaign fundraising. From learning the ropes at Community MusicWorks to leading an ambitious endowment campaign at The Gordon School, Alexandra shares insights on donor engagement, strategic planning, and balancing operations with relationship-building.

They also discuss the challenges of increasing campaign goals, the power of feasibility studies, and the importance of confidence in fundraising. Whether you're looking to strengthen donor relationships, refine your campaign planning, or gain confidence in making big asks, this episode is filled with valuable lessons.

Tune in to hear Alexandra’s journey and discover practical tips to elevate your own fundraising efforts!

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt reveal the incredible power of the gift range chart, an indispensable tool for any capital campaign. Often called a gift pyramid or table of gifts, this chart does more than outline donation goals—it serves as a comprehensive roadmap for your campaign’s strategy.

Amy and Andrea explain how this simple yet complex chart can eliminate the chaos of campaign planning by structuring communications, guiding timelines, and aligning staff efforts. They discuss how tailoring the chart to reflect your organization’s donor base not only helps assess feasibility but also inspires larger gifts. From crafting donor recognition plans to focusing on top-tier gifts, the gift range chart brings clarity and focus to your campaign.

Drawing on real-world examples, they highlight how this tool can empower nonprofit leaders to streamline their efforts and engage donors more effectively. Whether you’re launching your first campaign or refining your approach, this episode will leave you with actionable insights to make your campaign more manageable and impactful.

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, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into the often-overlooked power of curiosity in fundraising. They explore how understanding donors' motivations and personal stories can transform your fundraising efforts and create authentic connections that inspire giving.

Andrea shares a real-life example of an arts organization and explains why asking meaningful questions—like what drives a donor's passion—is the key to meaningful engagement.

Learn practical strategies to prepare for donor meetings, craft tailored asks, and build relationships that lead to sustained support. Discover why the best fundraisers focus on the "why" behind a donor's generosity, and how taking the time to understand your donors can pave the way for campaign success.

Whether you're in the quiet phase of a campaign or preparing for a significant ask, this episode will give you actionable insights to enhance your approach and raise more money. Tune in to learn why curiosity isn't just important—it's essential for fundraising success.

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

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein sits down with Mallory Erickson, fundraising expert, coach, and host of What The Fundraising podcast.

Together, they dive deep into the origins of the scarcity mindset in the nonprofit sector, exploring how this pervasive mentality impacts fundraising practices and organizational culture.

Mallory introduces concepts from her new book, What The Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose, highlighting actionable tools to shift mindset, reduce stress, and build authentic donor relationships.

Discover how historical factors shaped the dynamics between funders and nonprofits, creating hurdles that persist today. Learn about the connection between mindset and fundraising outcomes, and how neuroscience supports a shift away from scarcity thinking.

Mallory also shares two practical tools—one for the mind and one for the body—to help fundraisers manage stress and stay grounded during high-pressure campaigns.

Whether you're gearing up for a capital campaign or navigating the challenges of day-to-day fundraising, this episode is packed with insights to transform your approach. If you’re looking to align your fundraising strategy with personal and organizational well-being, this conversation is a must-listen!

If your aren't sure whether or not your organization is ready for a capital campaign, check out the Pre-Campaign Readiness Assessment from Capital Campaign Pro.