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.