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

Join hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt as they unravel the complexities of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) in retirement accounts and how they can become a strategic opportunity for philanthropy. Learn why fundraisers must grasp this concept, empowering them to engage donors effectively and maximize charitable giving potential. Dive into real-life examples and practical insights to navigate RMDs confidently, ensuring donors' philanthropic goals align seamlessly with their financial planning.

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt provide more insight into engaging the wealthiest people in town for your campaign. Listen to learn how to identify, research, and cultivate them for your capital campaign.

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," hosts Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein tackle one of the most challenging aspects of capital campaigning: identifying and securing lead donors. If your nonprofit is grappling with a shortage of lead donors or struggling to predict where significant campaign contributions will come from, this episode is a must-listen. Andrea Kihlstedt sets the stage by explaining the importance of the gift range chart and the depth chart—two critical tools in capital campaign planning. She details how these tools help organizations strategize the number and size of donations needed to meet campaign goals, and more importantly, how they guide the identification of potential lead donors. Amy Eisenstein simplifies these concepts further, discussing how different types of organizations might adjust their gift charts based on their donor base. She uses relatable examples, like comparing donor bases of an animal shelter versus an independent school, to illustrate how these charts are modified. The conversation also covers the real-world challenges nonprofits face in filling the top tiers of their gift range charts. Amy and Andrea discuss strategies for engaging potential donors who may not initially seem capable of making top-tier donations but can become key contributors through strategic cultivation and multiple gift requests. Listeners will gain insight into the practical use of the depth chart, learning how to populate it with names against each gift level and how it serves as a dynamic tool guiding donor engagement throughout the campaign. This episode is packed with actionable advice, including how to: For more resources, visit our website at capitalcampaignpro.com where you can access tools like our readiness assessment to help determine if your organization is prepared for a capital campaign. Whether you are a seasoned fundraiser or new to the field, understanding these fundamental aspects of campaign planning will enhance your ability to secure the vital lead gifts that drive campaign success. Tune in to empower your fundraising team with the knowledge and tools necessary to transform your campaign's potential into reality. To see if your organization is truly ready for a capital campaign, download this free Readiness Assessment https://capitalcampaignpro.com/assess - 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," we dive into an enlightening conversation with Esther Landau, the Senior Director of Advancement at The Arc of San Francisco. Join host Amy Eisenstein as she explores the strategic planning and execution behind successful capital campaigns, focusing on The Arc's innovative approach to expanding its programs and services. Esther shares the origins of their campaign, rooted in a strategic planning process with stakeholders, aimed at enhancing program accessibility by addressing staffing and compensation. We delve into the campaign's journey, highlighting its mid-point status and the critical role of a feasibility study in refining their messaging to resonate more deeply with potential donors. Esther's insights into the nuances of donor engagement, staff compensation, and the impact of waitlists on both the community served and potential supporters offer a rich narrative on the challenges and triumphs faced by nonprofits in the fundraising arena. Amy and Esther discuss the importance of maintaining annual fund contributions during a capital campaign, offering practical strategies for navigating donor expectations and ensuring sustained support for ongoing operations. They tackle the unforeseen hurdles of the campaign, sharing valuable lessons learned from engaging with donors and the community through innovative communication methods, including the strategic use of video testimonials and personalized outreach. As we journey through The Arc's campaign, this episode illuminates the complexities and rewards of capital campaigning, offering actionable advice and inspiration for nonprofit leaders looking to embark on their fundraising ventures. From the strategic use of donor discussion guides to the importance of board member engagement and leveraging technology for donor outreach, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the ingredients for a successful capital campaign. Tune in to this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns" for a deep dive into how The Arc of San Francisco is transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and impact, setting a benchmark for excellence in nonprofit fundraising. To see how other nonprofit organizations have found success through Capital Campaign Pro's unique model, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/clients/

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," join fundraising experts Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein as they dive deep into the essence of giving through personal stories and insights. Discover the profound impact of building genuine relationships with donors and learn how personal connections can transform the landscape of fundraising. Andrea shares her touching experience with a theater company in New York, highlighting the strength of loyalty and the remarkable effect of personal care in donor relations. Amy adds to the conversation by recounting her involvement with a food pantry, demonstrating how emergencies can foster increased generosity among already supportive donors. Together, they explore the surprising revelations of their own philanthropic actions, shedding light on the unexpected joy and fulfillment that come from giving more than once a year. Through these personal anecdotes and expert advice, this episode offers valuable lessons on engaging donors, expressing gratitude, and the importance of maintaining communication, especially during challenging times. Whether you're a fundraiser looking to deepen your approach to donor engagement or a donor curious about the impact of your contributions, this episode will leave you inspired to foster stronger connections within your charitable endeavors. For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources

In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of campaign goals versus project costs. While not the most glamorous topic, it's undeniably essential for any organization embarking on a fundraising endeavor. What do you do when your project costs exceed your fundraising potential? Join Amy and Andrea as they explore practical solutions for bridging funding gaps in capital campaigns. From leveraging cash reserves and exploring financing options to tapping into government funding, they provide valuable insights into alternative revenue streams that can supplement philanthropic contributions. Discover how to navigate the complexities of project financing, including considerations such as debt management, government grant policies, and the strategic allocation of funds. Whether you're a nonprofit, educational institution, or community organization, this episode offers actionable advice for optimizing your campaign's financial structure. Don't let funding challenges derail your project aspirations. Tune in to learn how to strategize effectively, engage your board, and unlock the diverse funding opportunities available to ensure the success of your capital campaign. Plus, find out how Capital Campaign Pro can provide personalized support and expertise to guide you through every stage of your campaign journey. Join the conversation and empower your organization to turn ambitious visions into tangible realities. 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 delve into the critical components of accountability, habits, and motivation in the context of fundraising campaigns. Drawing on their extensive experience, they explore real-life scenarios highlighting the significance of staying accountable and cultivating productive habits. Discover the importance of taking concrete actions in fundraising endeavors, moving beyond procrastination and excuses. Eisenstein and Kihlstedt share practical insights on fostering motivation and developing consistent habits, essential for achieving success in capital campaigns. From scheduling donor calls to setting measurable goals, they offer actionable strategies for maintaining momentum and achieving fundraising targets. Learn how external accountability partners and structured systems can enhance campaign effectiveness, ensuring progress towards fundraising goals. Whether you're a development director, executive director, or involved in fundraising efforts, this episode provides invaluable guidance on navigating the challenges of capital campaigns. Tune in to gain actionable insights and elevate your fundraising initiatives to new heights. 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, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the often misunderstood quiet phase of fundraising campaigns. Contrary to its name, the quiet phase doesn't mean complete silence. Instead, it's a strategic period where organizations focus on soliciting major gifts while keeping the campaign goal discreet. Amy and Andrea demystify the quiet phase, emphasizing the importance of discussing project details while keeping fundraising targets confidential. They highlight the significance of flexibility during this phase, allowing for adjustments to campaign goals based on early donor responses. Additionally, they stress the use of draft materials over elaborate brochures to accommodate evolving project plans. Through insightful examples and practical advice, Amy and Andrea provide clarity on navigating the quiet phase effectively, ensuring a strong foundation for a successful fundraising campaign. Tune in to gain valuable insights into managing the quiet phase and setting the stage for fundraising triumphs. If you're embarking on a capital campaign journey, this episode is a must-listen! To ensure your quiet phase leads to a loud 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, Amy Eisenstein and special guest Sarah Plimpton, Director of Client Happiness, delve into the critical importance of thoughtful donor cultivation before soliciting gifts for a campaign. Discover the art of asking meaningful questions that inspire donors and prepare both parties for the big ask. From uncovering donors' philanthropic passions to exploring their visions for the organization's future, Amy and Sarah share invaluable insights and strategies to deepen donor relationships. Learn how to navigate conversations, foster donor generosity, and enhance the joy of giving, ultimately leading to more impactful campaign contributions. Whether you're embarking on a fundraising campaign or seeking to strengthen donor engagement, this episode offers practical tips and thought-provoking questions to elevate your fundraising efforts. Tune in to discover how you can unlock the potential of joyful giving in your nonprofit endeavors. For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.

In this episode, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the crucial indicators that your organization might not be prepared for a capital campaign. From lacking a clear vision to insufficient fundraising staff and history, they outline five telltale signs that necessitate strategic planning and preparation before embarking on such a significant fundraising endeavor. With insightful anecdotes and practical advice, Amy and Andrea offer guidance on how to assess your organization's readiness and take actionable steps to ensure a successful campaign in the future. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of fundraising and set your organization on the path to fundraising 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 the board and your case for support.

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, 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, 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.

In this episode, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore the age-old question: Do you really need a consultant for your capital campaign? We delve into the pros and cons of hiring a consultant for your campaign and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision. 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.