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In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-founders Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein dive into the hot topic of whether hiring a capital campaign consultant is a necessary investment or an unnecessary expense. They explore the significant role consultants play in guiding nonprofit organizations through the complex landscape of capital campaigns. From clearing up common misconceptions to highlighting the strategic advantages of expert guidance, this episode sheds light on how consultants can be the linchpin of a successful fundraising campaign.
Andrea and Amy discuss the challenges organizations face when they attempt campaigns without experienced leadership, emphasizing the value of an external consultant who brings a wealth of knowledge and an objective perspective. They share real-world examples, debunk myths, and offer practical advice for nonprofits navigating their campaign journeys.
Whether you're skeptical about the necessity of a consultant or curious about what they can bring to the table, this episode provides a thorough analysis. Discover why investing in a seasoned capital campaign consultant might just be the best decision your nonprofit can make to achieve its ambitious fundraising goals.
Tune in and learn how to maximize your campaign’s ROI and ensure a smooth, successful journey from planning to completion. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies from two of the leading experts in the field!
For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.
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In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-founder Andrea Kihlstedt speaks with Lila Thorne, former Director of Development at the Northern Forest Center, about their groundbreaking $30 million capital campaign. Lila shares the compelling story of how the Northern Forest Center launched an innovative campaign that combined philanthropy and impact investing to support communities across a 30 million-acre landscape spanning four states in the Northeastern U.S.
Lila provides a behind-the-scenes look at the unique challenges and successes of this campaign, which initially set out to raise $20 million but surpassed expectations, driving them to raise the goal to $30 million. She discusses how the organization navigated asking for major gifts and impact investments, the power of big ideas in securing support, and the importance of developing a strong, resilient fundraising team. Along the way, Lila shares valuable lessons learned, such as the importance of meticulous planning, thinking big, and investing in your team’s success.
This episode also delves into the innovative financial model that fueled the Northern Forest Center’s impact investments, how they managed to raise funds across multiple communities and states, and how they achieved success by securing significant investments from national foundations, corporations, and even a church. Lila explains how they were able to appeal to donors and investors alike by offering both philanthropic and investment opportunities, highlighting the organization’s ability to combine social good with financial returns.
Throughout the conversation, Lila recounts the personal side of her journey, managing to lead a high-stakes campaign while also becoming a mother of three. Her story is both inspiring and informative, offering key takeaways for anyone involved in nonprofit fundraising, especially those embarking on capital campaigns that blend philanthropy with innovative financing.
Tune in to learn:
How a $20M goal turned into a $30M campaign The role of impact investing in nonprofit capital campaigns Strategies for managing large-scale, multi-community fundraising efforts How to cultivate a culture of asking for big gifts and why it works The importance of team building and leadership in campaign successWhether you’re planning your first capital campaign or looking for ways to innovate your fundraising efforts, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world advice from a successful campaign leader.
Don’t miss Lila’s reflections on leading through challenges, taking risks, and achieving big goals, all while balancing work and family. Plus, hear Andrea Kihlstedt’s expert thoughts on what makes campaigns like this not only possible but successful.
Listen now to discover how you, too, can create an inspiring and effective capital campaign!
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.
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In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into one of the most crucial aspects of campaign planning: setting a realistic and effective capital campaign goal. Whether you're building a new facility, expanding your programs, or establishing an endowment, determining the right working goal is far from simple.
Amy and Andrea discuss why a working or draft goal is essential and explore the factors that influence how much you can realistically raise for your project. They explain why organizations often misunderstand the role of feasibility studies, the importance of accounting for all project costs (from architectural fees to startup program costs), and why it's crucial to think big early in the planning process.
You'll learn how to test your goal, inspire your board—especially more conservative members—to embrace a higher target, and the risks of setting a goal that's too low. Plus, the hosts share research from their latest Capital Campaign Pro Benchmark Report, which reveals that many organizations raise their goals after a feasibility study, further emphasizing the flexibility needed in goal-setting.
Key takeaways include:
How to create a comprehensive project budget. The role of a feasibility study in refining your goal. When and how to adjust your campaign goal throughout the process. How your campaign goal can inspire larger gifts from your lead donors.Whether you're just beginning your campaign or preparing to test your goal, this episode will provide you with actionable strategies to plan and execute a successful campaign that pushes your organization to the next level.
Tune in now to get expert tips on setting a winning capital campaign goal!
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!
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In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive deep into the critical role of CEOs and Executive Directors in leading successful capital campaigns. As the central figures, these leaders often feel overwhelmed by the complex, multi-faceted demands of a campaign, managing everything from program planning to board involvement, and campaign operations.
Amy and Andrea break down the key challenges that arise when the heads of organizations try to juggle all these responsibilities, likening the experience to taming a multi-headed beast. They share insights on how to structure a campaign leadership team, ensuring that the board, development staff, and campaign chair collaborate seamlessly. The episode offers practical advice on how to unify these moving parts into a cohesive strategy, smoothing out communication gaps and empowering every stakeholder to play their role effectively.
Listeners will learn how to create and sustain a "core committee" to drive campaign leadership, strategies for keeping all parties in lockstep, and how to prevent the typical pitfalls that occur when campaign leaders feel isolated or overburdened. Amy and Andrea also explore real-life examples from their CEO roundtable sessions, including stories of campaigns undergoing rapid organizational growth and the importance of clear communication during times of disruption.
If you're an executive director or CEO navigating the complexities of a capital campaign, this episode provides expert guidance on how to lead with confidence, streamline operations, and build strong leadership teams. Plus, gain actionable tips on fostering productive relationships with your board and campaign volunteers, and discover the importance of regular leadership team meetings for addressing roadblocks before they derail your campaign.
Tune in to learn how to transform your role as the campaign's chief communicator into one that promotes collaboration, engagement, and ultimately, campaign 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 your leadership and your case for support.
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In this episode, Amy Eisenstein of Capital Campaign Pro sits down with fundraising expert Courtney Leonard, who shares her experiences from an 18-year career in philanthropy. Currently serving as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Clark University, Courtney delves into the challenges and triumphs of leading a $40 million comprehensive campaign at a small university.
Courtney shares how her team leveraged strategic restructuring and pre-campaign planning to ensure they stayed on track while balancing the demands of a swift timeline. She emphasizes the value of cultivating donor relationships during the quiet phase of the campaign and how maintaining open communication with constituents helped build momentum without compromising on strategy.
This episode is packed with practical advice for nonprofit leaders, from how to approach capital campaigns in smaller institutions to the importance of following a structured plan.
Tune in to hear Courtney's reflections on lessons learned, unexpected challenges, and how the right planning can set a campaign up for long-term success.
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In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt discuss the importance of recognizing the unsung heroes of fundraising campaigns. These individuals often work behind the scenes, making crucial contributions that drive campaigns to success. Amy and Andrea share stories of meaningful and creative ways to show gratitude.
They talk about how personalized recognition, such as handwritten notes or thoughtful gifts, can have a lasting impact. Tailoring gratitude to fit each person's personality ensures the appreciation feels genuine. The hosts offer practical examples to inspire listeners to think outside the box.
Finally, Amy and Andrea encourage listeners to share their own ideas for showing gratitude. They emphasize the value of recognizing the key players in campaigns in a way that feels sincere and special to them.
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In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Sarah Plimpton tackle a common issue in the world of fundraising—campaigns getting "stuck." Every fundraising campaign experiences ebbs and flows, but the key to success is knowing how to navigate the valleys. Together, Amy and Sarah share actionable strategies to help you get your campaign back on track.
From revisiting current donors for potential second gifts to leveraging project developments for renewed excitement, this episode is packed with insights. They also dive into the value of asking for donor advice, engaging your community foundation, and deploying targeted challenge gifts. Whether you're in the early stages of a campaign or facing a mid-point slowdown, these tips will give you the tools to reenergize your efforts.
Join Amy and Sarah as they offer practical advice and success stories from real campaigns. Learn how to turn a stalled campaign into a momentum-building success, all while maintaining strong donor relationships and inspiring your community to achieve your fundraising goals.
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In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into the delicate art of managing donor expectations when their funding ideas don’t align with your organization’s mission.
Drawing from a real-life scenario, they explore what to do when a wealthy donor offers a significant contribution—but with a catch. The donor’s vision, in this case, starting a goat farm in Africa, doesn't match the organization’s strategic goals or mission. How do you navigate this complex situation without alienating the donor?
Amy and Andrea share practical advice from a discussion with their CEO Roundtable, emphasizing the importance of sticking to your organization’s strategic plan while tactfully engaging donors in meaningful conversations.
Discover strategies for redirecting donor interests, avoiding mission creep, and preserving relationships—even when the proposed project doesn’t fit. Learn how to buy time, leverage your board, and maintain transparency with donors, all while upholding your organization’s long-term goals.
Key takeaways include:
Tactful ways to decline donor proposals that don't align with your mission. How to use your board and strategic priorities as tools to guide conversations. The benefits of redirecting donors to other organizations when their passion projects don’t fit. Why generosity and collaboration with donors can lead to stronger, long-term relationships.Andrea and Amy also highlight one of Capital Campaign Pro’s innovative services: the monthly CEO Roundtable, where nonprofit leaders from around the globe come together to discuss challenges and solutions related to capital campaigns. This episode is packed with wisdom for nonprofit leaders on how to handle tricky donor situations with grace and strategic foresight.
Tune in to learn how to keep your campaign on track, preserve donor relationships, and confidently steer your organization toward success.
Visit CapitalCampaignPro.com to learn more about how Capital Campaign Pro can help you manage your capital campaign and navigate these vital donor conversations.
Don't miss this insightful episode on managing donor expectations during your capital campaign!
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In this comprehensive episode, Andrea Kihlstedt and Chelsea Lamego dive deep into the critical aspects of managing and reporting on donor funds. Chelsea, co-founder and CEO of FundMiner, shares her expertise on overcoming the complexities of fund management, particularly in large institutions and small nonprofits alike.
The discussion highlights common challenges such as tracking funds, managing restricted gifts, and creating effective impact reports.
Chelsea provides practical advice on where responsibility for impact reporting should lie within an organization, emphasizing the importance of allocating resources wisely and engaging board members. The conversation also addresses the catch-22 of fundraising—how to ensure that the effort to raise funds translates into effective and transparent management that meets donor expectations.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into:
Accountability: Ensuring transparency and delivering on promises made to donors. Impact Reporting: Moving beyond basic acknowledgments to provide meaningful updates on how donor contributions make a difference. Scaling Efforts: Starting with manageable reporting practices and evolving them as the organization grows.Chelsea also shares her personal experiences and practical tips for making impact reporting a fundamental part of fundraising strategy. This episode is essential for anyone involved in development or financial management, offering actionable strategies to enhance donor relations and organizational success.
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In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive deep into one of the most critical questions facing nonprofit leaders: "How do you know if your organization is ready for a capital campaign?" As seasoned campaign experts, Amy and Andrea walk you through the essential indicators that signal whether your nonprofit is prepared to embark on this significant fundraising journey.
They start by debunking a common myth: an anniversary or milestone year does not automatically qualify your organization for a capital campaign. Instead, they emphasize the importance of having a compelling, transformational idea that truly elevates your mission to the next level. Learn why a strategic plan and a well-vetted big idea are crucial before even considering launching a campaign.
Andrea and Amy also discuss the critical role of board engagement. Is your board fully committed and excited about the campaign? Do they understand the project’s implications and are they willing to step up their involvement? Without a solid and supportive board, your campaign is unlikely to succeed.
Another vital point covered in this episode is the necessity of having a history of effective fundraising. The hosts explain why having a track record of securing major gifts and maintaining robust donor relationships is key to campaign readiness. They offer practical advice for organizations that may not yet have asked for million-dollar gifts but have the potential to do so with the right preparation and approach.
Throughout the conversation, Amy and Andrea share real-life examples, including the story of a small arts organization that secured a million-dollar gift despite never having raised such an amount before. This example illustrates that with a compelling vision and the right approach, even smaller nonprofits can achieve big results.
For those who feel their organization might not be ready just yet, don’t worry—Amy and Andrea explain how the pre-campaign planning phase can be a powerful process in itself. By taking the time to prepare, you can build the necessary relationships, strengthen your board, and set the foundation for a successful campaign.
Whether you're on the brink of starting a capital campaign or just exploring the idea, this episode provides actionable insights and expert guidance to help you assess and enhance your readiness.
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!
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In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt and Amy Eisenstein dive into the art of transforming your capital campaign meetings from boring and unproductive to engaging and effective. Whether you're tired of meetings where attendance dwindles or you’re just looking to inject more energy into your sessions, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies.
Andrea and Amy begin by discussing the critical role that meetings play in the success of a capital campaign. Campaigns often span several years and involve numerous committees and workgroups, making well-run meetings essential to maintaining momentum and engagement. They highlight the importance of designing meetings with clear objectives and meaningful participation, ensuring that every attendee feels valued and involved.
The hosts then break down the elements of a "bad meeting"—those sessions where participants check out mentally, engage in other activities like checking emails, or simply don't show up at all. They contrast this with the features of a successful meeting, where participants are eager to attend, actively contribute, and leave feeling accomplished.
Andrea and Amy provide actionable advice on how to design meetings that resonate with your team. They suggest starting every meeting with a clear purpose, engaging participants right from the beginning, and ensuring that everyone has a role to play. They also share their insights on how to handle different personalities in meetings, such as the overly talkative or the silent observer, ensuring a balanced and inclusive discussion.
The episode includes real-life examples and anecdotes that bring their tips to life, illustrating how effective meetings can propel your campaign forward. They also discuss how to use meetings as opportunities for brainstorming, decision-making, and progress reporting, making sure that every session is a step toward your campaign goals.
Whether you're meeting in person or virtually, the principles discussed in this episode apply across the board. Andrea and Amy emphasize that good meeting design is crucial, no matter the format, and they share their experiences in both in-person and virtual settings. From the importance of clear agendas to the necessity of follow-up tasks, this episode covers it all.
By the end of the episode, you’ll have a toolkit of ideas to ensure your meetings are productive, engaging, and pivotal to your campaign’s success. If you’re involved in leading or organizing meetings for a capital campaign, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t let another meeting pass by without putting these expert strategies into practice!
Join Andrea and Amy as they turn the mundane into the motivational and show you how to make every campaign meeting count. Tune in now and start transforming your meetings today!
For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.
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In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into the transformative power of women in philanthropy with their special guest, Kathleen Loehr. Kathleen, a leading expert on women's giving and author of "Gender Matters: A Guide to Growing Women's Philanthropy," shares her deep insights on the unique ways women approach charitable giving and why they are often the unseen yet significant donors in capital campaigns.
Kathleen discusses the rising wealth among women and how they are becoming key decision-makers in philanthropy, often giving more and in different ways compared to their male counterparts. She highlights the importance of curiosity in fundraising, encouraging organizations to ask insightful questions and truly understand the motivations and values of women donors. Kathleen also challenges the traditional fundraising practices that were established with male donors in mind, emphasizing the need to adapt these strategies to better resonate with women and other unseen donors.
Throughout the episode, Kathleen offers practical advice on how to engage women donors effectively, from data mining and asking the right questions to understanding the complexities of women's relationships with money. She also touches on the growing trend of collective giving among women and how role models like MacKenzie Scott and Melinda Gates are inspiring more women to make significant contributions.
Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the world of capital campaigns, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will help you better engage with women donors and unlock their full philanthropic potential. Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation that could transform your approach to fundraising.
Tune in to learn how you can start seeing and valuing the unseen donors in your campaigns!
For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.
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In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive deep into the critical roles that board members play in a successful capital campaign.
With decades of experience, Amy and Andrea share practical insights and actionable advice on how to fully engage your board members, ensuring everyone is aligned and contributing effectively to the campaign’s success.
The episode kicks off with a discussion on the importance of evaluating and possibly restructuring your board before launching a campaign. Andrea emphasizes the need to ensure all board members are not just present, but also fully engaged and excited about the campaign. They discuss how to identify and politely transition those who may not be a good fit for the campaign’s demands.
Amy and Andrea then explore several key roles that board members should take on during the campaign. From selecting the right consultant and making a stretch gift, to serving as advocates and solicitors, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of how each role can contribute to the overall success of the campaign.
They also discuss the significance of board members making meaningful gifts that are significant to them, regardless of the amount.
The hosts highlight the importance of involving board members early in the process, particularly in the selection of a campaign consultant. Andrea points out that this not only aids in selecting the right partner but also serves as a valuable educational experience for the board members.
A key takeaway from this episode is the idea that not every board member needs to be comfortable with asking for donations, but all should support the fundraising efforts in their own way. Amy and Andrea offer tips on how to identify board members who are natural askers and how to train them for success.
Throughout the episode, Amy and Andrea share practical tips on how to keep board members motivated and engaged, such as involving them in prospect brainstorming sessions and leveraging social media to expand their networks.
If you're preparing for a capital campaign or are in the midst of one, this episode is packed with valuable strategies to help you maximize your board’s potential. Don’t miss the chance to download the free Board Member’s Guide to Capital Campaigns available on the Capital Campaign Pro website under the Resources tab. This guide provides even more detailed insights into board members’ roles and responsibilities during a campaign.
Tune in to learn how to turn your board members into your campaign’s biggest champions, and be sure to share this episode with your fellow board members and fundraising team.
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.
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In this eye-opening episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt address the critical issue of rampant fraud that can impact anyone, including nonprofits and individuals.
Andrea shares her personal experience of check fraud and offers practical advice on how to prevent it. From using indelible ink pens to the importance of regularly monitoring bank accounts, they cover essential tips to safeguard your finances.
Tune in for a vital public service announcement that aims to protect your personal and organizational funds from fraudulent activities.
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Amy and Andrea are joined by campaign expert, Xan Blake, in a lively conversation about boards and capital campaigns. Xan suggests that for the early planning phases of a campaign, board members should be in learning mode. Once the campaign plan takes shape, your board will move into a more active role that falls into three buckets: organizing, advocating and participating.
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In this insightful episode, Andrea Kihlstedt and Dedee Wilner-Nugent dive into the transformative power of adopting a growth mindset, particularly in the context of capital campaigns.
As fundraising professionals know, embarking on a capital campaign can be daunting, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Dedee, a senior advisor at Capital Campaign Pro, shares her deep understanding of mindsets and explains how a growth mindset—characterized by resilience, adaptability, and positivity—can be the key to overcoming the inherent stresses of fundraising.
Throughout the conversation, Andrea and Dedee explore practical strategies for cultivating a growth mindset, from harnessing optimism and engaging in positive self-talk to thinking like a scientist when faced with setbacks.
Dedee offers compelling anecdotes from her experience with various organizations, illustrating how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset not only mitigates anxiety but also opens the door to greater opportunities and successes in capital campaigns.
Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the field, this episode provides valuable insights into how a growth mindset can enhance both your personal and professional life.
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