In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt talks with Capital Campaign Pro senior advisor Dedee Wilner-Nugent about what to do when a capital campaign feels stalled. Dedee shares a practical framework she uses with clients across the country: the Four Rs. These simple moves help leadership teams steady nerves, reengage volunteers, and rebuild momentum during the quiet phase and beyond.
You’ll learn how to:
Highlights from the conversation:
Whether you are a CEO, development director, or campaign chair, this episode gives you a clear playbook to steady the team and move forward with confidence when progress feels slow.
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 of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt talks with Rob Riley, President of the Northern Forest Center, about how his organization raised $35 million through a unique blend of philanthropy and impact investing.
Spanning 30 million acres across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, the Northern Forest Center set out to revitalize rural communities while protecting the largest continuous forest east of the Mississippi. Rob shares how the organization structured its first capital campaign to combine traditional fundraising with investment opportunities tied to real estate redevelopment, housing, and community revitalization projects.
Listeners will learn how the Northern Forest Center:
Rob also highlights the role of volunteer leadership, the lessons learned from structuring matches and incentives, and the importance of celebrating success to keep momentum alive. From board development to donor cultivation, this conversation offers insights into what it takes to raise transformational capital for large-scale, place-based initiatives.
Whether you are leading a nonprofit campaign, exploring impact investing, or looking for creative approaches to engage donors across regions, this episode offers practical takeaways and inspiring strategies.
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 of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein welcomes Capital Campaign Pro’s Director of Engagement, Steven Shattuck, to explore how nonprofit organizations can approach artificial intelligence with confidence, strategy, and purpose. Whether you’re skeptical of AI or eager to experiment, this conversation unpacks what it means to use AI responsibly while staying focused on relationships and results.
Steven, author of Robots Make Bad Fundraisers, shares his perspective on how AI fits into modern nonprofit work: not as a replacement for the human element, but as a set of tools that can improve efficiency and free up time for the work that truly matters.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
Throughout the conversation, Amy and Steven emphasize that AI should never replace the strategic thinking and relationship-building at the heart of fundraising. Instead, it should support the work of nonprofit leaders, making it faster to draft documents, generate ideas, and prepare for donor interactions. From customizing gift agreements to training new staff or board members, AI is already making a difference for organizations of all sizes.
Notable Highlights:
Steven also reflects on the current moment in nonprofit tech: AI isn’t a passing trend. It’s a shift in how we work.
Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders:
Whether you’re running a $60 million campaign or just beginning to think about how to modernize your systems, this episode offers approachable, practical ideas to help you get started (or go deeper) with AI in your organization.
Resources Mentioned:
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explain why a gift range chart is one of the most essential planning tools for any successful capital campaign. They break down what a gift range chart is, how to create one, and why it can guide your campaign from start to finish.
You’ll hear why setting the right top gift amount is critical, how your donor base size influences the chart’s shape, and what percentage of your total goal should come from your largest gifts. Andrea and Amy share practical examples showing how different organizations—such as a large, well-known nonprofit versus a smaller, more specialized group—might structure their charts for the best results.
The conversation covers:
Listeners will also learn why large gifts almost always come from people already connected to the organization—and why it’s rare to receive a transformational gift from someone with no prior giving history. Amy and Andrea discuss how to set aspirational yet achievable targets, and how to adjust your campaign plan if early research shows that your original goal may be out of reach.
By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how a thoughtfully constructed gift range chart can help you anticipate challenges, guide donor cultivation, and keep your campaign on track from start to finish.
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
For more free capital campaign resources, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/campaign-resources.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt sits down with Graeme Watt, co-owner of Anthem Creative, to explore how nonprofit leaders can sharpen their storytelling to strengthen donor engagement and drive campaign results.
Graeme shares his journey from founding a grassroots youth nonprofit in his living room to leading large-scale digital storytelling efforts with organizations like World Vision. His experience on both sides of the nonprofit spectrum (nimble startup and global giant) gives him a rare lens into what makes storytelling resonate across channels and audiences.
The episode introduces the concept of “anthem stories”: compelling narratives that distill the essence of a nonprofit’s mission, vision, and values through the lived experience of a single person or community. Graeme breaks down how these stories can move beyond abstract mission statements to become powerful tools for donor acquisition, cultivation, and stewardship.
Key Highlights Include:
Why the best campaigns don’t just raise money for buildings or equipment—they tell deeper stories about impact and transformation
What AI may mean for nonprofit storytelling, and why human emotion, authenticity, and connection remain irreplaceable
Graeme also discusses how capital campaigns present a unique opportunity to wrap bold, inspiring stories around organizational moments. Whether you're raising funds for a new facility, celebrating an anniversary, or preparing for a major initiative, understanding and communicating the "bigger story" behind your campaign can make all the difference.
He and Andrea examine practical examples, including how a $600,000 septic system became part of a $2.8 million storytelling-driven campaign, and reflect on the common hesitation nonprofits feel about telling their own stories. They explore why even experienced fundraising professionals can find it challenging to gather and share stories, and how to shift that mindset by embedding storytelling into organizational culture.
To wrap up, Graeme offers two key takeaways:
Whether you're deep into a campaign or just starting to explore how storytelling fits into your fundraising strategy, this episode offers thoughtful insight, practical steps, and inspiring encouragement to help you turn your stories into tools for impact.
For more about Graeme’s work, visit AnthemCreative.ca.
To access free resources on capital campaigns, including guides and tools mentioned in the episode, visit capitalcampaignpro.com/resources.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt unpack a deceptively simple question: what counts toward your campaign goal?
Getting this wrong can damage your credibility, confuse your board and donors, and throw off your reports. The good news? A clear set of campaign policies established early on can prevent most of the trouble. But clarity is not always easy.
Amy and Andrea walk through some of the most common questions organizations face when deciding what to count:
Using real-world stories and candid advice, they explore the consequences of unclear counting rules and the benefits of getting your team on the same page before the campaign is underway. You'll hear how one organization solved a million-dollar deficit thanks to a bequest made 70 years earlier, and how another spent more time than they’d like to admit trying to offload a donor’s beloved collection of heavy metal figurines.
The episode also covers how to handle situations where accounting and fundraising standards don’t align. You might need two sets of reports: one for your auditors and one for your campaign committee. That tension is normal, but it needs to be addressed openly with your team—especially your finance colleagues.
If you're planning a campaign or even thinking about one, this conversation will help you ask smarter questions now so you can avoid bigger problems later. And if you're not sure where to start, the Capital Campaign Pro Toolkit includes sample policies and discussion guides to help you think through these decisions.
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 of All About Capital Campaigns, host Amy Eisenstein is joined by nationally recognized nonprofit consultant Christal Cherry, known to many as “The Board Pro,” to talk about one of the biggest challenges for nonprofit leaders: how to find and keep the right board members.
With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Christal has helped hundreds of organizations rethink board service by focusing on purpose, inclusion, and long-term commitment. In this candid conversation, Christal shares practical, experience-based strategies for board recruitment, onboarding, and engagement that go far beyond the usual advice about fundraising potential or "big pockets."
This episode has answers if you’ve ever wondered:
Amy and Christal explore how to build a board matrix based on your actual needs and values rather than a generic template. They talk about how to assess skill gaps, governance expertise, and lived experience. You’ll hear why recruiting "another Kevin" is often a mistake and why the best question to ask is, "Who is missing?"
Christal also shares smart strategies for organizations with limited staff or budget, including:
You’ll also learn how to keep board members engaged between meetings. Christal shares examples of “board bites,” or mini-trainings on governance or fundraising, and ideas to connect board members to programs and events in a hands-on way.
Finally, the conversation turns to culture. It’s not enough to invite diverse candidates if your boardroom dynamics, expectations, or meeting times haven’t changed. Christal explains what it means to prepare your organization for inclusion, including how to rethink time commitments, accessibility, and the unspoken norms that might be keeping new voices out.
Whether you’re preparing for a capital campaign, growing your board, or trying to strengthen governance, this episode is full of advice you can put to work right away.
Topics covered:
Learn more about Christal Cherry at www.theboardpro.com, including tools and resources for recruitment and engagement
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.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt break down a true story about a $2.5 million gift — and how it started with a donor who originally gave just $1,000 a year.
Andrea shares a firsthand account from one of her coaching clients who transformed a modest corporate gift into a major, multi-year commitment. What made it happen? A mix of persistence, timing, courage, and a smart, hands-on approach to donor engagement.
You’ll hear:
This episode is packed with practical takeaways for campaign leaders who are wondering how to move donors from modest support to leadership-level giving. Andrea and Amy reflect on the real work that happens behind the scenes, including building relationships over time, watching for leadership changes, and creating moments that spark genuine enthusiasm.
They also emphasize that even if your organization doesn't have a science center or museum to show off, you can still craft meaningful ways for donors to feel connected and invested in your mission. Whether it’s a tour, a hands-on experience, or a story told with heart, engagement can be your strongest strategy.
If you’re heading into a campaign and wondering how to inspire your donors to step up in a big way, this episode shows how it happens—not through luck, but through strategy and care.
To explore how Capital Campaign Pro can support your next campaign, visit capitalcampaignpro.com. And if this episode got you thinking, share it with your team or fellow fundraisers. You never know who might need to hear it!
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt sits down with Cindy Mewhinney, Director of Advancement at the Shaw Festival, and Richard Quinn, Senior Advisor with Capital Campaign Pro, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Shaw Festival’s bold and inspiring $150 million capital campaign: All.Together.Now.
Cindy and Richard unpack how a campaign that began with a simple plan to rebuild the Royal George Theatre transformed into a movement built around creativity, community, and long-term impact. From the acquisition of a new property for artist housing to the launch of the Burton Center for Lifelong Creativity, the campaign expanded in vision, scope, and ambition—all while keeping donors, volunteers, and board members engaged and energized.
Listen as they share:
You’ll also hear the value of combining capital and planned giving conversations, and how early feasibility testing helped reshape the entire direction of the campaign.
Whether you're just getting started or already deep into planning, this episode offers practical takeaways and strategic insight from a campaign that redefined what’s possible.
For free resources and support for your own capital campaign, visit capitalcampaignpro.com.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, co-founders Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore one of the most pressing and often overlooked issues in campaign planning: staffing. Whether you’re leading a small shop or part of a more established development office, running a capital campaign on top of your existing workload presents real challenges—and demands smart staffing decisions.
Amy and Andrea outline practical strategies for expanding your team in ways that support both short-term campaign success and long-term fundraising growth. They emphasize that campaigns are not just about raising money—they’re about strengthening your organization’s capacity, including your development infrastructure.
Listeners will learn:
The conversation also covers the importance of campaign-specific expertise. Amy and Andrea explain why engaging consulting support early on is critical to help your team develop strategy, set priorities, and remain accountable throughout the campaign.
This episode is especially useful for executive directors, development leaders, and board members who want to understand what it truly takes to support a campaign effectively. It offers grounded advice on aligning capacity with goals so that your team can succeed without burning out.
Additional highlights include:
If your organization is preparing for a capital campaign - or currently trying to keep one afloat without enough hands - this episode offers clear direction and valuable insights to help you structure your team for success.
Be sure to check out the Development Office Readiness Assessment, a free downloadable tool mentioned in the episode, available here and at capitalcampaignpro.com under the Resources tab.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein hosts a conversation with Stephanie Wilensky, Development Director at CooperRiis Healing Community, and Capital Campaign Pro Senior Advisor Xan Blake.
Together, they share a compelling story of how a small fundraising team kept momentum alive in the face of extraordinary circumstances, including a devastating hurricane that left the organization temporarily disconnected and without water.
Located in Western North Carolina, CooperRiis Healing Community launched a capital campaign focused on long-term sustainability through a $6 million endowment and 10 documented planned gifts. When Hurricane Helene struck mid-campaign, the team’s response was immediate and community-centered. Despite personal and professional disruptions, including severe property damage and the urgent need to care for residents, staff, and families, the organization chose to continue its campaign with renewed clarity.
Listeners will hear how:
Xan Blake offers a consultant’s perspective on the critical decisions that helped preserve campaign momentum and the importance of honoring both immediate needs and long-term goals. Stephanie reflects on the personal and organizational growth sparked by working through a campaign in the midst of disaster recovery.
Whether you're working in a small shop, planning an endowment campaign, or simply wondering if you can continue your campaign after a major disruption, this episode offers valuable insights, encouragement, and concrete examples of how determination, flexibility, and mission alignment can help you move forward.
Highlights include:
Tune in to learn how one team turned challenge into opportunity, and why long-term vision can withstand even the toughest storms.
For more tips on how your organization can maintain your resiliency during whatever challenging times lie ahead, download our free eBook Fundraising in Uncertain Times.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore a topic too often overlooked: how to include your full staff—not just your fundraising team—in the campaign process.From front-desk staff to program leaders, finance officers to communications teams, everyone has a role to play. Andrea and Amy walk through how different departments are affected by a campaign and why it's crucial that each group understands the timing, goals, and expectations. They offer real examples, including a front-desk "mystery donor" test that revealed a major gap in internal communication.
You’ll hear how campaigns often require a shift in messaging, reporting, and collaboration across departments. The conversation covers:
The episode also highlights the importance of ongoing internal updates—quarterly or even monthly—to keep your team aligned as the campaign progresses. Amy and Andrea emphasize that campaigns should energize your entire organization, not just the development office.
If you're already in a campaign or just starting to plan, this episode will help you build internal clarity and momentum from the inside out.
To ensure your campaign ends in a celebration, download our free Capital Campaign Step-by-Step Guide & Checklist - https://capitalcampaignpro.com/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 of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein welcomes two experienced Capital Campaign Pro advisors, Paula Peter and Kristin Raack, for a deep conversation about assessing campaign readiness. With decades of combined experience guiding nonprofits through the early stages of major fundraising initiatives, Paula and Kristin offer practical insights to help organizations determine if the time is right for a campaign—and what to do if it’s not yet.
The discussion begins by exploring the foundational elements of readiness: a clear and compelling vision, internal alignment among board and staff, and a solid understanding of what the campaign will fund and why it matters. Paula and Kristin highlight the importance of internal consensus and strategic planning to ensure that all key stakeholders are working toward a shared goal.
They also stress the value of early engagement among leadership teams. When boards and staff are out of sync—whether due to capacity concerns, unclear priorities, or lack of experience—the likelihood of campaign success diminishes. Through stories from their advisory work, they demonstrate how a readiness assessment can uncover disconnects and help organizations build internal alignment before launching a campaign.
Kristin introduces the concept of “campaign mindset”—a critical ingredient for success. Beyond having resources or experience, what matters most is an organization's commitment to prioritize the campaign. Are the board and staff prepared to make strategic decisions and sustain momentum even when the process becomes challenging?
The conversation moves to donor readiness. Paula and Kristin discuss what they look for in a donor base, including how well an organization understands its top supporters and how engaged those donors are. They debunk the myth that an organization must already have a mature major gifts program to succeed. Many organizations learn to raise major gifts through the campaign process itself.
Practical examples are shared throughout the episode, including:
Amy, Paula, and Kristin emphasize that a readiness assessment rarely ends with a flat “no.” Instead, it typically results in a roadmap of clear next steps so that organizations can move forward confidently in the next 6 to 18 months. Whether that means strengthening internal processes, clarifying goals, or building new donor relationships, a thoughtful preparation phase positions campaigns for long-term success.
Listeners will walk away with clarity on:
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 answer a key question: Do you need a feasibility study before launching a capital campaign? Their answer is a clear yes—and they explain why skipping one can lead to poor decisions, missed opportunities, and campaign failure.
They walk through how traditional feasibility studies have often kept donor feedback behind a curtain, leaving nonprofit leaders with vague reports and no way to follow up. Amy and Andrea introduce a new model where nonprofit staff lead the conversations with major donors themselves—building stronger relationships and collecting better insights along the way.
Learn the benefits of guided feasibility studies, how they help shape realistic campaign goals, and why involving your largest donors early can change the course of your fundraising. You’ll also hear a compelling story of a million-dollar gift that would’ve been lost under the old model.
If you're thinking about a campaign, don’t miss this episode. You’ll come away with two key takeaways: a feasibility study sets you up for a successful campaign, and you should never outsource your donor relationships.
For more feasibility study guidance, be sure to download our free Ultimate Guide to Capital Campaign Feasibility Studies.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle a common challenge: well-meaning board members whose ideas can derail a campaign. From insisting on fundraising galas to asking for gifts too early—or too small—board members often act with good intentions but without a clear understanding of how campaigns actually work.
Amy and Andrea share real-life examples of how campaigns have gone off course due to board members pushing for events, making premature asks, setting unrealistic goals, or resisting professional help. They explain why these situations happen and what staff and leadership teams can do to address them without damaging relationships.
You’ll hear practical suggestions like:
This episode also explores why compassion and curiosity matter when redirecting board members—and how a calm, strategic approach can keep your campaign focused, your team unified, and your donors confident.
If you’ve got a board member pushing for a golf tournament to raise $10 million, this one’s for you.
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.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explain how to set a realistic, aspirational fundraising goal for your capital campaign—without pulling a number out of thin air.
They share three essential factors to consider: the cost of your project, a multiple of your current fundraising capacity, and the potential size of your top gifts. You'll learn how these inputs come together to form a working goal—a draft goal used to guide early planning and donor conversations.
Amy and Andrea also tackle what happens when the full project cost exceeds what your donors can realistically fund. You'll hear why it's smart to test a high goal, how to plan for multiple funding sources, and why flexibility is built into the best campaigns.
If you're unsure where to start with goal setting, this episode offers a clear, grounded approach—and a reminder that courage and clarity go hand in hand when asking for big gifts.
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 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:
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.
In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle one of the most pressing concerns for campaign leaders: the fear of failure. They explore the nuanced definitions of campaign success and failure, revealing that it’s not just about meeting financial goals but also about setting the right expectations and navigating unexpected challenges.
Listen in as they recount real-life stories of organizations that faced campaign obstacles and emerged stronger. Discover how a clear order of solicitation, a compelling case for support, and a well-defined campaign plan can be your keys to success.
In this insightful episode of the All About Capital Campaigns podcast, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt delve into the pivotal role of feasibility studies in capital campaigns. They present three compelling reasons why conducting a feasibility study is not just beneficial but essential for campaign success.
Amy and Andrea also introduce Capital Campaign Pro's innovative Guided Feasibility Study model, which empowers nonprofit leaders to conduct donor interviews themselves, with expert guidance, enhancing authenticity and internal capacity.
Whether you're contemplating a capital campaign or seeking to optimize your fundraising strategy, this episode offers practical advice and proven methodologies to set your campaign on the path to success.
In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt tackle a pressing challenge faced by many nonprofit organizations: managing unexpected government funding cuts. They explore strategies for launching a successful gap funding campaign, a targeted approach to securing crucial short-term donations to sustain vital programs.
Amy and Andrea explain what distinguishes gap funding campaigns from traditional capital campaigns, highlighting why nonprofits should approach them differently. Learn practical steps for clearly communicating urgent funding needs to your donors, building contingency plans, and leveraging this moment to strengthen relationships with your supporters.
You'll hear inspiring examples of how nonprofits have swiftly mobilized donor support to replace lost government grants, providing a lifeline for critical community services. Amy and Andrea also discuss common concerns about donor capacity during uncertain economic times and offer reassurance about the generosity and financial stability of committed supporters.
Listeners will come away equipped with actionable guidance on crafting a compelling case for support, organizing an effective short-term fundraising committee, and using this campaign as an opportunity to connect more deeply with major donors. Discover how proactive fundraising can safeguard your organization’s mission and set the stage for increased sustainability.
Listen now to ensure your nonprofit is prepared to handle funding uncertainties with confidence and clarity.
