In this episode of "All About Capital Campaigns," Andrea Kihlstedt, co-founder of Capital Campaign Pro, delves into the intriguing world of donor-advised funds and community foundations, breaking down their complexity and revealing how they can be a game-changer for your fundraising efforts. With guest expert Laura Young, a former vice president at the Maine Community Foundation and a seasoned capital campaign consultant, this episode offers a rare insight into both the advantages and the...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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 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...

Embark on a journey with Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt as they delve into the critical aspect of staffing for a successful capital campaign. In this episode, they unravel the complexities of determining who does what, emphasizing the need for a well-equipped team to navigate the intricacies of fundraising. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit or a founder-run organization, staffing considerations are paramount. Discover diverse staffing models through real-world examples, including...

Join us on this insightful episode of "All About Capital Campaigns" as Andrea Kihlstedt engages in a candid conversation with Jacqueline House, Vice President of Communications and Community Involvement at Safe Children Coalition in Sarasota, Florida. Jacqueline, a trailblazing woman of color, shares her journey in fundraising and communications, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of leading a $7.5 million capital campaign in an organization undergoing significant...

In this episode, Amy and Andrea explore the art of setting the right campaign goal. Is there such a thing as a "right" goal, and how do you determine it? Discover the three key considerations organizations must keep in mind when establishing their campaign goals. First and foremost, what do you need the money for? Amy and Andrea guide you through aligning your financial objectives with the impactful outcomes you aim to achieve. Learn how to connect your campaign goal to your organization's...

In this episode, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt share a quick 15-minute readiness quiz to determine if your organization is ready for a capital campaign. Whether you're considering a million or $100 million campaign, these three simple questions will guide you in assessing your preparedness. Question 1: What's the purpose of your campaign? Discover why it's crucial to articulate a compelling case that resonates beyond your organization and learn the key elements that make your...

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein, joined by special guest Sarah Plimpton, the Director of Client Happiness at Capital Campaign Pro, dives deep into an effective strategy for keeping your capital campaign prospects organized during the quiet phase. Discover the ABCD method, a straightforward approach to categorizing and managing your prospect pipeline. From the initial discovery phase to making the ask, learn how to strategically navigate each step, ensuring a steady stream of prospective...