Board members play a critical role in every successful capital campaign—but too often, they're expected to lead without ever being taught how campaigns actually work. What if there were a practical guide written specifically for them? In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt interviews Amy Eisenstein and Sarah Plimpton about their new book, A Board Member's Guide to Capital Campaign Fundraising: How to Raise Game-Changing Money for Your Nonprofit. Drawing on decades of experience advising hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Amy and Sarah explain why they wrote the book, what board members need to know before a campaign begins, and how nonprofit leaders can use the book as a practical tool to educate and engage their boards. Board members are often enthusiastic supporters of their organizations, yet many have little or no experience with capital campaigns. They may wonder why campaigns unfold the way they do, what they're expected to contribute, how fundraising actually works, or why campaign consultants and feasibility studies are necessary. Those unanswered questions can create uncertainty and anxiety at exactly the time organizations need confident, informed leadership. Amy and Sarah explain how the book was designed to meet board members wherever they are in their fundraising journey. Rather than assuming prior campaign experience, it answers the most common questions boards ask in clear, approachable language. The book covers campaign fundamentals, board leadership responsibilities, fundraising expectations, campaign strategy, feasibility studies, common misconceptions, and practical advice for navigating challenges that arise during a campaign. One of the most distinctive features of the book is the discussion questions included at the end of every chapter. Rather than simply providing information, the authors encourage executive directors, development directors, board chairs, and campaign leaders to use the book as the foundation for ongoing board education. Amy and Sarah discuss how organizations can incorporate the chapters into regular board meetings, committee discussions, and campaign planning over the course of many months. The conversation also offers practical advice for nonprofit leaders preparing for a future campaign. Rather than waiting until fundraising begins, Amy recommends introducing the book to board members a year or more before launching a campaign, creating shared understanding long before major decisions and solicitations take place. Whether you're a nonprofit CEO, executive director, development professional, campaign volunteer, board chair, or trustee preparing for a capital campaign, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most overlooked ingredients of campaign success: an informed, confident, and engaged board. In this episode, you'll learn: Why board members often struggle during capital campaignsWhat inspired the creation of A Board Member's Guide to Capital Campaign FundraisingThe questions board members ask most oftenHow the book is organized for practical useWhy readability matters when educating volunteersHow to use the discussion questions during board meetingsWhen organizations should introduce campaign education to their boardsWhy campaign preparation should begin long before fundraising startsHow board education reduces anxiety and improves campaign leadershipPractical ways executive directors and development staff can use the book throughout a campaignIf you've ever wished your board better understood capital campaigns—or if you're a board member who wants greater confidence in your fundraising role—this episode introduces a resource designed specifically for you. To purchase A Board Member’s Guide to Capital Campaign Fundraising, visit https://capitalcampaignpro.com/books/board-members-guide-book/
