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

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:


Use gift range and depth charts to strategically plan your capital campaign.


Identify and engage potential lead donors based on their capacity and relationship with your organization.


Adjust your fundraising strategies according to the breadth and depth of your donor base.

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!