What to Do When a Donor Gives Before You Ask

What do you do when a donor gives before you even ask?

In this episode, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt explore one of the most overlooked—and potentially costly—moments in capital campaign fundraising: the preemptive gift.

While it may feel like an easy win, an early donation can actually limit a donor’s full potential if not handled strategically. Amy and Andrea walk through a real-world story and break down how experienced fundraisers navigate these situations with confidence, clarity, and intention.

You’ll learn why donors give before being asked, how to respond in the moment, and how to keep the door open for a larger, more meaningful commitment.

This conversation is especially valuable for executive directors, development leaders, and campaign volunteers who want to avoid common pitfalls and build stronger donor relationships.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why preemptive gifts are often smaller than a donor’s true capacity

• How to respond when a donor hands you a check unexpectedly

• What questions to ask to understand donor motivation

• How to reframe an early gift as part of a larger commitment

• Why preparation is key for your entire campaign team

If you’re preparing for a capital campaign, this is exactly the kind of real-world scenario your team needs to be ready for.

Start by assessing your campaign readiness here: https://capitalcampaignpro.com/assess