Mastering Fundraising Podcast: Capital Campaigns with Ryan Marshall, Assistant Vice President for Development at Atrium Health Foundation
In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, Chris Looney sits down with Ryan Marshall to explore one of the most important and misunderstood areas of fundraising: capital campaigns. Ryan brings more than a decade of hands-on campaign experience, from national consulting work to leading major philanthropic initiatives within Atrium Health, one of the most dynamic healthcare systems in the country.
This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to prepare for a successful campaign long before the first gift is solicited. Ryan shares candid insights on organizational readiness, feasibility studies, early donor engagement, and how to build momentum that carries through the quiet phase and beyond.
Key takeaways from the episode include: • Why organizations often fall in love with solutions instead of the problems donors want to solve • The five conditions every nonprofit should evaluate before entering a campaign • How leaders can build early buy-in through curiosity, listening, and donor partnership • Why the quiet phase is where campaigns are won or lost • How to guide volunteers with realistic expectations and clearly defined roles • Strategies for recharging momentum when a campaign feels stalled • Why adaptability is one of the most important leadership skills in campaign management • What healthcare systems will face in the next decade and why philanthropy must sit at the strategy table • The mindset shift that turns transactional giving into transformational support
Ryan’s blend of humility, clarity, and practical wisdom makes this a must-listen for any fundraiser preparing for a campaign, considering a campaign, or currently in one.
Listen, learn, and subscribe for more conversations that help you master the art and science of fundraising.
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