In this episode we talk with Amy Eisenstein, CEO and co-founder of Capital Campaign Pro, about what it really takes to launch a successful capital campaign. With over 25 years of experience in major gift fundraising, Amy shares practical advice for organizations ready to dream big—and fund those dreams sustainably.
Amy explains that a capital campaign is more than a fundraising goal, it’s a long-term investment in an organization’s future. She walks through the key phases of a campaign, from early planning and feasibility studies to the quiet and public phases, emphasizing that success begins with thoughtful preparation and authentic donor engagement.
She talks about how annual fundraising and campaign efforts can strengthen one another rather than compete, and also introduces her modern approach to feasibility studies, where nonprofit leaders engage directly with donors to build stronger relationships and deeper trust. Her final advice is simple but powerful: have one meaningful conversation with a donor every single day. It’s a reminder that great fundraising isn’t just about dollars—it’s about relationships that sustain impact for years to come.
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This Episode Brought to You by:
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.
Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level.
Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
Amy Eisenstein
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-campaign-pro/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyeisensteinacfre/
| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
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