From $1,000 to $2.5 Million: How One Donor Stepped Up in a Big Way

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt break down a true story about a $2.5 million gift — and how it started with a donor who originally gave just $1,000 a year.

Andrea shares a firsthand account from one of her coaching clients who transformed a modest corporate gift into a major, multi-year commitment. What made it happen? A mix of persistence, timing, courage, and a smart, hands-on approach to donor engagement.

You’ll hear:

• How an early annual donor (who once asked to stop being emailed!) became a seven-figure campaign sponsor
• What changed when a new leader stepped into the decision-making role
• Why inviting a company’s entire marketing team to visit the organization in person made all the difference
• How having the courage to ask for more can lead to transformative gifts
• Why “we don’t have major donors” often just means “we’ve never made the case”

This episode is packed with practical takeaways for campaign leaders who are wondering how to move donors from modest support to leadership-level giving. Andrea and Amy reflect on the real work that happens behind the scenes, including building relationships over time, watching for leadership changes, and creating moments that spark genuine enthusiasm.

They also emphasize that even if your organization doesn't have a science center or museum to show off, you can still craft meaningful ways for donors to feel connected and invested in your mission. Whether it’s a tour, a hands-on experience, or a story told with heart, engagement can be your strongest strategy.

If you’re heading into a campaign and wondering how to inspire your donors to step up in a big way, this episode shows how it happens—not through luck, but through strategy and care.

To explore how Capital Campaign Pro can support your next campaign, visit capitalcampaignpro.com. And if this episode got you thinking, share it with your team or fellow fundraisers. You never know who might need to hear it!