How a $150MM Capital Campaign Took Center Stage at the Shaw Festival

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, Andrea Kihlstedt sits down with Cindy Mewhinney, Director of Advancement at the Shaw Festival, and Richard Quinn, Senior Advisor with Capital Campaign Pro, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Shaw Festival’s bold and inspiring $150 million capital campaign: All.Together.Now.

Cindy and Richard unpack how a campaign that began with a simple plan to rebuild the Royal George Theatre transformed into a movement built around creativity, community, and long-term impact. From the acquisition of a new property for artist housing to the launch of the Burton Center for Lifelong Creativity, the campaign expanded in vision, scope, and ambition—all while keeping donors, volunteers, and board members engaged and energized.

Listen as they share:

• How the campaign grew from a $50 million project to a $150 million campaign
• Why legacy gifts became a central pillar of their strategy—and how those conversations started
• What role “long-shot” prospects played in some of their largest and most surprising gifts
• How board alignment and volunteer leadership fueled momentum from the quiet phase through the public launch
• Why patience, flexibility, and trust in leadership were essential as the campaign evolved
• The unique way they’re using this campaign to spotlight “real human connection” through theater and community

You’ll also hear the value of combining capital and planned giving conversations, and how early feasibility testing helped reshape the entire direction of the campaign.

Whether you're just getting started or already deep into planning, this episode offers practical takeaways and strategic insight from a campaign that redefined what’s possible.

For free resources and support for your own capital campaign, visit capitalcampaignpro.com.