Dispelling Myths: Insights from the 2024-25 Capital Campaigns Benchmark Report

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt dive into the much-anticipated findings from the second annual State of Capital Campaigns Benchmark Report. This essential research, conducted by Capital Campaign Pro, unveils key insights into the capital campaign process, providing data-driven answers to questions that have lingered in the fundraising world for years. Amy and Andrea discuss pivotal takeaways, such as the reassuring evidence that capital campaigns do not detract from annual fund revenue. In fact, for over three-quarters of organizations surveyed, annual funds either held steady or grew during their campaigns, debunking the common fear of "cannibalization." The hosts also reveal the remarkable role of feasibility studies in enhancing campaign success, emphasizing that organizations who conduct these studies experience improved donor relationships, stronger staff performance, and more effective fundraising systems. Other enlightening topics include: The Value of Feasibility Studies: Organizations that invest in a feasibility study not only gain a clearer path forward but also report significant improvements in donor engagement and staff effectiveness. Board Giving Doesn’t Make or Break Campaign Success: Contrary to popular belief, organizations can succeed without having a wealthy board. The data shows that board contributions average around 15% of campaign goals, illustrating that success is achievable with a range of board structures. The Top-Heavy Nature of Capital Campaigns: Andrea and Amy break down the "Pareto Principle" in capital campaigns, where the top 20 gifts typically cover 70% of the campaign goal, emphasizing the importance of engaging major donors early in the process. Overcoming Economic and Political Uncertainty: Recorded on election day, the hosts reflect on how resilient campaigns are, even during uncertain economic or political climates. Their message? Don’t be spooked—successful campaigns continue to thrive regardless of external factors. Tune in to gain insights, bust myths, and learn best practices that will strengthen your campaign strategy. Be sure to download the full research report at capitalcampaignpro.com/research.