Opportunity or Obligation? Rethinking Who You Interview for Your Feasibility Study

In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt challenge the common mindset around feasibility study interviews and make a compelling case for expanding the list beyond your current top donors. A simple question from a prospective client—“Why do we have to interview more than 12 people?”—sets the stage for a deeper discussion about how nonprofit leaders often confuse necessity with opportunity. Andrea recounts a recent conversation that sparked this topic and explains why interviewing 30 or more people isn’t a burden—it’s a strategic move with long-term benefits. Amy and Andrea break down why feasibility study interviews are not just about assessing campaign readiness but also serve as a powerful tool to build relationships, raise sights, and gather community feedback. This episode offers multiple frameworks for deciding who should be included in your interviews—ranging from concentric circles of connection to categories of influence and gift potential. The conversation includes:Why focusing only on your current top donors limits your campaign’s reachHow talking to $200 donors may uncover individuals with much higher giving capacityThe role of community leaders and philanthropic influencers—even if they aren’t donorsHow to use feasibility interviews to inform and activate powerful connectorsThe difference between transactional interviews and strategic relationship-buildingReal client stories that show how consistent communication can lead to million-dollar gifts This episode also unpacks why including diverse voices, even skeptics or naysayers, helps sharpen your campaign planning and create buy-in across key stakeholder groups. Whether you’re planning your first feasibility study or rethinking your approach for the next one, Amy and Andrea offer practical advice that’s grounded in years of hands-on experience. Their core message? These interviews aren’t a checklist item. They’re an opening. An invitation. A chance to shape how your community sees your campaign and to build new relationships that could turn into major gifts—sometimes months or even years down the road. If you’ve ever wondered how to “find new donors” or questioned the value of guided feasibility studies where staff conduct interviews themselves, this episode offers insights worth considering. Have you been thinking too small with your interview list? This conversation might just change your mind. Don’t forget to subscribe to All About Capital Campaigns wherever you get your podcasts. If you find value in what Amy and Andrea share, take a moment to rate and review the show—it helps others discover practical, experience-based capital campaign advice. For more feasibility study guidance, be sure to download our free Ultimate Guide to Capital Campaign Feasibility Studies - https://capitalcampaignpro.com/feasibility-study-ultimate-guide