What the Data Really Says About Capital Campaign Success

Описание: Most capital campaign advice comes from stories and experience. This episode brings three years of real data that confirms what actually works and what common fears miss.


In this episode of All About Capital Campaigns, host Amy Eisenstein is joined by Steven Shattuck, Director of Engagement and Technology at Capital Campaign Pro, to share findings from the third annual Capital Campaign Benchmark Report. Drawing on responses from more than 650 organizations, they explore what successful campaigns have in common, how annual funds perform during and after campaigns, and why gift distribution follows a predictable pattern that boards need to understand.


Amy and Steven begin by explaining how the research is conducted and why the consistency across three years matters. Organizations at every stage were surveyed, from early planning to post campaign completion, creating a living dataset that reflects how campaigns actually unfold. With that foundation in place, they tackle one of the biggest questions nonprofit leaders ask. Are capital campaigns successful? The answer from the data is clear. An overwhelming majority of completed campaigns report success, even when final totals land below the original goal. Many organizations still complete transformative projects, expand services, and raise more money than ever before.


The conversation then turns to a long standing concern that often stops campaigns before they start. What happens to the annual fund? The research shows that for most organizations, annual giving holds steady or increases during a campaign, followed by strong growth after the campaign concludes. Amy and Steven discuss why this happens and how thoughtful campaign planning strengthens donor relationships, systems, and staff capacity in ways that support long term fundraising health.


They also break down one of the most misunderstood elements of campaign strategy. Where the money really comes from. New data confirms that a small group of lead donors provides the majority of campaign dollars, reinforcing the importance of a disciplined quiet phase, early leadership gifts, and a realistic gift range chart. This section offers clear language leaders can use with boards to explain why campaigns are built from the top down and inside out.


Throughout the episode, the focus stays on practical insight backed by evidence. From feasibility studies to board expectations, this conversation equips nonprofit leaders with credible data they can use to plan, explain, and lead campaigns with confidence.


You can download the full 2026 Capital Campaign Benchmark Report here (https://capitalcampaignpro.com/resear...) and share it with your leadership teams as a grounding tool for smarter decisions.