Episode
How a Capital Campaign can Turbo-Charge a Modest Fundraising Operation
- Published
- Jun 2, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1910
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Summary
What does it actually take to launch a $40 million campaign when your organization has almost no fundraising history? Andrea Kihlstedt sits down with Wendy Connors, CEO of the Hertz Foundation, for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most remarkable campaign transformations in recent memory. The Hertz Foundation supports science and engineering PhD students — but for most of its history, it barely fundraised at all. When Wendy joined to lead development, the board didn't even know the difference between an annual gift and a campaign gift. What happened next is a masterclass in what capital campaigns can actually do for an organization. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Wendy refused to outsource the feasibility study interviews — and what she gained by doing them herself How the Hertz Foundation tripled its volunteer force and what it did to giving The pivotal moment two co-chairs made major gifts that unlocked the entire public phase How a community that preferred anonymity and didn't pledge learned to give at a transformational level Three things Wendy says every nonprofit leader should do before launching a campaign This is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader who wonders whether their organization has what it takes — and wants to hear from someone who found out firsthand. Ready to start your own campaign study? Get the full guide at capitalcampaignpro.com/feasibility-study-ultimate-guide/