Capital Campaign Bootcamp: A Foundational Intensive
The 4-hour Bootcamp is a high-impact introductory intensive designed to give nonprofit leaders a clear, practical understanding of what a capital campaign truly requires. This is not a sales pitch or surface overview. It is a candid, strategic examination of readiness, risk, infrastructure, leadership expectations, and the disciplined planning necessary to execute a successful campaign.
All are welcome to attend this introductory intensive to gain a grounded understanding of capital campaign fundamentals—whether your organization is actively considering a campaign or simply exploring long-term growth strategies. Participants will leave with a realistic picture of timelines, board responsibilities, major gift expectations, case development, feasibility considerations, and the structure of a quiet phase.
For organizations interested in enrolling in the full Capital Campaign Planning Course, attendance at the Bootcamp is required. The intensive establishes a shared baseline of knowledge and ensures that cohort participants enter the extended course prepared for advanced, application-based work rather than introductory discussion.
A capital campaign is a defining organizational moment. The Bootcamp helps you determine whether you are ready—and what must be strengthened before moving forward.
Course Instructor and Facilitator:
Cindy Hales, Ed.D. is the Vice President of Community Investment at the Capital Region Community Foundation. There she leads the team responsible for the foundation’s grant making, nonprofit capacity building, and scholarship coordination. She has served in that role since 2018.
Prior to joining the foundation, Cindy spent 18 years as a fundraiser working in higher education and healthcare, where she participated in multimillion-dollar campaigns. She strongly believes that successful fundraising requires good planning, thoughtful strategy, and genuine commitment to helping donors fulfill their charitable interests.
Cindy holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. She has also served on countless nonprofit boards. In her spare time, Cindy is an avid reader who currently leads her women’s book club and loves tending to her backyard garden. But her passion is travel! Cindy is eagerly planning out the details of her 2026 safari to Tanzania.
Nonprofit Network's vision is to be a valued partner working alongside nonprofits and their leaders to transform communities so that all people can thrive.

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