A Legacy of Generosity

Every year, one report shapes how the nonprofit world understands philanthropy in America — and this year's findings are worth paying attention to. In this episode, hosts Kristi Ackley and Jen Emerick-Cayton of Growth By Design sit down with Josh Birkholz, Senior Fellow of Philanthropy Innovation at BWF Zuri, a fundraising and philanthropy consulting firm based in Minneapolis. Josh is a past chair...

Corporate sponsorships can be a game-changer for nonprofit events — but only if you know how to pursue them strategically. In this episode, hosts Kristi Ackley of Growth By Design and Carl Newbanks of Initiative Foundation sit down with fundraising expert Mike Esposito of Mike Esposito Fundraising in Brooklyn, NY, to break down what it really takes to attract and retain corporate partners. Mike br...

Estate planning isn't just a legal task — it's one of the most meaningful acts of care you can take for the people (and animals) you love. In this episode, hosts Kristi Ackley and Ali Schneider sit down with Rachel Schromen, estate planning attorney and founder of Schromen Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, to demystify the process and make it feel a whole lot less scary. Rachel brings a refreshingly hum...

Fundraising isn’t just about dollars raised — it’s about trust earned. In this thoughtful conversation, host Kristi Ackley sits down with fundraising professionals Rebecca Lynn Peterson and Amy Allen to explore the relational heart of philanthropy. From their unexpected journeys into the field to the long-term strategy behind planned giving, they share practical wisdom for building meaningful dono...

As the new year gets underway, we’re revisiting this timely conversation to help you pause, plan, and move forward with clarity. The insights here are as relevant now as ever for nonprofits looking to start the year strong. Ready to start your year strong? Brenda Moore joins Mark Beenken and Carl Newbanks to share strategies for kicking off a successful fundraising year. ✨ Inside this episode: Ho...

The Great Wealth Transfer: What It Means for Rural Communities with Ben Winchester and Janel Fredericksen Over the next two decades, America will see the largest transfer of wealth in history— and rural communities stand to gain or lose more than many realize . In this timely conversation, hosts Camille Walz (West Central Initiative) and Kristi Ackley (Growth By Design) sit down with rural sociolo...

Great leadership doesn’t just happen — it’s cultivated. In this inspiring conversation, host Ali Schneider talks with business coach and master trainer LuAnn Buechler , board president of The Coach Initiative , a nonprofit providing pro bono coaching to leaders across the humanitarian and nonprofit sector. Together, they unpack how coaching becomes a powerful catalyst for growth, clarity, and expa...

This Veterans Day, discover how the bond between horses and humans is helping veterans find peace, purpose, and connection. Patti Gruber, Executive Director of Operation Wild Horse , joins host and U.S. Navy veteran Kristi Ackley to share how equine therapy is transforming lives — one relationship at a time. ✨ Inside this episode: How horses help veterans rebuild trust, communication, and confide...

Getting your board involved in fundraising doesn’t have to feel like pushing a boulder uphill. In this episode, hosts Camille Pearson Walz and Kristi Ackley sit down with Hillary Frances of Flying Whale Strategies to share practical, proven ways to inspire your board to engage with confidence and clarity. ✨ Inside this episode: How to define clear board roles and expectations around fundraising S...

What happens when advocacy and generosity work hand-in-hand? In this powerful conversation, Ali Schneider from Animal Humane Society and Kelsey Polcher from Save the Boundary Waters explore how donors can become catalysts for real, lasting change. ✨ In this episode, you’ll discover: How fundraising and advocacy strengthen each other The crucial role donors play in driving community transformation...

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are shaping the future of philanthropy—but how can nonprofits and donors harness them more effectively? Hosts Camille Pearson Walz and Kristi Ackley sit down with Chris Beach of the Minneapolis Foundation for a dynamic look at where DAFs are heading and how they’re influencing modern giving. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: How DAFs are evolving and what that means for...

Women are shaping the future of giving at an unprecedented scale. Hosts Gay Gonnerman and Camille Pearson Walz talk with Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa about how the great wealth transfer is elevating women’s influence—and what nonprofits need to understand to engage them meaningfully. ✨ In this episode, you’ll explore: How women approach legacy planning differently than men The unique opportunities...

Generosity grows when it’s planned with intention. In this episode, Kristi Ackley and CPA Kyle Wesely reveal how strategic tax and financial planning can transform charitable giving into a powerful tool for both donors and the causes they support. You’ll discover: Practical tax-wise strategies that maximize donor impact How to align giving with personal values and long-term goals Ways to strengthe...

The future of fundraising is already unfolding — are you ready for it? Guest host Rebecca Lynn Petersen sits down with Katrina Pierson to explore the trends, skills, and strategies shaping tomorrow’s philanthropic landscape. We explore: Key trends reshaping fundraising today and tomorrow Characteristics of successful fundraisers in a changing world Why mindfulness and emotional intelligence matter...

Thoughtful planning today can shape legacies for generations to come. Host Ali Schneider talks with Sherrie Beal, a leader in one of the nation’s most established planned giving programs, about the art and impact of estate planning. You’ll discover: How to have deeper, more intentional conversations with donors Practical ways to educate supporters about planned giving options Strategies to foster...

Your roots can inspire your greatest impact. In this conversation, Kristi Ackley talks with Chris Haarstick about how he started a community fund in his 20s to invest in the future of his northern Minnesota hometown. You’ll discover: The power of community giving and why it matters How younger generations are actively shaping their legacies Inspiring lessons from Chris’s journey as a hometown phil...

Great leadership starts with the fundamentals. Host Gay Gonnerman sits down with Dale Wright, Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, to explore his “Core Four” principles of leadership. You’ll discover: Dale’s Core Four: Attitude, Focus, Discipline, and Consistency How collaboration drives stronger results across teams and organizations Leadership...

What does it take to align values, finances, and impact? Host Ali Schneider sits down with Christy Boysen of Apex Legacy Consultants to explore innovative approaches to legacy planning that inspire both donors and fundraisers. We cover: How Apex Legacy guides clients through values-driven legacy planning When fundraisers should connect donors with professional consultants Practical tips for fundra...

Are you overlooking the true power of fundraising events? Host Kristi Ackley talks with Anne Rodenberg of Wilder Foundation about how events can be more than just fundraisers — they can be transformational stewardship opportunities. You’ll discover: How to integrate events into your broader donor strategy Ways to connect events with major and planned gift conversations Practical tips for building...

Every big program starts small — sometimes from scratch. In this popular replay episode, co-hosts Carl Newbanks and Marie Ruzek explore how Sarah Staiger launched a successful planned giving program and the lessons she learned along the way. You’ll discover: How to normalize legacy giving within leadership teams Action steps to embed planned giving into your annual fundraising plan Ways to overcom...

What does it look like to build a planned giving program from the ground up? Host Ali Schneider talks with Kelsey Tyler of Second Harvest Heartland about her journey from major gifts to planned giving. You’ll discover: The unique challenges of starting a planned giving program Lessons from transitioning between major giving and legacy giving Kelsey’s approach to cultivating stronger donor relation...

What does fundraising look like in diverse Native communities? Host Carl Newbanks speaks with Josh Arce and Joe Langenderfer from Partnership With Native Americans about their work strengthening self-sufficiency through philanthropy. You’ll discover: Modern approaches to fundraising that respect culture and tradition Strategies for cultivating donor relationships for legacy gifts Lessons in accoun...

Sometimes the hardest part of fundraising isn’t donors or dollars — it’s ourselves. Coach Tricia Schleper joins to unpack the limiting beliefs that quietly hold professionals back and how to break free. ✨ Inside this episode: The mindset traps that keep you stuck in self-doubt How reframing your thinking leads to stronger results Confidence-building practices you can use right away 🎧 Listen now...

Bequests can be a blessing — or a nightmare. Melissa Peacock of Animal Humane Society shares cautionary tales of gifts gone wrong and how to prevent donor intent from unraveling. ✨ Inside this episode: Real stories of bequests that went sideways Lessons every fundraiser should take to heart How to protect donor wishes and your organization’s future 🎧 Press play for stories that are spooky, eye-o...

Still spending hours at your desk writing emails? Fundraiser Sami Sheehan shows how AI can free you to spend more time with donors while still delivering authentic communication. ✨ Inside this episode: How to write AI prompts that actually save time Practical ways to use AI for both mass and 1:1 donor messaging Why tech can support — not replace — human connection 🎧 Listen now to explore how AI...