A Legacy of Generosity

The Great Resignation hit nonprofits hard—so how do we retain talent, culture, and donor trust? Co-hosts Gay & Mark welcome back Patrick Kirby to unpack the ripple effects of staffing shortages and turnover in the nonprofit sector. Together, they explore cultural solutions, practical strategies, and new mindsets that help teams stay grounded and motivated. ✨ Inside this episode: How the Big Q...

Launching a major fundraising campaign can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Gay & Kristi talk with Katrina Pierson of Katrina Lynn Consulting about what separates successful campaigns from stressful ones. From feasibility studies to strong leadership, Katrina breaks down what organizations must have in place before they launch. ✨ Inside this episode: The essential bu...

Endowments are more than a financial tool—they’re a long-term partnership with your supporters. In this episode, Ali⁠ & ⁠Kristi speak with Cindy Aegerter of Thrivent Charitable to demystify how endowment funds support both donor intent and organizational sustainability. Cindy explains how endowments pair with planned giving to create long-lasting impact across generations. ✨ Inside this episo...

Remote development work isn’t a temporary fix—it’s our new hybrid reality. In this timely episode, Mark⁠ & ⁠Carl⁠ welcome Paul Grassman of Thompson & Associates to discuss how the planned giving profession has evolved since the early days of the pandemic. Together, they explore what hybrid donor relationships look like and how fundraisers can thrive in this blended environment. ✨ Inside t...

This is the year to finally build the legacy giving program your organization needs. In this episode, co-hosts Carl Newbanks & Marie Ruzek talk with Sarah Staiger about how she created a planned giving program from the ground up. From overcoming leadership hesitation to building accountability into the development plan, Sarah shares what actually works. ✨ Inside this episode: The first steps...

Fundraisers are constantly asked to predict the future—so what if you actually could? In this energizing episode, Ali Schneider⁠ & ⁠Kristi Ackley⁠ sit down with Futurist Trista Harris to explore practical tools for forecasting trends, answering tough questions, and bridging the gap between donor visions and organizational missions. ✨ Inside this episode: Futurism tools every fundraiser should...

What if fundraising wasn’t about “us and them”—but truly about all of us ? In this episode, Ali Schneider & Kristi Ackley talk with Michelle Edgerton , founder of The Edgerton Group , about rethinking the way nonprofits view community, donors, and those we serve. Michelle’s Three R’s—relatable, reciprocal, and relational—offer a powerful mindset for more connected, equitable fundraising. ✨ In...

If non-cash gifts still feel intimidating, this episode will change that—fast. Co-hosts Kristi Ackley & Mark Beenken sit down with Dana Holt , founder of Holt Consulting , to demystify everything from pledge card updates to complex asset gifts. Dana shares practical tips, real stories, and exciting news every nonprofit fundraiser will want to hear. ✨ Inside this episode: Why non-cash gifts ar...

What if holiday giving became more than a moment — and turned into a family legacy? In this episode, Philanthropic Advisor Shannon Gahagan joins co-hosts Marie Ruzek and Carl Newbanks to explore how families of all ages can create meaningful, joyful giving traditions together. ✨ Inside this episode: Practical ways families can start or strengthen charitable traditions Tools advisors and fundraise...

What if your toughest seasons could become your most grounded ones? Public speaker and trainer Denny Smith shares how he turned his coaching inward, transforming stress into calm and pressure into presence — at work, at home, and during the year-end fundraising rush. ✨ Inside this episode: Simple emotional intelligence practices that shift stress into clarity How to lead with kindness (even when...

Imagine your donors racing to open your thank-you letter before they even reach their front door. In this lively conversation, Dawn Brown, CFRM returns to share fun, creative, and surprisingly simple ways to make your donor acknowledgments irresistible. ✨ Inside this episode: Quick tweaks that dramatically increase open rates Fresh ideas for memorable donor thank-you events How to create powerful...

What if marketing for your nonprofit could be both efficient and meaningful? Dawn Brown, CFRM , shows co-hosts Ali Schneider⁠ and ⁠Kristi Ackley⁠ how to combine structured strategies with creative flair to connect with donors — and save time doing it. ✨ Inside this episode: A left-brain/right-brain approach to nonprofit marketing Real-world results: how one organization boosted donations by 252%...

What if every fundraising “disaster” could become a story of generosity instead? Claire Johnson , National Director of Development for Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation , shares how fundraisers can navigate surprises and turn potential setbacks into success stories. ✨ Inside this episode: Strategies for managing unexpected issues during events, mailings, or donor visits Real-life examples of fundrai...

What have we learned after one year of sharing stories, strategies, and inspiration with fundraisers? In this celebratory episode, all six podcast hosts reflect on their journeys, insights, and hopes for the future. Carl leads this fun episode with Ali, Gay, Kristi, Marie, & Mark. ✨ Inside this episode: Meet each of the six hosts and hear their personal stories Lessons learned over the past y...

Looking for your next must-read book that can inspire your work and personal growth? Bob Heuermann, experienced nonprofit leader and lifelong reader, shares his favorite professional development reads and how they’ve shaped his approach to leadership and philanthropy. ✨ Inside this episode: Classic and contemporary books that every nonprofit professional should know How to leverage reading for bo...

What if understanding a donor’s viewpoint could transform your fundraising approach? Susan Rostkoski , with experience as both donor and development professional, shares insights on building stronger, more authentic donor relationships. ✨ Inside this episode: Lessons from a donor who has also managed donor relations How to strengthen bonds and trust with supporters Strategies to understand and an...

What if mentorship could benefit both mentor and mentee — and elevate your entire organization? Susan Murray⁠ from ⁠Tickets for Kids explains the value of intentional mentoring relationships, both formal and informal, and why you should consider becoming a mentor. ✨ Inside this episode: Benefits of mentorship for professional growth and skill development How to create structured mentoring relatio...

What if one of the best ways to retain fundraisers was simply connecting them with each other? Sarah K. Nathan, Ph. D. , shares evidence-based strategies for implementing peer mentoring that strengthens skills, career satisfaction, and organizational success. ✨ Inside this episode: Research-backed benefits of peer mentoring in nonprofit environments Practical tips for starting peer mentoring prog...

What if every gift you received perfectly aligned with your mission and the donor’s passions? Craig Wruck , planned giving expert, joins Kristi Ackley⁠ & ⁠Ali Schneider to share strategies for securing fulfilling, impactful gifts. ✨ Inside this episode: How to identify donors whose passions align with your mission Techniques for letting go of prospects that aren’t the right fit Practical tips...

What if you could make meaningful donor connections even when your schedule is packed? Patrick Kirby shares his simple 5-day framework to help fundraisers prioritize relationship-building and achieve transformational results. ✨ Inside this episode: Daily actions that drive measurable fundraising outcomes How to keep donor relationships at the forefront of your work Strategies for balancing multip...

What if engaging legal counsel for your nonprofit could feel straightforward instead of intimidating? Sheryl Morrison from Lathrop GPM guides fundraisers through when, why, and how to work with attorneys for maximum impact. ✨ Inside this episode: How to know when legal counsel is needed Best practices for building a strong relationship with an attorney Types of gifts and transactions that typical...

What if social media could elevate your nonprofit and your career at the same time? Jon Ruzek joins Marie Ruzek and Kristi Ackley to explore strategies for building a professional presence online that strengthens your mission and your personal brand. ✨ Inside this episode: How social media can enhance your professional and organizational impact Platforms and approaches that give the biggest retur...

Navigating qualified charitable distributions can be tricky — but it doesn’t have to be. Cody Tresselt-Warren, senior wealth planner, walks Ali Schneider and Mark Beenken through the dos and don’ts for donors and fundraisers alike. ✨ Inside this episode: Benefits of QCDs for donors and nonprofits Key considerations for implementing these gifts efficiently Insights from both fundraiser and advisor...

Ever wonder why some legacy donor communications hit the mark while others fall flat? Steve Boland joins Mark Beenken and Kristi Ackley to reveal how donor segmentation can make all the difference. ✨ Inside this episode: Why and how to segment communications for legacy donors Tips to cultivate key supporters and expand donor networks Strategies to craft messages that truly resonate 🎧 Press play...

Real estate gifts can feel complicated, but they don’t have to be intimidating. Sherrie Beal from The Nature Conservancy shares practical guidance on whether, when, and how your organization should accept these gifts. ✨ Inside this episode: Step-by-step considerations for accepting real estate Best practices for gift evaluation and risk management How these gifts can support long-term mission imp...