A Legacy of Generosity

Are you ready to hear lessons from decades of fundraising experience? Scott Nelson , Director of Gift Planning at Benedictine , shares practical insights with Kristi Ackley and Ali Schneider to help fundraisers excel. ✨ Inside this episode: Proven strategies for donor relations and relationship building Lessons learned from a 30+ year career in fund development Actionable advice for both seasoned...

Diversity and equity aren’t optional topics anymore — they’re essential to meaningful donor conversations. Liz Cheney joins Carl Newbanks⁠ and ⁠Marie Ruzek⁠ to share her experience navigating DEI discussions with donors in Greater Minnesota. ✨ Inside this episode: How to initiate sensitive conversations about equity with donors Practical tools for fostering inclusive giving practices Resources to...

Why are 75% of nonprofit professionals women, yet only 45% of nonprofit leaders? Katrina Pierson, CFRE , shares her journey and lessons learned navigating the world of philanthropy as a woman. ✨ Inside this episode: Insights on supporting women in nonprofit leadership Tips to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace Personal stories that highlight challenges and opportunities in the field...

Curious about how the Minnesota Gift Planning Association can support your professional growth? Dana Holt explains how the rebranded Minnesota Gift Planning Association⁠ (MPGA) empowers fundraisers through education, mentorship, and community engagement. ✨ Inside this episode: Ways to get involved with MGPA: committees, events, mentorship How MGPA strengthens your skills and expands your network...

Wondering how current economic trends affect donor behavior? Kashi Yoshikawa, CFA®⁠ joins Carl Newbanks⁠ and ⁠Marie Ruzek, CAP® to break down opportunities for charitable planning in today’s market. ✨ Inside this episode: How high stock valuations and low interest rates impact giving Insights on ESG and socially responsible investment trends Strategies to engage high-net-worth donors in creative...

You’ve made a plan — now how do you put it into action? Brenda Moore joins Mark Beenken and Kristi Ackley to share strategies for executing a successful legacy giving program. ✨ Inside this episode: Organizational, personal, and donor-facing steps to implement your plan Tips for planning, conducting, and following up on donor meetings Key habits and frameworks to maximize results in 2021 🎧 Press...

Think your nonprofit is too small to handle complex gifts? Think again. Rebecca Stibbe joins Kristi Ackle⁠y and ⁠Mark Beenken⁠ to show how partnerships with community foundations can make sophisticated gifts achievable. ✨ Inside this episode: How nonprofits can leverage community foundations for complex gifts Practical strategies for gifts like charitable trusts, annuities, or land Ways to ensure...

Sometimes reality is scarier than fiction. Carl Newbanks and Kristi Ackley reconnect with Jim Dwyer to explore more real-life bequest nightmares that will keep any development professional on their toes. ✨ Inside this episode: Lessons learned from decades of bequest mishaps How to anticipate challenges and protect your organization Practical insights for aligning donor intent with your mission 🎧...

How do you make your donors feel truly valued? Mark Beenken⁠ and ⁠Kristi Ackley chat with Sarah Erkkinen about personalizing donor appreciation to strengthen relationships and loyalty. ✨ Inside this episode: Creative and meaningful ways to thank key donors Building stronger donor relationships through thoughtful recognition Tips for making gratitude a central part of your fundraising culture 🎧 P...

Virtual tools aren’t just a temporary fix — they can enhance your donor engagement. Paul Grassman joins Mark Beenken⁠ and ⁠Carl Newbanks to share practical tips for managing relationships remotely. ✨ Inside this episode: How to leverage virtual tools for meaningful donor connections Strategies to maintain and grow relationships during challenging times Lessons learned from nationwide client exper...

What happens when a planned gift goes wrong? Carl Newbanks and Kristi Ackley talk with Jim Dwyer and Nancy Brown about real-life bequest disasters and what fundraisers can learn from them. ✨ Inside this episode: True stories of bequests that didn’t go as planned Tips for mitigating risk and aligning donor intent Insights to strengthen your planned giving processes 🎧 Press play to turn cautionary...

Curious about what’s ahead in legacy giving and nonprofit development? Mark Beenken and Kristi Ackley introduce the podcast, Minnesota Gift Planning Association, and the Leave a Legacy MN committee. ✨ Inside this episode: Meet your hosts and hear their vision for the series Learn how MGPA and Leave a Legacy MN support nonprofits and donors An introduction to the topics, guests, and insights you c...