Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Listening well may hold the key. Alex Brovey, author of the “Zen and the Art of Fundraising:” series, joins the podcast to share her sixteen pillars of fundraising success, why you should be prepared to leave your agenda at the donor's door, how to spot cues and clues to identify gift potential and the importance of having a sense of humor and trusting your gut.    Panelist info: Ho...

In this episode of Sharpe Insights, host Grant Miller delves into the complexities of receiving IRA gifts for nonprofits, a challenge often overlooked until it becomes urgent. Join us as we explore the innovative RIFT Project, launched by attorney Johnny Hayes, designed to streamline the process of collecting IRA funds after a donor's passing. Discover how this initiative addresses the significant...

The donor giveth trust and the donor can take it away—in a heartbeat. Grant Miller welcomes journalists Rasheeda Childress and M.J. Prest from the Chronicle of Philanthropy to discuss ways technology can shore up—or erode—donor relationships, the short- and long-term effects of damaged trust, the importance of a “good apology” and why the human touch will always be integral to planned giving fundr...

In this episode of Sharpe Insights, join me, Grant Miller, as we dive into the innovative world of legacy challenges with John Jensen, Director of Planned Giving at Washington National Cathedral. Discover how this underutilized strategy transforms future-focused planned gifts into immediate impact for nonprofits. John shares insights from their successful campaign, which unlocked significant fundi...

You’ve got to cover your bases to cross the finish line. Estate settlement expert Andy Fussner joins host Grant Miller to discuss the importance of tickler systems, what may be hiding in estate accountings and inventories, common and costly mistakes to avoid and how nonprofits can team up when named jointly in a will or trust.

In this episode of Sharpe Insights, we explore the intricate balance between the art and science of charitable gift planning with Michael Kenyon, President and CEO of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. We delve into how CGP supports professionals in the nonprofit sector through education, community building, and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of establishing trust-based re...

Show and tell. Host Grant Miller is joined by Washington lobbyist Ali Bedford who offers insights into proposed legislation affecting charitable giving, the ways the OBBBA may cause a shift in donor behavior, the importance of advocacy at the local and state levels and why it’s the perfect opportunity through storytelling and education to change the narrative on Capitol Hill.

In this episode of Sharpe Insights, we explore the crucial role of donor data in enhancing your planned giving program. Join me, Grant Miller, as I sit down with Jim Ross, CEO of Sharpe, to discuss best practices for maintaining accurate and actionable donor files. We dive into the importance of having complete, current, and correct data to build trust and tailor your outreach effectively. Jim sha...

2027 marks a milestone for the ACGA. Grant Miller and special guest Phil Purcell, ACGA board president, talk about the ACGA’s contributions, profile the typical gift annuity donor, explain how gift annuities can lead to planned gifts, discuss when (and if) (and how) to start a gift annuity program and why there’s strength in numbers when it comes to gift annuities.

In this episode of Sharpe Insights, we delve into the complexities of donor relationships, focusing on the sensitive issue of repairing strained connections. Join me, Grant Miller, as I speak with Brett Bicoy, President and CEO of the Door County Community Foundation. Together, we explore early warning signs of eroding trust, common pitfalls that can damage donor confidence, and actionable strateg...

Join host Grant Miller and Brantley Boyett of Giving Docs as they discuss the evolution of online estate planning, how charities can benefit from providing access to digital tools and what role AI may play in legal tech in the future. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Brantley is the co-founder and president of Giving Docs. He...

Do floors and ceilings have you reeling? Tax and planned giving experts Chris Woehrle and Barlow Mann discuss the latest OBBBA changes, offering some hopeful predictions for their impact on 2026 fundraising and beyond. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Chris Woehrle, JD, LLM is a technical consultant for Sharpe Group, writing...

Debra Kathman, senior director of gift planning at World Wildlife Fund, talks networking opportunities, the collegial community and the continuing education that are part of membership with Washington DC’s National Capital Gift Planning Council.    Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Debra Kathman is the senior director of gift...

Socrates, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Gandalf the Grey walk into a donor meeting … In this mind-bending episode, Dr. Russell James reveals the power of using questions as a means of self-discovery to help guide donors into making their gift of a lifetime. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Dr. Russell James is a professor of Personal Fi...

Taking a break from checking those lists (twice) we’ve got Barlow Mann in the Insights studio at the North Pole office for a lively Q&A with the Sharpe elves—host Grant Miller and special guest Teri Sullivan. They talk tax law changes, December giving strategies and the best-laid plans for 2026. Panelist info: Santa’s elf and podcast host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior...

In this episode of Sharpe Insights: Conversations with Your Planned Giving Experts, I, Grant Miller, delve into the world of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and their transformative potential for philanthropy. Joining me is Sarah Barba, an expert in philanthropy and tax policy, who shares her insights on why DAFs have surged in popularity among donors. We discuss the flexibility, tax advantages, and ea...

Are digital assets the “unknown unknowns?” In a timely discussion with host Grant Miller, Sharpe Group technical consultant Chris Woehrle sheds some light on the role they can play in estate planning and planned giving. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Chris Woehrle, JD, LLM is a technical consultant for Sharpe Group, writing...

Meaningful donor relationships don’t happen overnight—they happen over time. And sometimes you have to go off the beaten path. Join host Grant Miller as he talks to Sharpe Senior Consultant Joe Chickey who shares his own fundraising stories that will provide creative ideas for connecting with donors beyond the donor visit. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and se...

Though they may not be the starting quarterback, advisors do play an important role in helping the gift reach the “finish line.” Host Grant Miller and Chris Woehrle discuss how and why to make engagement with attorneys, accountants and financial advisors a part of your program strategy. Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Chris Woehrle, JD, LL...

Having a basic understanding of the OBBBA is essential when communicating with donors. Planned giving fundraising expert Phil Purcell explains what has changed, what hasn’t changed, the best gifts to promote this year and next and how, overall, the tax benefits for philanthropy are alive and well. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Gr...

With trillions of dollars at stake, the Great Wealth Transfer has been a hot topic in the nonprofit and financial communities for decades. In this episode, the Sharpe Group team, led by Barlow Mann, break down what’s truth (and what’s fiction), which assets Boomers have to give and how to ensure your charity gets a piece of the pie. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is a creative writer and senior...

Like peas and carrots. Sharpe consultants Julie Schuldner and Kristin Croone join host Grant Miller in a lively discussion about integrating planned giving into your year-end giving messaging. They share proven year-end communications strategies for success and discuss mistakes to avoid during the most generous time of the year. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer...

What happens when that “perfect” gift isn’t what it seems? Sharpe Group consultants Kristin Croone, Joe Chickey, Julie Schuldner and special guest, Christopher Woehrle, share their knowledge from personal experience about gifts that hit a bump in the road. Learn what to look for and—most importantly—steps to take to keep good gifts from going bad. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winni...

In this episode of Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts, I sit down with John Jensen, Director of Planned Giving at Washington National Cathedral, to explore the evolving landscape of planned giving. John shares his extensive experience, discussing the importance of investing in planned giving, the impact of consistent messaging, and strategies for engaging with older do...

In this episode of Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts, titled "Planned Giving in Turbulent Times: Facing Uncertainty Head On," host Grant Miller and Sharpe Group experts Barlow Mann and Julie Schuldner present an in-depth discussion about how nonprofits can thoughtfully navigate current and future uncertainty. They dive into donor behavior during previous times of cris...