Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast A Legacy of Generosity

After more than three decades leading one of Minneapolis's most ambitious community organizations, Tony Wagner has earned the right to say the quiet parts out loud. In this episode, hosts Kristi Ackley and Jen Emerick-Cayton of Growth By Design sit down with Tony, founder and principal of the Wagner Group and the longtime leader of Pillsbury United Communities — an organization he led for 35 years after growing up in North Minneapolis as a client of one of its predecessors. Tony brings a rare combination of lived experience, hard-won leadership wisdom, and the candor that only comes from being able to look back on a full career.

✨ In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why every nonprofit actually serves two clients — the community and the funders — and why ignoring either one is a mistake
• How the funder relationship has shifted over the decades, from hands-off to far more prescriptive
• Why "partnership" language from funders often masks an unequal power dynamic — and how leaders can navigate it
• Why the program, not the client, became the unit of analysis in the nonprofit sector — and what gets lost as a result
• What marginalized families actually need most: a committed adult willing to walk with them for ten or fifteen years, not three
• Why the three-year funding model doesn't match how real change happens
• The five ways Tony framed Pillsbury's work — service, education, employment, inspiration, and organizing — and how that framing finally made the mission make sense to funders
• When to stop pounding on a closed door and get structurally creative instead
• How to reconnect with the passion that brought you into this work, before the system beats it out of you

🎧 Listen in for an honest, unvarnished conversation about leadership, funding, and what it really takes to put the client at the top — from someone who spent a career trying to do exactly that.

Key Topics/Themes: Nonprofit leadership, funder relationships, power dynamics in philanthropy, client-centered services, wraparound support, long-term funding models, earned income strategies, organizational innovation, storytelling and articulating mission, arts access and equity, executive director burnout, rural and urban parallels

Resources:

• Tony Wagner on LinkedIn

• Pillsbury United Communities

Legacy giving isn't a gift planning conversation — it's a relationship conversation that happens long before anyone talks about an estate. In this episode, hosts Kristi Ackley of Growth By Design and Ali Schneider of Animal Humane Society sit down with Jeffrey Prottas, founder of Nonprofit-360 Consulting and a nonprofit executive with more than 30 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations strengthen leadership, grow philanthropy, and increase their impact. Jeff's career has spanned youth work, higher education, faith communities, and rural community action organizations across the country — and he brings all of it to a candid conversation about what most nonprofits get wrong about donors.

✨ In this episode, you'll learn: 

• Why the biggest barrier in rural fundraising isn't a lack of wealth — it's a lack of belief that the wealth is there 
• How organizations restricted from soliciting can shift from campaigning to educating — and open the door for donors to come to them 
• Why "best kept secret" is the worst possible position for a nonprofit to be in 
• Why legacy giving is about values, not wealth — and how that shift changes the entire conversation 
• How the definition of legacy has evolved from what happens after someone passes to what impact they want to see while they're still living 
• Why touching base with donors 8 to 12 times a year — with non-solicitation outreach built into the plan — is the real work of relationship building 
• Why donors are people, not "cards" — and how moves management connects annual, event, online, and legacy giving into one continuum

🎧 Listen in for a conversation that will leave you rethinking how your organization treats its donors — because if the people leading up to the legacy conversation don't do the work, the legacy officer never gets a shot.

Key Topics/Themes: Legacy giving, donor relationships, rural fundraising, moves management, transformative vs. transactional relationships, values-based philanthropy, donor retention, annual giving, giving while living, nonprofit leadership, development planning, community action organizations

Resources:Jeffrey Prottas on LinkedIn & Mission in Motion — Jeff's upcoming short-form video series launching in August on LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram

What does it look like to launch an international nonprofit from lived experience — and build it to outlast its founder? In this episode, host Kristi Ackley of Growth By Design is joined by co-host Jeffrey Prottas of Nonprofit-360 Consulting for a conversation with Pablo Waissbluth, founder and chair of Vivo Crónico, a US-based 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving quality of life and advancing health equity for people living with chronic and complex health conditions across the Americas. Pablo brings a rare combination of 26 years of multinational business experience and a deeply personal journey as both a patient and caregiver to his work building an organization designed not just for today, but for long after he is at the helm.

✨ In this episode, you'll learn: 

• Why the founder's story is the most authentic reason a nonprofit exists — and when it's time to let the organization build its own identity 
• How to think about succession and organizational sustainability from day one, especially when a founder's own health is part of the equation 
• Why diversifying revenue streams matters just as much in nonprofits as in for-profit business
• How partnerships are the key to executing at a high level with a small team 
• Why building a pipeline of connected believers matters more than chasing dollars directly 
• Why the best-kept secret in your community is actually the worst place to be as a nonprofit

🎧 Listen in for a conversation that will challenge you to think bigger, build smarter, and design your organization for impact that extends far beyond any one person.

Key Topics/Themes: Startup nonprofits, founder story, organizational identity, revenue diversification, hybrid funding models, health equity, chronic illness, donor relationships, strategic donors, nonprofit sustainability, partnerships, network building, community building, arts and storytelling

Resources: ⁠Vivo Crónico⁠

Most nonprofits are leaving millions — sometimes billions — on the table by asking donors for the wrong thing. In this episode, hosts Kristi Ackley and Jen Emerick-Cayton sit down with Eddie Thompson, founder and CEO of Thompson and Associates, a charitable estate planning firm with associates across the country. With more than 30 years of experience planning thousands of estates and generating well over $3 billion to charity, Eddie brings a perspective that challenges nearly every assumption nonprofits hold about how — and whom — to ask for major gifts.

✨ In this episode, you'll learn: Why asking donors to give from discretionary income — less than 3% of the average person's budget — keeps most nonprofits stuck at average Why the smartest organizations ask for gifts of net worth instead Why even a billionaire may hesitate to give because wealth rarely feels like enough The three types of donors — habitual, emotional, and strategic — and the very different strategies each one requires Why 36% of baby boomers don't plan to leave any inheritance to heirs, and what that means for charitable giving How Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs can unlock larger gifts without impacting a donor's cash flow Why being at the table during estate planning — not just during a campaign — is where the biggest gifts are born How to move from nonprofit-centered asking to truly donor-centered relationship building🎧 Listen in for a conversation that will expand the way you think about donor relationships, planned giving, and the staggering potential your organization may not even know it has.

Key Topics/Themes: Planned giving, estate planning, net worth giving, discretionary income, donor types, qualified charitable distributions, QCDs, required minimum distributions, charitable gift annuities, donor-centered fundraising, legacy gifts, wealth and philanthropy, major gifts strategy

Resources:

• Thompson and Associates

In a sector where competition for donors and dollars can feel fierce, one fundraising leader is making the case for a radically different approach — one built on partnership, curiosity, and community trust. In this episode, hosts Kristi Ackley and Jen Emerick-Cayton sit down with Jennifer Pinske, Director of Community Engagement at Family Service Rochester, a cornerstone nonprofit serving individuals and families in Southeast Minnesota for more than 60 years. Jennifer brings 25 years of nonprofit experience to a conversation that challenges the scarcity mindset and shows what's possible when organizations choose collaboration over competition.

✨ In this episode, you'll learn: 

• Why collaboration — not competition — is the foundation of a truly effective nonprofit 
• How to identify gaps in your community rather than duplicating services that already exist 
• What it looks like to partner with other nonprofits on programs, grants, and county initiatives 
• Why referring a donor to another organization can actually deepen their trust in yours 
• How to talk to donors about the bigger community picture — not just your own mission 
• Why your organization's reputation in the community matters more than you think when it comes to legacy giving 
• How smaller nonprofits and rural communities can start building collaborative relationships one step at a time 
• Why the most meaningful donor relationships are partnerships, not transactions

🎧 Listen in for a conversation that will challenge you to think beyond your own organization — because when nonprofits rise together, the whole community wins.

Key Topics/Themes: Nonprofit collaboration, community partnerships, donor trust, legacy giving, duplicative services, stakeholder engagement, relational fundraising, community impact, donor referrals, nonprofit leadership, rural nonprofits

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 of the Giving USA Foundation board and brings both deep data expertise and genuine passion for the mission of giving to this conversation about what the numbers really mean for nonprofits of every size.

✨ In this episode, you'll learn: 

• Why 2025 was the highest announced year of charitable giving in U.S. history — and what that number actually represents 
• How giving is shifting across sectors, with human services now ranking second behind religion 
• Why individual donors still drive roughly 80–85% of all giving decisions — even when gifts flow through foundations or donor-advised funds 
• What the 10-year growth trend in bequests signals about the coming intergenerational wealth transfer 
• Why everyday donors and affluent donors give differently — and why you need both 
• How building friendships among your donors can increase their lifetime giving by a factor of four or five 
• What "mission esteem" means and why it outperforms self-esteem when making the ask 
• Why relational, high-touch fundraising is outperforming mass communication strategies across every sector

🎧 Listen in for a data-rich, deeply human conversation that will leave you better equipped to make the case for your mission — and bolder about asking others to invest in it.

Key Topics/Themes: Giving USA report, charitable giving trends, bequests and planned giving, donor-advised funds, intergenerational wealth transfer, human services sector growth, everyday vs. affluent donors, donor community building, mission-driven fundraising, predictive analytics, relational fundraising models

Resources: Giving USA

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 brings years of hands-on experience to a topic that intimidates many nonprofits — combining practical strategy with a relationship-first philosophy that turns one-time sponsors into long-term partners.

✨ In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why relationship building is the foundation of every successful sponsorship
• How to use stakeholder mapping to identify your best prospects
• What "sponsors travel in packs" means — and how to use it to your advantage
• Why you should start outreach 9 to 12 months before your event
• How to bundle multiple events into a single sponsorship conversation
• The right way to structure sponsorship levels and recognition benefits
• Why stewarding sponsors like donors leads to deeper, lasting partnerships
• How to leverage LinkedIn and emerging tools to make warmer connections

🎧 Listen in for a conversation packed with actionable strategies that will leave you feeling confident — not overwhelmed — the next time you sit down to build your sponsorship ask.

Key Topics/Themes: Corporate sponsorships, relationship building, stakeholder mapping, sponsorship levels, donor stewardship, LinkedIn outreach, board engagement, event planning, nonprofit fundraising, partnership development

Resources:

• Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)

• Benevity

• Mike Esposito Fundraising

• Mike Esposito on LinkedIn

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 human approach to a field often seen as cold or intimidating — blending her legal expertise with training as an end-of-life doula and a deep belief that emotions belong in the room.

✨ In this episode, you'll learn: 

• Why making the appointment is the hardest — and most important — first step 
• How emotional barriers keep people from planning, and how to move through them 
• What to expect at your first estate planning meeting 
• Why even a small estate deserves legal protection 
• The difference between a healthcare directive, power of attorney, will, and trust — and when you need each 
• Which life events should prompt a review of your estate plan 
• How to incorporate charitable giving into your plan, regardless of estate size 
• Why pet planning matters more than most people realize — and how to do it thoughtfully

🎧 Listen in for a conversation that will leave you feeling empowered, not overwhelmed — because the best gift you can leave behind is a plan that reflects exactly what you valued in life.

Key Topics/Themes: Estate planning, healthcare directives, power of attorney, charitable giving, pet planning, probate, life events and estate updates, end-of-life doula, compassionate legal practice, legacy planning

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 donor connections that stand the test of time.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why fundraising careers often begin organically
• How strong donor relationships are built on listening and shared values
• Why trust is essential — especially in planned giving
• How marketing supports fundraising by building awareness and credibility
• Why patience and consistency matter more than quick wins
• How every team member can serve as an ambassador for generosity
• Why you don’t need a large budget to communicate impact effectively

🎧 Listen in for an encouraging reminder that fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint — and that generosity grows best in the soil of authentic relationships.

Key Topics/Themes: Relationship-based fundraising, donor trust, planned giving, nonprofit marketing, long-term stewardship, new fundraiser advice, generosity mindset

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:

• How to build a solid plan for legacy giving and fundraising success
• Time-tested tips from over 30 years of experience in development
• Maximizing the impact of your year through intentional planning

🎧 Press play to learn how to capture more of the current wealth transfer and set your nonprofit up for success.

Key Topics/Themes: Legacy giving, fundraising strategy, annual planning, nonprofit leadership, wealth transfer

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 sociologist Ben Winchester and estate attorney Janel Fredericksen to break down what the Great Wealth Transfer really means for hometowns across Minnesota and beyond.

✨ Inside this episode:
• What the Great Wealth Transfer actually looks like in rural communities—and why the narrative is more hopeful than you might think
• How nonprofits can position themselves as trusted partners in long-term giving
• The role of community foundations, local relationships, and “place attachment” in capturing generational wealth
• Practical steps for starting conversations about estate gifts (without feeling awkward)
• How to engage younger generations through storytelling, values-based giving, and authentic community connection
• Real-world strategies rural leaders can use to keep local wealth local

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, community advocate, donor, or simply care about the future of small towns, this episode offers clear insights and actionable tools for ensuring rural places thrive for generations to come.

🎧 Listen now to learn how intentional relationships, strong nonprofits, and powerful stories can help communities make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Key Themes: rural philanthropy, donor relationships, estate planning, community vitality, generational giving, local wealth retention

MN State Share: https://mnstateshare.org/

LAL Planned Giving Toolkit: https://leavealegacymn.org/downloads/planned-giving-launch-kit/

Transfer of Wealth Data: https://extension.umn.edu/community-development/transfer-wealth

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 expanded impact.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why coaching is one of the most effective tools for nonprofit leaders

• How clarity, accountability, and self-awareness strengthen teams

• What The Coach Initiative is doing to support humanitarian leadership

• Practical ways coaching can elevate your mission-driven work

🎧 Listen in to discover how investing in your leadership can transform the way you lead your team — and the communities you serve.

Key Topics/Themes: Leadership coaching, nonprofit capacity building, professional development, team effectiveness, humanitarian leadership, The Coach Initiative

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 confidence

• The story behind Operation Wild Horse and its roots in service and healing

• The powerful role of community and small donors in sustaining this mission

• Real stories of transformation from the arena
  

🎧 Listen now to uncover how compassion, connection, and mustangs are changing the way we support those who’ve served.

Key Topics/Themes: Veterans’ healing, equine therapy, community impact, resilience, donor support

Learn more or donate: https://vetrr.org/operation-wild-horse/

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

• Strategies for building stronger, more collaborative board–staff relationships

• Ways to match board member strengths to major gifts, annual giving, grants, and sponsorships

• How storytelling and data together can motivate giving and deepen donor trust
  

🎧 Listen now to discover how to turn board hesitation into energy, ownership, and fundraising success.

Key Topics/Themes: Board engagement, fundraising strategy, leadership development, donor storytelling, collaboration

Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-frances-110aa661/ 

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

• Why generosity—when embraced collectively—can fuel movements

• Real examples of advocacy work shaped by donor engagement
  

🎧 Tune in to see how everyday generosity can ignite extraordinary impact.

Key Topics/Themes: Advocacy in fundraising, donor engagement, community transformation, environmental advocacy, generosity as a movement

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 nonprofits

• Strategies for building stronger relationships with donors who use DAFs

• Ways community foundations deepen engagement and expand impact

• Practical insights for donors wanting to give more intentionally
  

🎧 Press play to gain tools and insights that can elevate your giving—or your nonprofit’s strategy—starting today.

Key Topics/Themes: Donor-advised funds, modern philanthropy, donor relationships, community foundations, strategic giving

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—and challenges—women face in financial decision-making

• How to draw out a woman’s vision for impact and long-term legacy

• The rise of giving circles and how they’re empowering future female philanthropists
  

🎧 Join the conversation to learn how women are reshaping philanthropy—and what that means for the future of giving.

Key Topics/Themes: Women in philanthropy, wealth transfer, legacy planning, donor engagement, giving circles, gender-informed fundraising strategies

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 strengthen donor relationships through thoughtful planning
  

🎧 Listen now to learn how smart financial planning can unlock generosity that lasts.

Key Topics/Themes: Charitable tax planning, maximizing donor impact, aligning giving with values, donor relationships

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 in development work
  

🎧 Listen now to get ahead of the curve and prepare for the future of fundraising.

Key Topics/Themes: Fundraising trends, emotional intelligence, adaptability, future of philanthropy, leadership in development

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 long-term thinking and maximize fundraising impact
  

🎧 Listen now to learn how estate planning can strengthen donor relationships and create lasting change.

Key Topics/Themes: Estate planning, donor conversations, planned giving strategy, fostering legacy thinking

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 philanthropist
  

🎧 Listen now to see how giving back locally can spark a ripple effect of change.

Key Topics/Themes: Community giving, youth philanthropy, legacy mindset, hometown investment

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 lessons from two decades of fundraising success
  

🎧 Listen now to learn how consistent leadership and collaboration can transform your work.

Key Topics/Themes: Leadership principles, collaboration, fundraising management, team culture

About Our Guest:

Dale Wright is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dale is an advancement executive with 20+ years of extensive experience in higher education and non profit fundraising with progressive responsibility in constituent involvement, leadership, management, and building and leading high performing teams.

He has a proven record of success in alumni affairs, program development and execution, securing and stewarding major and principal gifts, as well as multi-year comprehensive capital campaign experience, including three (3) $1B+ campaigns. As a skilled negotiator and collaborator, his ability to cultivate networks amongst a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to foster long-term relationships is unique.

He feels honored to work with remarkable benefactors, ambassadors, and volunteers to create deep and lasting impact.

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 fundraisers to collaborate with consultants effectively
  

🎧 Listen now to learn how to help donors imagine — and realize — their lasting impact.

Key Topics/Themes: Legacy planning, donor values, planned giving tools, consulting collaboration

Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-coulter-boysen/

About our guest:

Christy Boysen, MA, CFRM, FCEP, owner and head Legacy Planning Consultant at Apex Legacy Consultants, specializes in planned giving strategy and helping donors imagine how they can align their values with their finances through legacy planning. She’s helped clients establish legacy planning programs that educate and capitalize on tax-efficient charitable tools: Qualified Charitable Distributions, Donor Advised Funds, Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Trusts, and more. Through this work, she's inspired donors to commit hundreds of millions of dollars to loved ones and their favorite causes.

She holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education, a Certificate in Fundraising Management through Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and is a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning (FCEP). Her experience in planned giving, higher education, and strategic mindset make her an asset to any organization looking to drive meaningful change and create lasting impact.

Christy loves biking–she once even cycled across the country for charity–and leads historical food tours in her hometown and at a local winery. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband; their dog, Lucy; and 24 thriving houseplants.

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 lasting donor relationships face-to-face
  

🎧 Listen now to reimagine your events as opportunities for deeper donor engagement.

Key Topics/Themes: Events strategy, donor stewardship, relationship building, planned giving integration

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 overcome barriers and start building momentum now
  

🎧 Listen now to hear how any nonprofit can take its first steps toward a sustainable planned giving program.

Key Topics/Themes: Planned giving basics, overcoming barriers, leadership buy-in, fundraising integration

Links: ⁠Carl Newbanks⁠⁠ 

Marie Ruzek⁠⁠⁠https://staigervitelli.com/about-us⁠

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 relationships

🎧 Listen now for insights on creating and expanding a successful planned giving program.

Key Topics/Themes: Planned giving launch, donor relationships, program growth, major giving transition

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 accountability and partnership from Native-led organizations
  

🎧 Listen now to explore how collaboration and cultural respect fuel meaningful fundraising.

Key Topics/Themes: Native American communities, donor relationships, cultural fundraising, legacy giving

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 to discover how a shift in mindset can unlock your next big breakthrough.

Key Topics/Themes: Mindset, professional confidence, self-limiting beliefs, fundraising growth

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-opening, and full of wisdom.

Key Topics/Themes: Bequests, donor intent, planned giving pitfalls, lessons learned

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 can transform your communications workflow.

Key Topics/Themes: AI in fundraising, donor communication, efficiency, technology in philanthropy

Season Four kicks off with fresh voices and new energy! Guest host Scott Nelson and MGPA President Joe Thiegs share their journeys, what drives their work, and resources available to MGPA members.

✨ Inside this episode:

• Why professional community matters in fundraising

• Unique challenges rural nonprofits face — and how to support them

• Resources and opportunities through MGPA
  

🎧 Press play to start the season with inspiration and connection.

Key Topics/Themes: MGPA resources, rural nonprofits, professional growth, planned giving

Changing careers is never simple, but it can be transformative. Tony Mullen shares his leap from corporate sales into nonprofit development — and how planned giving training accelerated his success.

✨ Inside this episode:

• Lessons learned from making a bold career shift

• How planned giving skills add confidence and credibility

• Advice for newcomers finding their footing in fundraising
  

🎧 Listen now to be inspired by a real-world career transition into development.

Key Topics/Themes: Career transitions, planned giving training, professional growth, development careers

Link: Tony Mullen⁠

Not all donors are the same — and your communications shouldn’t be either. In this encore episode, Steve Boland explains how segmentation turns legacy donor outreach into powerful, personal connection.

✨ Inside this episode:

• Why segmentation is critical for planned giving

• How to tailor messaging to resonate with legacy donors

• Tips for cultivating donor relationships that open new doors
  

🎧 Press play to sharpen your legacy donor communication strategy.

Key Topics/Themes: Donor segmentation, legacy giving, donor cultivation, strategic communication

What if funders and nonprofits worked from a foundation of trust? Kim Snyder of Excelsior Bay Group reveals how trust-based fundraising strengthens organizations and communities far beyond the dollars given.

✨ Inside this episode:

• Why trust is the missing link in many funding relationships

• How to create partnerships that expand nonprofit capacity

• Real-world lessons from rural Minnesota collaborations
  

🎧 Listen now to learn how building trust can transform your fundraising.

Key Topics/Themes: Trust-based philanthropy, nonprofit capacity building, equity, funder relationships

A strong development team doesn’t just raise money — it grows together. In this episode, Marie and Gay explore the professional development options that can spark growth for both individuals and teams.

✨ Inside this episode:

• Practical resources to grow skills and confidence

• How to strengthen team dynamics through shared learning

• Tips for expanding your network and advancing your career
  

🎧 Press play to discover the tools that can take you — and your squad — to the next level.

Key Topics/Themes: Professional development, team growth, fundraising skills, networking

Charitable Gift Annuities can be a win-win — but only if you know how to use them well. Consultant Edie Adkins shares her expertise on this powerful giving tool and what nonprofits need to watch for.

✨ Inside this episode:

• CGA basics explained in clear, simple language

• The best prospects for this gift vehicle (and who isn’t a fit)

• Key compliance updates every nonprofit should know
  

🎧 Press play to build confidence in offering CGAs as a tool for donor generosity.

Key Topics/Themes: Charitable Gift Annuities, donor prospects, compliance, planned giving strategies

If Part 1 left you curious, this conversation goes deeper. In part 2, Frances Roen returns to share all five essentials for fundraising that nourishes both community and the people doing the work.

✨ Inside this episode:

• The complete roadmap for making fundraising energizing

• How wellness practices ripple out to strengthen donor relationships

• Practical shifts to make your team’s culture more life-giving
  

🎧 Listen now to discover how fundraising can become the bright spot in your day.

Key Topics/Themes: Fundraising wellness, sustainable practices, team culture, Sol Full Fundraising

What separates a good campaign from a truly successful one? Storytelling expert Lori Jacobwith walks through nine steps that every fundraiser needs to master for lasting results.

Step 1 - Leadership
Step 2 - Staff
Step 3 - Board Members
Step 4 - Goals, Timelines, and Urgency
Step 5 - Telling Your Story
Step 6 - Keeping Your Donors Engaged
Step 7 - Money Conversations
Step 8 - Be Specific
Step 9 - Donor Data Management

✨ Inside this episode:

• The nine pillars of a strong campaign strategy

• How storytelling creates “hope journeys” that donors remember

• The simple thank-you practice that boosts donor retention by 37%

🎧 Press play for a masterclass in campaigns that inspire action and build loyalty.

Key Topics/Themes: Campaign strategy, storytelling in fundraising, donor retention, board involvement

Link: ⁠Lori L. Jacobwith

Events look different than they did just a few years ago — but they remain powerful touchpoints for donors. Aileen Rosa Sanchez shares how organizations are reimagining events that engage people far beyond the ballroom.

✨ Inside this episode:

• What’s changed about fundraising events since Covid

• Practical tips for boosting donor connection before, during, and after

• A success story that shows how thoughtful design can pay off
  

🎧 Listen now to get inspired for your next event — and make it your most meaningful yet.

Key Topics/Themes: Fundraising events, post-Covid donor engagement, stewardship strategies, event innovation

The rules around IRA giving just changed — and so did your conversations with donors. Experts Craig Wruck and Dana Holt break down what the new SECURE 2.0 Act means and how you can use it to spark fresh generosity.

✨ Inside this episode:

• The most important updates fundraisers need to understand

• How to turn complex law into simple donor conversations

• Opportunities to inspire giving in brand new ways
  

🎧 Press play to get up to speed — and ready to guide your donors with confidence.

Key Topics/Themes: SECURE 2.0 Act, IRA giving, fundraising law, donor strategy, legacy conversations

Behind every strong fundraising effort is a strong team — and strong leadership to guide it. Aileen Rosa Sanchez joins Gay and Kristi to talk about the art of building and coaching development teams that truly flourish.

✨ Inside this episode:

• How transformational leaders recruit, train, and inspire

• Practical ways to embed IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, access) into culture

• Keys to reaching hard-to-reach communities with authenticity
  

🎧 Listen now for strategies to lead with equity, vision, and heart.

Key Topics/Themes: Leadership, development teams, transformational coaching, IDEA values, equity in philanthropy

About Our Guest:

⁠Aileen Rosa Sanchez⁠ is the Senior Director of Philanthropy at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and Children's Home. She is a strategy, equity and fund development leader. Aileen’s previous philanthropic portfolio includes Mayo Clinic, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, and various Twin Cities nonprofits, as well as political and foundation engagement. Aileen helped co-found the Latino Economic Development Center in Minnesota and also the New World School of the Arts Alumni Foundation in her hometown of Miami, Florida. She has also helped build diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at various institutions.

Link: Aileen Rosa Sanchez⁠

What if fundraising didn’t drain you, but actually gave you energy? Frances Roen believes it can. In this first conversation on “Sol Full Fundraising,” she shares the practices that help nonprofit teams thrive instead of burn out.

✨ Inside this episode:

• The first steps to making fundraising feel joyful, not heavy

• Why wellness is the secret ingredient in sustainable giving

• A new way of thinking about how generosity flows through organizations
  

🎧 If you’ve ever felt weighed down by this work, press play to rediscover the joy at its heart.

Key Topics/Themes: Wellness in fundraising, team sustainability, Sol Full Fundraising, joy in development

What if the biggest barrier in your fundraising career isn’t strategy, confidence, or capacity— but the story you’re telling yourself?

In this episode, life coach Tricia Schleper helps us uncover the invisible beliefs that quietly hold development professionals back. These internal narratives shape how we communicate, lead, and pursue growth… often without us even realizing it. If you’ve ever felt stuck, stressed, or unsure why you can’t seem to break through to the next level, this conversation may be the shift you’ve been waiting for.

✨ Inside this episode:

• What limiting beliefs really are—and why they’re often hidden beneath the surface
• How these beliefs sabotage our communication, growth, and confidence as fundraisers
• Common limiting beliefs Tricia sees among nonprofit professionals
• Practical ways to identify, challenge, and release the narratives that keep you playing small

🎧 Press play to start dismantling the beliefs that are holding you back—and unlock new levels of clarity, confidence, and impact.

Key Topics/Themes: Mindset, limiting beliefs, professional growth, overcoming fear, communication, personal development for fundraisers

What if economic uncertainty didn’t have to derail your fundraising—but actually opened the door to new opportunities?

In this episode, Jennifer Berges, Director of Philanthropy at EngenderHealth, shares what she’s learned navigating donor relationships through past recessions. She explains why planned and legacy giving become essential tools during downturns and how fundraisers can help donors support the missions they love in creative, sustainable ways.

✨ Inside this episode:

• What economic uncertainty really means for fund development teams
• Why planned & legacy gifts are powerful stabilizers in tough seasons
• Practical strategies Jennifer has used to keep organizations strong during recessions
• How to guide donors toward meaningful long-term giving—even when finances feel tight

🎧 If you’re wondering how to fundraise confidently in a shifting economy, this conversation is full of wisdom, strategy, and steady reassurance.

Key Topics/Themes: Planned giving, recession fundraising, donor strategy, economic uncertainty, sustainability in developmentAbout Jennifer: Jennifer is responsible for developing and executing EngenderHealth’s individual giving strategy, including major gifts, planned giving, and family foundation gifts. She also oversees the philanthropy team and annual giving. Jennifer has more than 17 years of experience in fundraising, management, and leadership at higher education, public media, and arts organizations. Prior to joining EngenderHealth, she served as development director at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Jennifer holds a bachelor of arts in history and American culture studies from Washington University in St. Louis and a master of business administration from the University of South Florida.

Gratitude isn’t just a seasonal theme—it’s the heartbeat of donor relationships.

In this uplifting episode, two seasoned philanthropy leaders, Lynn Praska and Susan Hommes, reflect on what they’ve learned across more than six decades of combined donor relations experience. Their stories will remind you why this work matters—and how centering donor passion can transform your organization and your own sense of purpose.

✨ Inside this episode:

• What decades of donor relations experience reveal about gratitude and generosity
• Real stories and lessons learned from the field
• How to center donor passion in every interaction
• Practical tips for creating meaningful, joyful donor engagement

🎧 If you need a dose of inspiration or a reminder of why donor relationships are a privilege, this episode will fill your cup.

Key Topics/Themes: Donor relations, stewardship, gratitude, relationship-building, donor engagement Guest bios:Lynn PraskaLynn joined the planned giving team at the University of Minnesota Foundation in 2009. She came to the Foundation from Hamline University where she had more than 17 years of planned and major gift development experience. Lynn is a member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the Minnesota Gift Planning Association. She served on the MGPA board from 2006 to 2011, and as chair in 2008. Lynn currently served on the Conference Committee and Communications Committee for MGPA. Susan HommesSusan joined the planned giving team at the University of Minnesota Foundation in 2007 and was recently named Senior Director of Planned Giving. She has over 30 years of development experience, having held positions with United Way, Catholic Charities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and Community Action Council (360 Communities). Susan earned her B.A. from the College of St. Benedict and her M. A. in public administration and management from Hamline University. She is a member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the Minnesota Gift Planning Association, serving as chair in 2006. She currently served on the board and is past president of the West St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary Club and is an active volunteer with St. Pascal Baylon church and school. She lives in St. Paul with her husband Joe and son Peter. She enjoys hiking, bicycling, and wine!

Crypto, NFTs, and digital assets—buzzwords or fundraising opportunities?

In this accessible introduction to the world of digital currency, Dan⁠, ⁠Chase⁠, and ⁠Carl⁠ break down the basics: where cryptocurrency came from, how it works, and what fundraisers need to know about accepting crypto gifts. Whether you’re crypto-curious or crypto-cautious, this episode demystifies a fast-evolving landscape.

✨ Inside this episode:

• A simple intro to cryptocurrency and NFTs
• How digital assets are being used today—and where they’re heading
• Risks and considerations for nonprofits
• Practical steps for preparing your organization to accept crypto gifts

🎧 If you’ve wondered what crypto means for fundraising, start here—no tech degree required.

Key Topics/Themes: Cryptocurrency, digital giving, nonprofit finance, NFTs, emerging fundraising toolsAbout Our Guests:

Dan Kramer is a financial strategist and investor in the St. Cloud area that helps clients nationwide with organizing and structuring their personal finances to gain more control of their money, recover losses to increase client's wealth.

Chase Larson is the Chief Lending Officer at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union and is a results driven leader with 15 years of experience in Finance, Credit and Banking.

What if the biggest barrier to your fundraising success is the story you’re telling yourself?

In this eye-opening episode, Ali⁠ & ⁠Kristi⁠ sit down with NLP Trainer, Author, and Speaker Betsy Pake to explore how our internal narratives shape the way we communicate with donors, pursue goals, and interpret money. Betsy reveals how understanding your own “unconscious programming” can unlock new levels of effectiveness, confidence, and connection.

✨ Inside this episode:

• How unconscious stories shape fundraising conversations and outcomes
• Simple, practical steps to increase self-awareness and get “unstuck”
• How to recognize patterns in yourself—and in your donors
• Using donor “buying strategies” to build stronger, more aligned relationships

🎧 Tune in and discover how shifting your inner narrative can radically transform the way you show up in your fundraising work.

Key Topics/Themes: Mindset, NLP, donor psychology, internal narratives, communication, self-awareness for fundraisers

Betsy is a Master Mindset coach, board-certified trainer of NLP and Hypnotherapy and founder of The Alchemy institute. As a best-selling author, speaker, and host of the popular podcast, The Art of Living Big, Betsy creates opportunities to shift your mindset and change your life. You can find out more about her on her website: betsypake.com.

Every seasoned fundraiser has a story that keeps them up at night… But these are next-level.

In this classic episode, Carl Newbanks and Kristi Ackley sit down with Jim Dwyer and Nancy Brown to share real-life bequest stories that went sideways—sometimes in shocking, unforgettable ways. Beyond the scares, this episode is packed with wisdom about what to do (and what to avoid) when navigating donor intentions and estate gifts.

✨ Inside this episode:

• True “nightmare” bequest stories from the field
• Lessons learned from decades of planned giving experience
• How to prevent common (and uncommon!) bequest pitfalls
• Why clear communication is everything when it comes to estate gifts

🎧 Press play for a mix of spooky storytelling and practical planned giving insight.

Key Topics/Themes: Planned giving, bequests, donor communication, risk management, real-world case examples

Imagine a board that doesn’t just support your fundraising… but is energized by it.

In this episode, Ali & Marie welcome consultant and co-host Kristi Ackley, who breaks down her most effective strategies for turning hesitant board members into confident fundraising partners. From identifying strengths to reducing fear, Kristi shares an empowering, strengths-based approach every organization can use.

✨ Inside this episode:

• Why board members resist fundraising—and how to overcome it
• How to identify each member’s unique strengths and interests
• Using Kay Sprinkel Grace’s AAA model to position members for success
• Practical, confidence-building ways to increase board engagement

🎧 If you’re craving fresh ways to inspire your board, this episode is full of immediately usable ideas.

Key Topics/Themes: Board engagement, fundraising confidence, AAA model, board development, leadership

Minnesota’s nonprofit sector has weathered crisis after crisis—but what does the future hold?

In this powerful conversation, MCN Associate Director Kari Aanestad shares insights into how organizations are navigating ongoing challenges: COVID-19 recovery, shifts in charitable giving, racial equity efforts, economic pressures, and threats to democracy. Her perspective offers clarity, nuance, and hope during a time of constant change.

✨ Inside this episode:

• How Minnesota nonprofits have been impacted by major recent events
• Promising trends, concerning shifts, and emerging needs
• How organizations are adapting in real time
• What nonprofit leaders should be watching in the years ahead

🎧 If you want a pulse on the state of Minnesota’s nonprofit landscape, this episode is essential listening.

Key Topics/Themes: Nonprofit sector trends, Minnesota nonprofits, equity, economic pressures, policy impacts