Episode Summary:
With major tax reform looming in 2025, the nonprofit sector finds itself at a critical crossroads. In this episode of Money to Give, host Rick Peck welcomes Sara Barba, a policy expert deeply embedded in the legislative landscape, to break down how recent political shifts and budget reconciliation efforts could dramatically impact charitable giving.

We discuss the latest developments out of Washington, the challenges nonprofits are facing in the wake of policy uncertainty, and what individuals and organizations can do to advocate for philanthropy. If you’re wondering how tax policy changes will shape the future of giving—or what actions donors and nonprofits should take now—this episode is a must-listen.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ The state of tax reform in 2025 and how it affects philanthropy
✔️ How budget reconciliation is shaping nonprofit funding
✔️ The role of executive orders in altering charitable giving policies
✔️ Why nonprofits and donors must advocate for tax-efficient philanthropy
✔️ Actionable steps individuals can take to support the sector

About Our Guest:

Sara Barba is a seasoned public policy expert specializing in tax policy, philanthropy, and legislative advocacy. As a senior advisor at Integer, LLC she helps nonprofits and donors navigate the ever-changing political landscape to maximize impact.

Follow Sara Barba on LinkedIn for policy updates

🎧 Subscribe & Share:
If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share Money to Give with those who care about the future of philanthropy. Every voice matters in shaping policies that impact charitable giving.

Episode Summary

What does philanthropy look like for high-net-worth families? How can wealth advisors, estate planners, and philanthropic consultants help guide their giving? In this episode of Money to Give, host Rick Peck—The Philanthropy Guy—dives into these critical questions with two expert guests: Megan Helzner and Valerie Sussman.

With decades of experience advising donors, family foundations, and mission-driven organizations, Megan and Valerie offer invaluable insights into structuring charitable giving, engaging multiple generations, and maximizing impact through tax-efficient strategies. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation packed with actionable advice for donors, advisors, and nonprofit professionals alike.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✔️ The key factors high-net-worth families should consider when structuring their philanthropy
✔️ How to balance financial planning with meaningful charitable impact
✔️ Best practices for multi-generational engagement in family philanthropy
✔️ Tax-advantaged strategies for maximizing charitable giving

About Our Guests

🔹 Megan Helzner, MPA, MBA – A Senior Manager at CIFAR, Megan is a consultant and coach to family foundations, family enterprises, and other mission-driven organizations. She holds advanced degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton School, along with leadership certifications in nonprofit management.

🔹 Valerie Sussman, Esq. – A Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, Valerie specializes in helping clients achieve their charitable goals through estate planning, trusts, and tax-advantaged giving strategies. She is an active member of the Boston Bar Association, the Boston Estate Planning Council, and the Boston Foundation’s Professional Advisor Network.

Tune In & Subscribe

Join us for this insightful conversation and discover how high-net-worth families can give more effectively while aligning their philanthropy with their values and legacy goals.

📌 Subscribe to Money to Give on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review!

💡 Know someone who would benefit from this episode? Share it with them!

📩 Have a question or topic suggestion? Reach out to us!

Tax reform.  Tax Super Bowl.  Taxmageddon.  The expiring tax cuts of 2025 are getting people anxious!  There is a lack of education and understanding that members of Congress and their staff have about what the philanthropic sector really does.  Worse, threats to the sector are NUMEROUS and a bit unknown until election day on November 5, 2024.  And, U.S. legislators may be looking to nonprofits as a source of revenue!  Yikes!  What is to happen?  How will things look a little different from the 2017 “pro-growth” mindset of legislators seven years ago?  What can we collectively do about that?  Hear from Sara Barba, expert federal policy consultant and lobbyist for charities, as well as a principal at Integer, LLC, about her thoughts on what can happen next.  You can also e-mail her at sbarba@integerpolicy.com or visit the philanthropy portion of her website at integerpolicy.com/philanthropy-policy/ 

They call it the Great Wealth Transfer.  Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation could pass down a combined $84.4 trillion in assets to younger generations.  With current tax law sunsetting at the end of next year, how does this affect taxes?  How will families be affected?  And, how will philanthropy fit into this?  Listen in while bipartisan advocacy and lobbying expert Sandra Swirski offers timely thoughts and concerns that you will want to hear!

Getting the dollar amount of an ask right---in a gift solicitation---is incredibly important.  It saves time and face with a donor!  Are you presently going into gift conversations shooting from the hip---and/or burdened by your own biases around money?  Can you avoid the awkwardness of inappropriate ask amounts: either too high or too low?  How can you help donors you know make the right level of donation to make the maximum impact they can?  Larry Raff, creator of the Abacus Major Donor Ask Calculator, LLC---link here: PRICING | Free Trial - Abacus Major Donor Calculator (donorabacus.com)---schools us on the Science of the Ask, and how to laser-focus on the amount you SHOULD be asking for!

Internationally focused nonprofits have the same challenges U.S.-based nonprofits do---but sometimes those challenges are even more complex!  How do you build relationships with donors, be accountable to them, focus on innovation, use technology well, and transform critical partnerships all over the planet?  How does a global org juggle all these necessary tactics of fundraising?  Will it all fall apart without proper strategic leadership and execution?  Join us for a unique conversation to learn how Stephanie Guzman---VP of Development and the U.S. Director for the Kenya Education Fund---puts all the pieces together!

Cash comprises less than 10% of the average American's asset portfolio.  So, why do so many nonprofits endlessly solicit for cash gift donations only?  And why are so few NON-cash asset donations made?  Where did this all go wrong?  Non-cash asset donation expert Brad Caswell unpacks this conundrum---and how and why we should all be a lot more comfortable with this massive opportunity!  He tells us how to completely disrupt the cash trend in favor of what Americans can more easily donate: non-cash!

Real estate represents the 2nd largest asset in Americans’ portfolios---almost 40% to be exact!  But of all assets donated in any given year, real estate represents only 2% of it!  How can that be?  Why do people avoid donating real estate?  Ignorance, reluctance, or both?  Seasoned real estate giving expert Bruce Geiss gives more than a few compelling reasons to lean into the massive impact a gift of real estate can make!  Listen today!

Fundraising is all about relationships.  So, as a development expert on a certain technical topic, why would one go deep ("below-the-line") so fast?  Why not stay "above-the-line" and take time to ease into the relationship rather than barreling forth with solutions that might not be welcome yet?  What's the rush?  Planned giving expert Joe Tumolo, with humor, teaches us how to go slow to go fast (and far).  Check it out!

So you want to have a thriving fundraising program, but you don’t have a real database.  Will your donors come back if they don’t think you know what you’re doing?  How do you ensure you really represent your nonprofit in the best possible light?  And, are you using the analytical tools you need to make the right strategic decisions to manage your fundraising program?  Fractional Philanthropy Operations specialist Jenny Kleintop gives us what we need to know, including how AI fits into the picture.  Listen in!

Direct Mail gets a bad rap: it's called "snail mail," junk mail, and so on.  However, it's a federal crime to defraud someone through the U.S. Mail, so there's that: it's still a medium that you can trust.  And, if nonprofits execute this approach well for fundraising purposes, the feel of it, the targeted messaging, the sleek look---it can all be quite compelling on the way from the mailbox to the house!  Learn from top Direct Mail expert Phil Goodhart on how to take an old medium and make it feel new again---as part of a robust multi-channel marketing campaign. 

Grantwriting is an essential part of attracting the kind of revenue needed to sustain and thrive as a nonprofit.  However, it is a wildly competitive marketplace.  How do you stand out from the rest of the applicants?  Why would funders choose to make grants to YOUR organization above others?  What language helps you stand out?  Conversely, what should you NOT do?  Learn from top grantwriting expert Jeff Andersen during our insightful chat together!

Episode Summary:

Federal grants can unlock transformative opportunities for nonprofits, but the process is often complex and intimidating. In this episode, we sit down with Bria Arline, Founder and CEO of IQ Ignited, who has helped nonprofits and local governments secure millions in public funding with an impressive 80% success rate.

Bria shares her expert insights on simplifying the federal grant application process, overcoming common challenges, and positioning your organization for long-term success. Whether you’re just starting out with grant applications or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you secure funding and achieve your mission.

What You’ll Learn:

• The biggest challenges nonprofits face in the federal grant process—and how to overcome them.
• Why preparation, clarity, and storytelling are critical to winning grants.
• How Bria’s experience as a former educator and marketing professional informs her approach to nonprofit success.
• Practical tips for building capacity within your organization to effectively manage grant opportunities.

About Our Guest:

Bria Arline is the Founder and CEO of IQ Ignited, a consultancy specializing in federal grant solutions for nonprofits and local governments. With her guidance, organizations have unlocked millions in funding to expand critical programs, particularly in education and workforce development. Bria is passionate about helping nonprofits streamline their grant processes to drive impact and transform lives in their communities.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about IQ Ignited: https://www.iqignited.com/
• Connect with Bria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briaarline/
• Check out the latest issue of Charitable Giving newsletter: https://conta.cc/4atMdKY

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction and overview of federal grantmaking challenges
[05:30] Bria’s journey to becoming a grantmaking expert
[12:15] Key tips for simplifying the grant application process
[18:45] Overcoming capacity and resource challenges in nonprofits
[25:30] The importance of storytelling and clear communication in grant applications
[30:00] Final thoughts and Bria’s advice for nonprofit leaders

Let’s Connect:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network. Together, we can amplify the impact of nonprofits around the world!

We hear the words Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a lot.  But what does it REALLY mean?  And, if a nonprofit is asked about how it shows up in this space, can it even explain any sort of intentionality around that?  Or are they just empty words?  If they are only words, donors will see through that and may decide to pass on funding your institution.  Skip this episode at your own risk!

Is government the key to making the world a better place?  Or, are nonprofits the solution?  Taxes pay for government, but who pays the nonprofits?  Donors do, amongst other sources.  Learn how talking to donors and families regarding complex assets, including insurance and investments, is both an art and a science, and if done well, can help donors feel satisfied and nonprofits receive what they need to make the world a better place.

Welcome to the Money to Give Podcast with The Philanthropy Guy, Rick Peck!  Excited for you to join me!  Subscribe so you don't miss the first podcast---coming soon!

Death. Something we don't really like to think about! But, you know who thinks about death a lot? Estate planning professionals. They work with individuals and families to create the right set of instructions based on the intellectual and emotional desires of their clients. What are the life lessons that professionals in the estate planning industry can learn along the way regarding service over material wealth? What kind of advice would a professional like this give to the younger version of himself? And, what people do we meet along the way that irrevocably change our lives--and guide us to live a life in full? Hear from expert Eli Angote about his reflections in the field.

Need support with your estate planning documents?
Find Eli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahka/
Read more about Eli's work: https://thebestnotary.net/team/

Likely, we all know of a family that has been affected in some way by substance misuse and/or mental illness.  And both of these issues are at a crisis point in the U.S.  As our concerns rise, what actually WORKS in addressing these issues?  And, what role do government and policymakers play in addressing addiction and mental illness---and how do they respond?  Further, and importantly, what role can donors and philanthropy play?  Lastly, how can professional advisors---like CPAs, wealth advisors, and trusts & estates attorneys---support donors in engaging in behavioral health philanthropy?  Join expert Tym Rourke for a deep and fascinating conversation about the possibilities ahead.

Wanna know a SECRET?  With a record $557 Billion donated in 2023 in the U.S., it is possible that a donor might ACTUALLY achieve all his or her tax and charitable goals---with nonprofits benefiting deeply---using a woefully underutilized tool.  What's it called?  The Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, or "CLAT."  It's like the Swiss Army knife of charitable giving.  And, a type of CLAT---known as an “iCLAT"---is a tool accessible to every CPA, wealth advisor, and trusts & estates attorney, and especially those working with moderate-to-wealthy clients.  Complex estate planning guru Brad Gornto explains it all to you!  

What are the key factors that motivate people to donate?  Motivations DO differ from other financial decisions like buying products or investing in the stock market.  And in the modern age of eroding trust, how is charitable effectiveness actually assessed?  Some charities are astronomically more effective than others.  Psychological research can be the key that helps donors understand their own motivations and the eternal dilemma of the “head vs. heart.”  Learn from Harvard researcher Matt Coleman, PhD about the power of motivation and how it impacts giving today!

With nearly $250 billion in donor-advised funds, DAFs are often criticized as vehicles for parking assets.  But, new models are addressing this concern.  Innovations are emerging to make DAFs more accessible and appealing to lower-level donors rather than being primarily tools for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.  Wealth managers are increasingly interested in philanthropic solutions for their clients.  And, cryptocurrency donations offer opportunities for expanding the philanthropic landscape. The next generation of donors—especially millennials and Gen Z—are showing different values---and different assets---when it comes to philanthropy. How are we as professionals catering to these new philanthropic trends, and what role does technology play in this shift?  Alexis Miller from Endaoment gives insight on all of this---and more.

Relationships are everything.  So, why is it that nonprofits often come to donors with the never-ending ask, as if the donor or potential donor is simply an ATM?  What donor wants THAT kind of relationship with a nonprofit?  How do we shift our traditional fundraising methodology to something that feels more authentic and long-term, working with donors as valued partners, rather than simply short-term and transactional---to create overarching success---from both the donor's AND the nonprofit’s point-of-view?  Author, donor, and charitable giving expert Lisa Zola Greer tells compelling stories about how it feels to be excluded from meaningful conversations---and what nonprofits can do to change that.  See the link to Lisa's new book here: The Essential Fundraiser’s Handbook: A Guide to Maximizing Donations, Retaining Donors, and Saving the Giving Sector for Good – Lisa Greer

What is a community foundation?  Why do they matter?  Many people have heard of them but could not quite tell you what they do, despite there being about 700 of them in the United States---and likely one near you!  Community foundations know their locales very well: they help facilitate millions in gifts to nonprofits focused on behavioral health, food scarcity, the environment, education, housing, and so many more themes.  How can you learn more about community foundations and their impact, including how they can use donor-advised funds for impact?  Chris Beach, Senior VP at The Minneapolis Foundation, passionately relays the importance of what community foundations bring to the table and how donor-advised funds play a critical role.