A Legacy of Generosity – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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