Money to Give – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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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!