Shifting Ground: Helping Nonprofits Navigate Change in Washington

The Art of Listening: Zen, Black Belts and Better Donor Conversations

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: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning writer and editor for Sharpe Group who works closely with Sharpe clients to create compelling donor interviews for their newsletters. In addition to hosting the podcast, he frequently contributes to the Sharpe blog and Sharpe Insights Newsletter.  Alexandra (Alex) Pia Brovey, JD, LLM, has more than 25 years of gift planning experience and is assistant vice president, gift planning at Northwell Foundation, which recently completed a $1.4 billion campaign. She worked at Penn State University, Pace University and Stony Brook University, and previously practiced law (estate planning) in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York. Alex is a board member of the American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA) where she co-chairs the 100-year task force and serves on the Programs and Engagement Committees; president emeritus of the Philanthropic Planning Group of Greater New York; past board member and treasurer of CGP, chair of the Leadership Institute and a mentor; and a member of the Estate Planning Council of Long Island. Alex lectures nationally on many topics with an emphasis on Zen and the Art of Fundraising (she has a published trilogy) and serves on the editorial boards of “Planned Giving Today” and “Trusts & Estates” magazine. Alex earned a B.A. from Penn State, a JD from Georgetown and an LLM Estate Planning from the University of Miami.

Keys to Unlocking IRA Gifts: Lessons From the RIFT Project

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 delays and bureaucratic hurdles faced by charitable organizations when claiming these gifts. Johnny shares valuable insights on advocating for timely releases of funds and the steps nonprofits can take to navigate the often confusing landscape of financial institutions. Tune in for practical advice that can enhance your planned giving program and ensure your organization receives the support it deserves.

The Human Element: Trust and Technology in Fundraising

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 fundraising.

Up for the (Legacy) Challenge

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 funding while engaging donors in ways they had not anticipated. We explore the mechanics of a legacy challenge, its benefits over traditional matching campaigns, and the lessons learned from implementation. If you're looking to elevate your planned giving program, this conversation is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories that can help you secure long-term support for your organization. Tune in to learn how to embrace the legacy challenge and enhance your fundraising efforts.

The Ins and Outs of Estate Settlement with Andrew Fussner

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.