A Legacy of Generosity

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-doubtHow reframing your thinking leads to stronger resultsConfidence-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 sidewaysLessons every fundraiser should take to heartHow 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 timePractical ways to use AI for both mass and 1:1 donor messagingWhy 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 fundraisingUnique challenges rural nonprofits face — and how to support themResources 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 shiftHow planned giving skills add confidence and credibilityAdvice 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 careersLink: 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 givingHow to tailor messaging to resonate with legacy donorsTips 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 relationshipsHow to create partnerships that expand nonprofit capacityReal-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 confidenceHow to strengthen team dynamics through shared learningTips 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 languageThe 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 energizingHow wellness practices ripple out to strengthen donor relationshipsPractical 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 - LeadershipStep 2 - StaffStep 3 - Board MembersStep 4 - Goals, Timelines, and UrgencyStep 5 - Telling Your StoryStep 6 - Keeping Your Donors EngagedStep 7 - Money ConversationsStep 8 - Be SpecificStep 9 - Donor Data Management✨ Inside this episode:The nine pillars of a strong campaign strategyHow storytelling creates “hope journeys” that donors rememberThe 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 involvementLink: ⁠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 CovidPractical tips for boosting donor connection before, during, and afterA 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

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 inspirePractical ways to embed IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, access) into cultureKeys 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 philanthropyAbout 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 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 seasonsPractical 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 donorsUsing 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 fundraisersBetsy 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.

Only 33% of U.S. adults have a will—an enormous challenge and opportunity for nonprofits.In this episode, Patrick Schmitt⁠ of ⁠FreeWill shares powerful estate planning data, generational trends, and fundraising insights. Learn how your organization can use Make a Will Month to spark legacy conversations, unlock long-term commitments, and steward younger generations of donors.✨ Inside this episode: Key estate planning statistics every fundraiser should know How nonprofits can leverage Make a Will Month The rise of millennial wealth and what it means for legacy giving Crypto giving trends and how to prepare for the future🎧 If your organization wants more planned gifts, this episode is a goldmine of talking points.Key Topics/Themes: Planned giving, estate planning, generational giving, crypto philanthropy, legacy commitmentsThis episode's co-hosts are Ali Schneider, Animal Humane Society and Kristi Ackley, Fair Winds Consulting. To learn more about FreeWill, visit their website: https://www.freewill.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