Money to Give

What if a new federal tax credit could help millions of students access educational opportunities while giving taxpayers a way to make a meaningful difference in their communities? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with John Kirtley and Kimberlee Riley for the first of a two-part conversation about the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), a new federal initiative designed to expand educational opportunities for K–12 students across the country. John shares how decades of educational choice initiatives in Florida have helped families access learning environments and resources that better meet their children's individual needs. From specialized magnet schools and tutoring to enrichment programs and educational scholarships, the conversation explores how greater flexibility and access to resources can help students reach their full potential.Throughout the episode, John, Kimberlee, and Rick unpack how the Education Freedom Tax Credit works and why it represents a new opportunity for donors, taxpayers, and philanthropic advisors. Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible taxpayers can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 annually for qualifying cash contributions to approved scholarship-granting organizations. Unlike a traditional charitable deduction, which reduces taxable income, this credit reduces federal income tax liability dollar for dollar, subject to applicable requirements. Kimberlee explains why understanding this distinction is especially important for financial advisors and how the credit could help clients support educational opportunities without redirecting their existing charitable giving. The discussion also addresses state participation requirements, the importance of community-based impact, and how organizations such as Step Up For Students and the AFC Scholarship Fund are preparing to connect eligible students with additional educational resources.Whether you are a donor, financial advisor, nonprofit professional, educator, or someone passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation, this episode offers a timely introduction to a new approach to educational philanthropy. John and Kimberlee emphasize that even relatively modest individual contributions, when combined across communities, have the potential to make a meaningful difference for students who need additional support. More importantly, their conversation highlights how thoughtful financial planning, greater awareness, and collaboration can help expand access to education and create lasting opportunities for children and families. Join Rick for Part 1 of this important discussion, and stay tuned for Part 2 as they continue exploring the opportunities and practical considerations surrounding the Education Freedom Tax Credit.Contact Rick Peck:Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.comEmail: [email protected] A Call: Rick Peck's CalendarSign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving NewsletterLinkedIn: Richard PeckContact John Kirtley and Kimberlee Riley:Step Up Step Further (Florida): stepupstepfurther.orgAFC Scholarship Fund (Nationwide): afcscholarshipfund.orgStep Up For Students: stepupforstudents.orgKimberlee Riley Email: [email protected]: Kimberlee RileyLinkedIn: John F. Kirtley

What if the greatest impact of philanthropy isn't simply the money given, but the opportunities it creates and the potential it unlocks? In this milestone 100th episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Christian Torres, entrepreneur and decision intelligence professional, for a personal and thought-provoking conversation about the power of opportunity, mentorship, and smarter philanthropic decision-making. Growing up in the South Bronx, Christian experienced firsthand how charitable support could change the course of someone's life. Through the nonprofit Prep for Prep, he gained access to educational opportunities that challenged him, expanded his perspective, and ultimately helped shape his future. His experience offers a powerful reminder that philanthropy can be about much more than financial assistance—it can provide the tools, relationships, and encouragement people need to realize their potential.Throughout the episode, Christian and Rick explore his concept of merit-activated philanthropy, an approach that emphasizes creating opportunities for individuals to grow, take on challenges, and build upon their abilities. Christian also shares how artificial intelligence, data, and decision intelligence could transform the way donors, nonprofits, and philanthropic advisors evaluate opportunities and measure success. From using AI to strengthen decision-making to establishing clear goals and meaningful measures of impact, he challenges organizations to think beyond good intentions and consider whether their resources are truly creating the change they hope to achieve. The conversation also introduces Christian's DARK decision-making framework and explores why accountability, adaptability, and continuous improvement are essential to lasting impact.Whether you are a donor, nonprofit leader, philanthropic advisor, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about creating meaningful change, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what thoughtful generosity can accomplish. Christian's story reminds us that financial support alone does not always create transformation; sometimes the greatest gift is an opportunity paired with the right people, guidance, and expectations. As technology continues to reshape how we understand and measure impact, this conversation encourages listeners to remain focused on the human potential behind every philanthropic decision—and to consider how today's investments in people can create opportunities for generations to come.Contact Rick Peck:Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.comEmail: [email protected] A Call: Rick Peck's CalendarSign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving NewsletterLinkedIn: Richard PeckContact Christian Torres:Website: Stark AnalyticsLinkedIn: Christian TorresSocial Media: @christiantores.systems

What if reducing your tax burden could also help create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen communities? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Ashley Tison, founder of OZPros, for an accessible and eye-opening conversation about Opportunity Zones and how investors can use them to pursue both financial returns and meaningful community impact. Ashley breaks down how the Opportunity Zone program works, why it was created to bring private capital into historically underinvested areas, and how recent changes have opened the door to new opportunities for investors, business owners, and communities.Throughout the episode, Ashley and Rick explore how Opportunity Zone investments can go far beyond traditional real estate. From supporting operating businesses and creating jobs to developing housing and revitalizing neighborhoods, Ashley shares real-world examples of what can happen when private investment is intentionally directed toward communities that need it. He also discusses the importance of planning ahead, understanding the available options, working alongside trusted professional advisors, and looking beyond tax savings to consider the lasting impact an investment can create. As Ashley describes the mission behind his work, it is about helping people “do well by doing good.”Whether you are an investor, donor, financial advisor, business owner, or someone interested in new ways capital can create positive change, this episode offers a practical introduction to the possibilities within Opportunity Zones. More importantly, it challenges listeners to think differently about the relationship between financial success and community impact. As Ashley reminds us, sharing stories about what is working can inspire others to take action—and give more people the confidence and tools to put their resources to work for both themselves and their communities.Contact Rick Peck:Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.comEmail: [email protected] A Call: Rick Peck's CalendarSign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving NewsletterLinkedIn: Richard PeckContact Ashley Tison:Website: https://ozpros.com/podcastEmail: [email protected]: Ashley Tison

What happens when new tax laws create uncertainty for donors and nonprofits alike—but the desire to make a difference remains strong? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Bill Shiell of BrightDot to explore what the changing 2026 tax landscape could mean for charitable giving and, more importantly, how nonprofits can respond without losing sight of what motivates generosity in the first place. Bill reminds us that while tax benefits may influence how or when someone gives, donors are ultimately motivated by the causes, organizations, and values they care about.Throughout the episode, Bill and Rick explore practical ways nonprofits can help donors navigate change with greater confidence. From bunching charitable gifts and engaging smaller donors to donor-advised funds and peer-to-peer giving, Bill explains why organizations should make giving as accessible as possible while continuing to tell compelling stories about their impact. He also highlights the growing role of wealth managers, CPAs, estate planners, and other professional advisors—and encourages nonprofits to proactively build relationships with these professionals rather than trying to become tax experts themselves.Whether you are a donor, nonprofit leader, fundraiser, wealth advisor, or someone helping others make thoughtful charitable decisions, this episode offers a timely reminder that philanthropy is ultimately about relationships. Tax rules may change, but generosity, trust, and connection remain at the heart of giving. Bill offers practical ideas for bringing nonprofits, donors, and advisors together so they can share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and help more people confidently support the causes that matter to them.Contact Rick Peck:Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.comEmail: [email protected] A Call: Rick Peck's CalendarSign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving NewsletterLinkedIn: Richard PeckContact Bill Shiell:Website: https://thebright.comEmail: [email protected]: Bill Shiell

What if the spaces where families gather could actually shape the conversations, relationships, and legacy they build together? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Sarah Walker of Nuance Interiors to explore the often-overlooked connection between our physical environment, family well-being, and philanthropy. Sarah shares how evidence-informed interior design goes far beyond aesthetics, using research around light, acoustics, natural materials, spatial design, and the nervous system to create homes that help people feel more present, connected, and supported.Throughout the episode, Sarah and Rick explore how a family’s home can become an extension of its values. From creating spaces that encourage meaningful conversations across generations to designing environments that support health, focus, connection, and daily rituals, Sarah challenges families to think about their homes as more than a backdrop to their lives. She explains how intentional design can support difficult conversations, philanthropic decision-making, family traditions, and long-term well-being—and why the environment where these moments happen may influence how people connect with one another.Whether you are a donor, philanthropic advisor, family wealth professional, or someone thinking about the legacy you want to create, this episode offers a fascinating perspective on how our surroundings can support the people and values that matter most. Sarah reminds us that a home can be part of a family’s “legacy infrastructure”—a place where generosity, stewardship, wellness, and connection are not simply talked about, but experienced every day.Contact Rick Peck:Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.comEmail: [email protected] A Call: Rick Peck's CalendarSign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving NewsletterLinkedIn: Richard PeckContact Sarah Walker:Website: https://nuanceinteriors.com/Instagram: @NuanceInteriorsLinkedin: Sarah Walker