Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts

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.

In this episode of Sharpe Insights, we explore the intricate balance between the art and science of charitable gift planning with Michael Kenyon, President and CEO of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. We delve into how CGP supports professionals in the nonprofit sector through education, community building, and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of establishing trust-based relationships with donors. Michael shares insights on the evolving landscape of planned giving, the significance of national standards, and the upcoming trends, including the great wealth transfer. Join us as we uncover practical strategies to enhance your planned giving program and secure long-term support for your organization.

In this episode of Sharpe Insights, we explore the crucial role of donor data in enhancing your planned giving program. Join me, Grant Miller, as I sit down with Jim Ross, CEO of Sharpe, to discuss best practices for maintaining accurate and actionable donor files. We dive into the importance of having complete, current, and correct data to build trust and tailor your outreach effectively. Jim shares insights on updating donor information, identifying valuable opportunities, and how generational differences can impact communication strategies. Whether you're new to planned giving or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers practical tips to strengthen donor relationships and maximize your fundraising efforts. Tune in to gain invaluable knowledge that can elevate your nonprofit's impact.

In this episode of Sharpe Insights, we delve into the complexities of donor relationships, focusing on the sensitive issue of repairing strained connections. Join me, Grant Miller, as I speak with Brett Bicoy, President and CEO of the Door County Community Foundation. Together, we explore early warning signs of eroding trust, common pitfalls that can damage donor confidence, and actionable strategies for rebuilding these vital relationships. Learn how to own mistakes, communicate openly, and strengthen your organization’s credibility with donors. By understanding the nuances of these interactions, you can ensure long-term support for your nonprofit mission. Tune in for valuable insights that can transform your approach to planned giving.

Do floors and ceilings have you reeling? Tax and planned giving experts Chris Woehrle and Barlow Mann discuss the latest OBBBA changes, offering some hopeful predictions for their impact on 2026 fundraising and beyond. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Chris Woehrle, JD, LLM is a technical consultant for Sharpe Group, writing and editing our advisory communications. A magna cum laude graduate of Cornell University, Chris earned his JD and LLM (Taxation) from the Widger School of Law at Villanova University, where he is a member of the Graduate Tax Program Advisory Board. He also teaches charitable gift planning and principles of wealth management in the LLM taxation program. Barlow Mann, JD. Sharpe Group’s General Counsel, attended National Planned Giving Institute Seminars, joining the faculty in the late 1970’s. He began his career at several university development offices and a healthcare center. In his decades at Sharpe Group, he has focused on consulting, seminar training and developing planned and major gift marketing efforts for small, medium and large nonprofit organizations.

Socrates, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Gandalf the Grey walk into a donor meeting … In this mind-bending episode, Dr. Russell James reveals the power of using questions as a means of self-discovery to help guide donors into making their gift of a lifetime. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Dr. Russell James is a professor of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University and one of the nation’s leading experts on charitable giving. Dr. James has published more than 150 works on philanthropy and behavioral economics and is frequently cited by media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

In this episode of Sharpe Insights: Conversations with Your Planned Giving Experts, I, Grant Miller, delve into the world of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and their transformative potential for philanthropy. Joining me is Sarah Barba, an expert in philanthropy and tax policy, who shares her insights on why DAFs have surged in popularity among donors. We discuss the flexibility, tax advantages, and ease of use that make DAFs an attractive option for charitable giving. Sarah clarifies the mechanics of DAFs, including how they can streamline grant-making while providing donors with advisory privileges. We also explore the implications of recent legislative changes and how fundraisers can adapt to engage effectively with DAF donors. Tune in for expert tips and practical strategies to enhance your planned giving efforts.

Meaningful donor relationships don’t happen overnight—they happen over time. And sometimes you have to go off the beaten path. Join host Grant Miller as he talks to Sharpe Senior Consultant Joe Chickey who shares his own fundraising stories that will provide creative ideas for connecting with donors beyond the donor visit. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Joe Chickey, MBA, CFP®, Sharpe Group Senior Vice President and Senior Consultant, brings more than 30 years of experience to gift planning. He assesses planned giving programs for Sharpe clients and helps them create and enhance their planned giving strategic plans.

Having a basic understanding of the OBBBA is essential when communicating with donors. Planned giving fundraising expert Phil Purcell explains what has changed, what hasn’t changed, the best gifts to promote this year and next and how, overall, the tax benefits for philanthropy are alive and well. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Phil Purcell is currently the director of planned giving for the Salvation Army Central Territory and editor of Planned Giving Today. Phil has guided countless nonprofits through the complexities of tax law, charitable tools and fundraising strategy. Additionally, he is a 2025 National Association of Charitable Gift Planners Hall of Fame inductee.

Like peas and carrots. Sharpe consultants Julie Schuldner and Kristin Croone join host Grant Miller in a lively discussion about integrating planned giving into your year-end giving messaging. They share proven year-end communications strategies for success and discuss mistakes to avoid during the most generous time of the year. Panelist info: Host Grant Miller is an award-winning creative writer and senior editor with Sharpe Group. Kristin Croone, JD, Sharpe Group Senior Consultant, has worked for both law and accounting firms and has served as director of planned giving and legal counsel for the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. In addition, Kristin has valuable experience in donor stewardship as well as tax and estate planning law and processes, including estate settlement. Julie Schuldner, MBA, CFRE®, Sharpe Group Senior Consultant, works with many Sharpe clients to analyze and update their donor data, plan their planned giving strategies and create effective donor communications.

In this episode of Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts, I sit down with John Jensen, Director of Planned Giving at Washington National Cathedral, to explore the evolving landscape of planned giving. John shares his extensive experience, discussing the importance of investing in planned giving, the impact of consistent messaging, and strategies for engaging with older donors. We delve into the types of gifts gaining popularity, like retirement plan beneficiary forms, and those fading, such as pooled income funds. John also offers insights on maintaining long-term donor relationships and the significance of storytelling. Whether you're new to planned giving or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and practical advice to enhance your nonprofit's long-term support. Join us for an enlightening conversation with a true expert in the field. John Jensen, CFP®, is planned giving director for Washington National Cathedral. He has almost 50 years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising specializing in estate and gift planning. Earlier in his career, John led fundraising efforts for the National Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conservancy. Before joining the Cathedral’s team, John was a senior consultant for Sharpe Group. John has received numerous awards, including the Lifetime Distinguished Service Award from the National Capital Gift Planning Council in 2014. Kristin Croone, JD, Sharpe Group Senior Consultant, has worked for both law and accounting firms and has served as director of planned giving and legal counsel for the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. In addition, Kristin has valuable experience in donor stewardship as well as tax and estate planning law and processes, including estate settlement.

Join me, Grant Miller, in the debut episode of Sharp Insights as we explore why planned giving should be your nonprofit's long game. Alongside experts Julie Shuldner, Kristen Kroon, and Joe Chicky, we delve into the significance of planned giving for long-term sustainability. Discover how engaging loyal donors through planned gifts can provide financial stability and consistent income for your organization. We address common misconceptions, such as the belief that planned gifts only benefit future needs, and highlight the importance of building relationships with donors now. Learn strategies for educating your board and maintaining effective stewardship, even amidst staff turnover. Tune in to uncover how planned giving can transform your nonprofit's future and hear inspiring stories from the field.