Podcast: A Legacy of Generosity
I’m excited to share that I was recently a guest on the latest episode of A Legacy of Generosity!
I had the opportunity to sit down with Kristi Ackley and Alison Schneider for a conversation about something I believe deeply: Legacy giving isn’t just a gift planning conversation. It’s a relationship conversation.
Too often, organizations treat fundraising channels as separate transactions—or, as we discussed on the podcast, treat donors like individual “cards” to be managed.
But donors don’t experience their relationship with an organization that way.
Their annual gift, event participation, volunteer experience, online engagement, major gift, and eventual legacy commitment are all part of one relationship.
During our conversation, we explored:
🔹 Why legacy giving should begin long before anyone mentions an estate plan
🔹 Why legacy is about values, purpose, and impact—not simply wealth
🔹 Why being a nonprofit’s “best kept secret” is not something to celebrate
🔹 Why rural communities may have more philanthropic capacity than organizations realize
🔹 How the definition of legacy is evolving toward the impact people want to see during their lifetime
🔹 And why effective moves management means connecting every part of the donor journey
After more than 30 years working across youth development, higher education, faith communities, and community-based organizations, I’ve become increasingly convinced of one thing:
The strongest fundraising programs are built when we stop thinking about transactions and start thinking about relationships.
I’m grateful to Kristi and Alison for being such thoughtful hosts and for creating the space for a candid and engaging conversation.
🎧 I hope you’ll take a listen—and I’d love to hear what resonates with you.
If you work in fundraising, nonprofit leadership, or philanthropy, what does your organization do to build relationships with donors long before asking them to consider their legacy?
Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/g777Zfzp
Please feel free to reach out and have a conversation about how I might be able to help you or your organization as you get ready for 2027.
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