I don’t listen to podcasts much. Not because I don’t like them, and not because I don’t think there are endless fascinating things out there worth learning. (Don’t worry, my wife keeps me up to date on all the true crime podcasts at the dinner table.) I just don’t make the time. Honestly, I’m not …Read More
Why I—of All People—Am Hosting a Planned Giving Podcast
SHARE VIA: 
Possible 2026 Tax Changes—A Legislative Update
In recent weeks, details have started to emerge related to tax legislation that could impact almost every taxpayer next year. The Joint Committee on Taxation has issued a “Description of the Budget Reconciliation Legislative Recommendations Related to Tax,” and the House Ways & Means Committee had a markup meeting on May 13 and voted to …Read More
Data Appends Versus Wealth Screenings in Donor Segmentation
When it comes to nonprofit marketing, it is important to understand commonly used data enrichment tools. Two segmentation approaches—data appends and wealth screenings—serve different purposes. Let’s explore the differences: Data Appends to Enhance Segmentation and Marketing A data append is ideal for broad-based segmentation and marketing efforts, rather than individual donor prospecting. It involves …Read More
Charitable Dollars & Sense: The Real Value of Art
Restrictions placed by a donor in a gift agreement that limit the amount a willing buyer would pay a willing seller must be considered when determining the amount of the charitable deduction. Rev. Rul. 85-89 offers the example of a donor giving a large plot of land to an agricultural college for use in the …Read More
Planned Giving to the Rescue
Throughout history, fundraisers have struggled to raise gifts in challenging and uncertain times, particularly in times of economic recession (see Sharpe Insights article, “The Sky Is Falling … Again! The Economics of Giving”). For those who recall the iconic hard rock band “Spinal Tap,” it is as though the amplifier has been “turned up to …Read More
NIL and Fundraising … A Recipe for Success?
For the first time since 2008, the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament was made up of all No. 1 seeds, sparking a discussion about the influence of NIL in the success of these teams. What is NIL? NIL stands for Name, Image and Likeness and refers to a college athlete’s …Read More
3 Things to Include in Your Planned Giving Newsletter
While the times have certainly changed, the approach has stayed the same. Having created content since I began at Sharpe Group in the late ’90s, there are some items I always include in a printed or digital planned giving newsletter: Keep it real with stories Including donor stories can accomplish several things: they honor the donor(s) who …Read More
Gift Planning for Your Fiscal Year-End
For the thousands of charities that operate on fiscal rather than calendar year-ends (most commonly June 30/July 1 end and start dates), actions taken in the spring may be especially important to help ensure a strong finish. Here are some stewardship ideas for fiscal year-end gifts from both current givers and planned giving donors: For …Read More
Is It Time to Call In a Professional? The Value of a Mentor
A professional mentor provides guidance, support and expertise to help someone (a mentee) develop and grow in their career. As Sharpe consultants, we often assume the “mentor” or “coach” role for our clients, especially those who are just beginning their planned giving fundraising careers. It’s a role I take seriously because I’ve been fortunate to …Read More
The Big Engine That Could—How Philanthropy Drives Success
At a recent Environmental Roundtable meeting of CFOs, chief development officers and chief people officers, I was privileged to moderate an important discussion on the current granting environment. The group consisted of large and mid-sized nonprofits along with Lee Klumpp, national assurance director—Nonprofit and Education Practice, BDO USA LLP, who offered his expertise. Not surprisingly, one …Read More