When I first joined Sharpe Group, I was hired primarily because of my background in creative writing. At the time, the world of planned giving was as familiar to me as brain surgery.
I quickly found my footing in managing client projects and content creation, and the most rewarding part of my work was connecting with donors—hearing their stories and helping bring their impact and generosity to life on the page. However, when it came to the technical aspects of planned giving—remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, donor advised funds—one of the first things I learned was that I had a lot to learn.
Over time, I became more comfortable writing about planned giving in general. But, when it came to delving into the specifics of legacy strategies, technical terms or the myriad planned giving vehicles, I had to rely on the grace and expertise of our senior consultants and other in-house experts. Ashley McHugh, Sharpe’s content director, kindly met with me weekly to guide me through the intricate details of how a donor could impact the organizations that were so important to them during their lifetime.
Another thing I learned from working with clients, both development officers just starting their careers and seasoned professionals trying to revive their planned giving programs, is that I wasn’t the only one who faced an unexpected hurdle that occasionally left me scratching my head.
When I was asked to host a podcast on planned giving, I jumped at the opportunity to continue learning and create a space where we could all collaborate to maximize our impact on this important work.
Our new podcast, Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts, is designed for nonprofit professionals at all experience levels—whether you’re new to development, have years of planned giving experience listed on your book-length resume or are somewhere in between. We aim to provide practical strategies, real-world stories and expert guidance to help you grow your planned giving efforts with clarity and confidence.
Each episode will feature industry experts discussing what it takes to cultivate a strong, sustainable planned giving program that will ensure your mission’s success well into the future. We’ll explore the significance of nurturing the incredible donors who make your mission possible, the intricacies of complex planned giving vehicles and short-term strategies to achieve long-term goals that lead to lasting results.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my relatively short career in planned giving is that there is always more to discover and learn, and there is tremendous value in gaining insights from the experiences of others.
Have a question or topic you’d like to hear discussed? Reach out! We’d love your input.
If you’re working to build long-term support for your organization, I hope you’ll join us on Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts as we support your growth, answer your questions and demystify this powerful work—together. â–
Sharpe editor Grant Miller, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is an award-winning writer who works with our clients to create effective print and digital communications. He is a frequent contributor to Sharpe Insights newsletter and host of the Sharpe Insights podcast.
