Private foundations aren't just for billionaires—they’re accessible, flexible tools that allow individuals and families to give strategically and build a lasting legacy. In this episode, Rick Peck is joined by Amanda Flanagan, Senior Vice President at Foundation Source, to explore how private foundations empower donors with greater control, creative funding options, and multigenerational engagement. Together, they unpack how these foundations work, who they’re for, and why they’re more relevant ...
Jun 27, 2025•21 min
Legacy isn’t just what we leave in our wills—it’s what we leave in people’s hearts. In this deeply personal episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Kerri Fernsworth, a storyteller, interviewer, and legacy video creator who helps individuals and families preserve their values, voices, and life stories. Together, they explore why capturing personal stories matters—not just for our families, but for our communities and causes. Whether it’s a grandparent reflecting on life lessons, a dono...
Jun 19, 2025•37 min
We often think success is about strategy, systems, and hard work. But what if the real key to impact lies in uncovering the subconscious beliefs that quietly hold us back? In this transformative episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck is joined by Dr. Lise Janelle, a renowned heart-centered success coach, chiropractor, and founder of the Center for Heart Living. Dr. Lise works with leaders, philanthropists, and high-achieving professionals to clear subconscious blocks, reconnect with purpose, and ac...
Jun 12, 2025•40 min
What does it take to build a nonprofit board that doesn’t just exist—but actually works? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with nonprofit strategist and board leader Chris Wong to explore how to cultivate a well-functioning, accountable board. Together, they unpack the most common missteps organizations make when bringing on board members—and how to avoid them. From onboarding and expectations to diversity, fundraising, and engagement, Chris shares hard-earned insights and pr...
May 30, 2025•38 min
What happens when personal loss reshapes your professional purpose? In this powerful episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Chris Schuler—a longtime fundraising leader turned venture philanthropy advocate—whose personal journey through grief became a catalyst for bold, outcome-oriented giving. After losing his father to brain cancer, Chris began to question the status quo in philanthropy. Were nonprofits truly delivering impact, or simply preserving themselves? Were donors being give...
May 30, 2025•41 min
With Congress eyeing new ways to raise revenue, philanthropy is increasingly in the spotlight—and on the chopping block. In this special episode of Money to Give, policy expert Sara Barba returns to unpack the latest tax legislation and executive actions that could have sweeping implications for nonprofits, foundations, and donors. Sara explains what’s inside the latest tax bill from the House Ways and Means Committee, including increased taxes on private foundations, limits on charitable deduct...
May 22, 2025•41 min
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are no longer the future—they’re the now. With over $250 billion sitting in DAFs and usage growing fast among mid-level donors, nonprofits can’t afford to misunderstand or overlook this giving vehicle. In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck speaks with Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, about how technology is transforming the DAF experience and why removing friction for donors is critical for unlocking more generous, more frequent giving. Mitch shares pers...
May 16, 2025•43 min
📄 Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Jason Ellinger, co-founder of Beard and Bowler, to explore how storytelling can transform the way nonprofits connect with their audiences—and ultimately, how they inspire action. Jason shares his personal journey from covering tragic news stories as a photojournalist to founding a storytelling agency focused on positive, life-changing narratives. Through real-world examples and a behind-the-scenes look at th...
Apr 18, 2025•52 min
Episode Overview In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Rick sits down with Alex Ellis, a service coordinator at Upper Valley Haven, to discuss the growing crises of housing and food insecurity in Vermont and New Hampshire. With deep compassion and practical insight, Alex shares stories from the frontlines, highlighting the real-life challenges people face—and the often unseen systems that keep them from getting back on their feet. From rising housing costs and no-cause evictions to emotional...
Apr 03, 2025•31 min•Ep. 26
🎙 Episode Summary What if real estate investing could be more than just wealth accumulation? What if it could also be a powerful vehicle for philanthropy and legacy building? In this episode of Money to Give, host Rick Peck sits down with Ben Reinberg, a commercial real estate expert and CEO of Alliance, to discuss hard assets, smart investing, and using wealth for impact. Ben discusses his upcoming book, Hard Assets and Hard Money for Hard Times, a transformative guide that helps individuals b...
Mar 20, 2025•34 min•Ep. 25
🎙 Episode Summary How can families make philanthropy a lasting and impactful part of their legacy? In this episode of Money to Give, host Rick Peck continues his conversation with Megan Helzner and Valerie Sussman, diving deeper into the nuances of family philanthropy, tax-efficient giving, and engaging multiple generations in charitable efforts. From estate planning and donor-advised funds to leveraging non-cash assets, this discussion offers practical strategies to help families structure the...
Mar 08, 2025•36 min•Ep. 24
Episode Summary:With major tax reform looming in 2025, the nonprofit sector finds itself at a critical crossroads. In this episode of Money to Give, host Rick Peck welcomes Sara Barba, a policy expert deeply embedded in the legislative landscape, to break down how recent political shifts and budget reconciliation efforts could dramatically impact charitable giving. We discuss the latest developments out of Washington, the challenges nonprofits are facing in the wake of policy uncertainty, and wh...
Feb 20, 2025•33 min•Ep. 23
Episode Summary What does philanthropy look like for high-net-worth families? How can wealth advisors, estate planners, and philanthropic consultants help guide their giving? In this episode of Money to Give, host Rick Peck—The Philanthropy Guy—dives into these critical questions with two expert guests: Megan Helzner and Valerie Sussman. With decades of experience advising donors, family foundations, and mission-driven organizations, Megan and Valerie offer invaluable insights into structuring c...
Feb 07, 2025•41 min•Ep. 22
Episode Summary: Federal grants can unlock transformative opportunities for nonprofits, but the process is often complex and intimidating. In this episode, we sit down with Bria Arline, Founder and CEO of IQ Ignited, who has helped nonprofits and local governments secure millions in public funding with an impressive 80% success rate. Bria shares her expert insights on simplifying the federal grant application process, overcoming common challenges, and positioning your organization for long-term ...
Jan 24, 2025•40 min•Ep. 21
Death. Something we don't really like to think about! But, you know who thinks about death a lot? Estate planning professionals. They work with individuals and families to create the right set of instructions based on the intellectual and emotional desires of their clients. What are the life lessons that professionals in the estate planning industry can learn along the way regarding service over material wealth? What kind of advice would a professional like this give to the younger version of hi...
Jan 11, 2025•45 min•Ep. 20
Likely, we all know of a family that has been affected in some way by substance misuse and/or mental illness. And both of these issues are at a crisis point in the U.S. As our concerns rise, what actually WORKS in addressing these issues? And, what role do government and policymakers play in addressing addiction and mental illness---and how do they respond? Further, and importantly, what role can donors and philanthropy play? Lastly, how can professional advisors---like CPAs, wealth advisors, an...
Dec 27, 2024•56 min•Ep. 19
Wanna know a SECRET? With a record $557 Billion donated in 2023 in the U.S., it is possible that a donor might ACTUALLY achieve all his or her tax and charitable goals---with nonprofits benefiting deeply---using a woefully underutilized tool. What's it called? The Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, or "CLAT." It's like the Swiss Army knife of charitable giving. And, a type of CLAT---known as an “iCLAT"---is a tool accessible to every CPA, wealth advisor, and trusts & estates attorney, and especi...
Dec 13, 2024•43 min•Ep. 18
What are the key factors that motivate people to donate? Motivations DO differ from other financial decisions like buying products or investing in the stock market. And in the modern age of eroding trust, how is charitable effectiveness actually assessed? Some charities are astronomically more effective than others. Psychological research can be the key that helps donors understand their own motivations and the eternal dilemma of the “head vs. heart.” Learn from Harvard researcher Matt Coleman, ...
Nov 27, 2024•35 min•Ep. 17
With nearly $250 billion in donor-advised funds, DAFs are often criticized as vehicles for parking assets. But, new models are addressing this concern. Innovations are emerging to make DAFs more accessible and appealing to lower-level donors rather than being primarily tools for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Wealth managers are increasingly interested in philanthropic solutions for their clients. And, cryptocurrency donations offer opportunities for expanding the philanthropic landscape. The...
Nov 15, 2024•43 min•Ep. 16
Relationships are everything. So, why is it that nonprofits often come to donors with the never-ending ask, as if the donor or potential donor is simply an ATM? What donor wants THAT kind of relationship with a nonprofit? How do we shift our traditional fundraising methodology to something that feels more authentic and long-term, working with donors as valued partners, rather than simply short-term and transactional---to create overarching success---from both the donor's AND the nonprofit’s poin...
Oct 28, 2024•46 min•Ep. 15
What is a community foundation? Why do they matter? Many people have heard of them but could not quite tell you what they do, despite there being about 700 of them in the United States---and likely one near you! Community foundations know their locales very well: they help facilitate millions in gifts to nonprofits focused on behavioral health, food scarcity, the environment, education, housing, and so many more themes. How can you learn more about community foundations and their impact, includi...
Oct 11, 2024•28 min•Ep. 14
Tax reform. Tax Super Bowl. Taxmageddon. The expiring tax cuts of 2025 are getting people anxious! There is a lack of education and understanding that members of Congress and their staff have about what the philanthropic sector really does. Worse, threats to the sector are NUMEROUS and a bit unknown until election day on November 5, 2024. And, U.S. legislators may be looking to nonprofits as a source of revenue! Yikes! What is to happen? How will things look a little different from the 2017 “pro...
Sep 24, 2024•36 min•Ep. 13
They call it the Great Wealth Transfer. Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation could pass down a combined $84.4 trillion in assets to younger generations. With current tax law sunsetting at the end of next year, how does this affect taxes? How will families be affected? And, how will philanthropy fit into this? Listen in while bipartisan advocacy and lobbying expert Sandra Swirski offers timely thoughts and concerns that you will want to hear!
Sep 12, 2024•35 min•Ep. 12
Getting the dollar amount of an ask right---in a gift solicitation---is incredibly important. It saves time and face with a donor! Are you presently going into gift conversations shooting from the hip---and/or burdened by your own biases around money? Can you avoid the awkwardness of inappropriate ask amounts: either too high or too low? How can you help donors you know make the right level of donation to make the maximum impact they can? Larry Raff, creator of the Abacus Major Donor Ask Calcula...
Aug 26, 2024•39 min•Ep. 11
Internationally focused nonprofits have the same challenges U.S.-based nonprofits do---but sometimes those challenges are even more complex! How do you build relationships with donors, be accountable to them, focus on innovation, use technology well, and transform critical partnerships all over the planet? How does a global org juggle all these necessary tactics of fundraising? Will it all fall apart without proper strategic leadership and execution? Join us for a unique conversation to learn ho...
Aug 14, 2024•29 min•Ep. 10
Cash comprises less than 10% of the average American's asset portfolio. So, why do so many nonprofits endlessly solicit for cash gift donations only? And why are so few NON-cash asset donations made? Where did this all go wrong? Non-cash asset donation expert Brad Caswell unpacks this conundrum---and how and why we should all be a lot more comfortable with this massive opportunity! He tells us how to completely disrupt the cash trend in favor of what Americans can more easily donate: non-cash!...
Jul 30, 2024•36 min•Ep. 9
Real estate represents the 2nd largest asset in Americans’ portfolios---almost 40% to be exact! But of all assets donated in any given year, real estate represents only 2% of it! How can that be? Why do people avoid donating real estate? Ignorance, reluctance, or both? Seasoned real estate giving expert Bruce Geiss gives more than a few compelling reasons to lean into the massive impact a gift of real estate can make! Listen today!
Jul 16, 2024•38 min•Ep. 8
Fundraising is all about relationships. So, as a development expert on a certain technical topic, why would one go deep ("below-the-line") so fast? Why not stay "above-the-line" and take time to ease into the relationship rather than barreling forth with solutions that might not be welcome yet? What's the rush? Planned giving expert Joe Tumolo, with humor, teaches us how to go slow to go fast (and far). Check it out!
Jul 01, 2024•32 min•Ep. 7
So you want to have a thriving fundraising program, but you don’t have a real database. Will your donors come back if they don’t think you know what you’re doing? How do you ensure you really represent your nonprofit in the best possible light? And, are you using the analytical tools you need to make the right strategic decisions to manage your fundraising program? Fractional Philanthropy Operations specialist Jenny Kleintop gives us what we need to know, including how AI fits into the picture. ...
Jun 18, 2024•32 min•Ep. 6
Direct Mail gets a bad rap: it's called "snail mail," junk mail, and so on. However, it's a federal crime to defraud someone through the U.S. Mail, so there's that: it's still a medium that you can trust. And, if nonprofits execute this approach well for fundraising purposes, the feel of it, the targeted messaging, the sleek look---it can all be quite compelling on the way from the mailbox to the house! Learn from top Direct Mail expert Phil Goodhart on how to take an old medium and make it feel...
Jun 04, 2024•34 min•Ep. 5
