Episodes

  • Why Planned Giving Should Be Your Nonprofit’s Long Game

    Why Planned Giving Should Be Your Nonprofit’s Long Game
    Apr 15 2025
    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.
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    36 mins
  • Planned Giving in Turbulent Times: Facing Uncertainty Head On

    Planned Giving in Turbulent Times: Facing Uncertainty Head On
    Jul 8 2025
    In this episode of Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts, titled "Planned Giving in Turbulent Times: Facing Uncertainty Head On," host Grant Miller and Sharpe Group experts Barlow Mann and Julie Schuldner present an in-depth discussion about how nonprofits can thoughtfully navigate current and future uncertainty. They dive into donor behavior during previous times of crisis, the best ways to communicate the planned giving message and other essential strategies for success.
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    36 mins
  • Planned Giving Perspectives With John Jensen

    Planned Giving Perspectives With John Jensen
    Jul 29 2025
    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.
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    28 mins
  • Good Gifts Gone Bad

    Good Gifts Gone Bad
    Aug 12 2025
    What happens when that “perfect” gift isn’t what it seems? Sharpe Group consultants Kristin Croone, Joe Chickey, Julie Schuldner and special guest, Christopher Woehrle, share their knowledge from personal experience about gifts that hit a bump in the road. Learn what to look for and—most importantly—steps to take to keep good gifts from going bad. 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. 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. 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.
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    43 mins