A Legacy of Generosity

Hosted by Leave a Legacy MN

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Mar 2026

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Brought to you by Leave a Legacy MN, a committee of the Minnesota Gift Planning Association, the purpose of this podcast is provide professional development content for every fundraiser with special attention to planned and legacy giving. We do this by acting as a connector of expertise, people, and resources. Staff and volunteers will find this podcast to be a valuable professional development tool. Released twice a month, our interviews include people from small and large organizations, rural and metro, new to the field and seasoned experts... there's something here for everyone!

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March 24, 202642 min

The Sponsorship Playbook: How to Attract and Retain Corporate Partners with Mike Esposito

Corporate sponsorships can be a game-changer for nonprofit events — but only if you know how to pursue them strategically. In this episode, hosts Kristi Ackley of Growth By Design and Carl Newbanks of Initiative Foundation sit down with fundraising expert Mike Esposito of Mike Esposito Fundraising in Brooklyn, NY, to break down what it really takes to attract and retain corporate partners. Mike brings years of hands-on experience to a topic that intimidates many nonprofits — combining practical strategy with a relationship-first philosophy that turns one-time sponsors into long-term partners.✨ In this episode, you'll learn: Why relationship building is the foundation of every successful sponsorship How to use stakeholder mapping to identify your best prospects What "sponsors travel in packs" means — and how to use it to your advantage Why you should start outreach 9 to 12 months before your event How to bundle multiple events into a single sponsorship conversation The right way to structure sponsorship levels and recognition benefits Why stewarding sponsors like donors leads to deeper, lasting partnerships How to leverage LinkedIn and emerging tools to make warmer connections🎧 Listen in for a conversation packed with actionable strategies that will leave you feeling confident — not overwhelmed — the next time you sit down to build your sponsorship ask.Key Topics/Themes: Corporate sponsorships, relationship building, stakeholder mapping, sponsorship levels, donor stewardship, LinkedIn outreach, board engagement, event planning, nonprofit fundraising, partnership developmentResources:Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)BenevityMike Esposito FundraisingMike Esposito on LinkedIn

March 12, 202659 min

More Than a Will: The Human Side of Estate Planning With Rachel Schromen

Estate planning isn't just a legal task — it's one of the most meaningful acts of care you can take for the people (and animals) you love. In this episode, hosts Kristi Ackley and Ali Schneider sit down with Rachel Schromen, estate planning attorney and founder of Schromen Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, to demystify the process and make it feel a whole lot less scary. Rachel brings a refreshingly human approach to a field often seen as cold or intimidating — blending her legal expertise with training as an end-of-life doula and a deep belief that emotions belong in the room.✨ In this episode, you'll learn: Why making the appointment is the hardest — and most important — first step How emotional barriers keep people from planning, and how to move through them What to expect at your first estate planning meeting Why even a small estate deserves legal protection The difference between a healthcare directive, power of attorney, will, and trust — and when you need each Which life events should prompt a review of your estate plan How to incorporate charitable giving into your plan, regardless of estate size Why pet planning matters more than most people realize — and how to do it thoughtfully🎧 Listen in for a conversation that will leave you feeling empowered, not overwhelmed — because the best gift you can leave behind is a plan that reflects exactly what you valued in life.Key Topics/Themes: Estate planning, healthcare directives, power of attorney, charitable giving, pet planning, probate, life events and estate updates, end-of-life doula, compassionate legal practice, legacy planning

February 24, 202643 min

Built on Trust: The Heart of Fundraising

Fundraising isn’t just about dollars raised — it’s about trust earned. In this thoughtful conversation, host Kristi Ackley sits down with fundraising professionals Rebecca Lynn Peterson and Amy Allen to explore the relational heart of philanthropy. From their unexpected journeys into the field to the long-term strategy behind planned giving, they share practical wisdom for building meaningful donor connections that stand the test of time.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:Why fundraising careers often begin organicallyHow strong donor relationships are built on listening and shared valuesWhy trust is essential — especially in planned givingHow marketing supports fundraising by building awareness and credibilityWhy patience and consistency matter more than quick winsHow every team member can serve as an ambassador for generosityWhy you don’t need a large budget to communicate impact effectively🎧 Listen in for an encouraging reminder that fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint — and that generosity grows best in the soil of authentic relationships.Key Topics/Themes: Relationship-based fundraising, donor trust, planned giving, nonprofit marketing, long-term stewardship, new fundraiser advice, generosity mindset

February 10, 202630 min

Wisdom from the Archives: Planning for a Successful Year

As the new year gets underway, we’re revisiting this timely conversation to help you pause, plan, and move forward with clarity. The insights here are as relevant now as ever for nonprofits looking to start the year strong.Ready to start your year strong? Brenda Moore joins Mark Beenken and Carl Newbanks to share strategies for kicking off a successful fundraising year.✨ Inside this episode: How to build a solid plan for legacy giving and fundraising success Time-tested tips from over 30 years of experience in development Maximizing the impact of your year through intentional planning🎧 Press play to learn how to capture more of the current wealth transfer and set your nonprofit up for success.Key Topics/Themes: Legacy giving, fundraising strategy, annual planning, nonprofit leadership, wealth transfer

January 13, 202637 min

The Great Wealth Transfer: What it Means for Rural Communities, with Ben Winchester and Janel Fredericksen

The Great Wealth Transfer: What It Means for Rural Communitieswith Ben Winchester and Janel FredericksenOver the next two decades, America will see the largest transfer of wealth in history—and rural communities stand to gain or lose more than many realize. In this timely conversation, hosts Camille Walz (West Central Initiative) and Kristi Ackley (Growth By Design) sit down with rural sociologist Ben Winchester and estate attorney Janel Fredericksen to break down what the Great Wealth Transfer really means for hometowns across Minnesota and beyond.✨ Inside this episode:• What the Great Wealth Transfer actually looks like in rural communities—and why the narrative is more hopeful than you might think• How nonprofits can position themselves as trusted partners in long-term giving• The role of community foundations, local relationships, and “place attachment” in capturing generational wealth• Practical steps for starting conversations about estate gifts (without feeling awkward)• How to engage younger generations through storytelling, values-based giving, and authentic community connection• Real-world strategies rural leaders can use to keep local wealth localWhether you’re a nonprofit leader, community advocate, donor, or simply care about the future of small towns, this episode offers clear insights and actionable tools for ensuring rural places thrive for generations to come.🎧 Listen now to learn how intentional relationships, strong nonprofits, and powerful stories can help communities make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.Key Themes: rural philanthropy, donor relationships, estate planning, community vitality, generational giving, local wealth retentionMN State Share: https://mnstateshare.org/LAL Planned Giving Toolkit: https://leavealegacymn.org/downloads/planned-giving-launch-kit/Transfer of Wealth Data: https://extension.umn.edu/community-development/transfer-wealth

December 9, 202530 min

Coaching for Good: Empowering Nonprofit Leaders

Great leadership doesn’t just happen — it’s cultivated. In this inspiring conversation, host Ali Schneider talks with business coach and master trainer LuAnn Buechler, board president of The Coach Initiative, a nonprofit providing pro bono coaching to leaders across the humanitarian and nonprofit sector. Together, they unpack how coaching becomes a powerful catalyst for growth, clarity, and expanded impact.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:Why coaching is one of the most effective tools for nonprofit leadersHow clarity, accountability, and self-awareness strengthen teamsWhat The Coach Initiative is doing to support humanitarian leadershipPractical ways coaching can elevate your mission-driven work🎧 Listen in to discover how investing in your leadership can transform the way you lead your team — and the communities you serve.Key Topics/Themes: Leadership coaching, nonprofit capacity building, professional development, team effectiveness, humanitarian leadership, The Coach Initiative

November 11, 202543 min

Operation Wild Horse: Healing, Hope, and Horses, with Patti Gruber

This Veterans Day, discover how the bond between horses and humans is helping veterans find peace, purpose, and connection. Patti Gruber, Executive Director of Operation Wild Horse, joins host and U.S. Navy veteran Kristi Ackley to share how equine therapy is transforming lives — one relationship at a time.✨ Inside this episode:How horses help veterans rebuild trust, communication, and confidenceThe story behind Operation Wild Horse and its roots in service and healingThe powerful role of community and small donors in sustaining this missionReal stories of transformation from the arena🎧 Listen now to uncover how compassion, connection, and mustangs are changing the way we support those who’ve served.Key Topics/Themes: Veterans’ healing, equine therapy, community impact, resilience, donor supportLearn more or donate: https://vetrr.org/operation-wild-horse/

October 28, 202544 min

Engaging Your Board in Fundraising Without the Struggle, with Hillary Frances

Getting your board involved in fundraising doesn’t have to feel like pushing a boulder uphill. In this episode, hosts Camille Pearson Walz and Kristi Ackley sit down with Hillary Frances of Flying Whale Strategies to share practical, proven ways to inspire your board to engage with confidence and clarity.✨ Inside this episode:How to define clear board roles and expectations around fundraisingStrategies for building stronger, more collaborative board–staff relationshipsWays to match board member strengths to major gifts, annual giving, grants, and sponsorshipsHow storytelling and data together can motivate giving and deepen donor trust🎧 Listen now to discover how to turn board hesitation into energy, ownership, and fundraising success.Key Topics/Themes: Board engagement, fundraising strategy, leadership development, donor storytelling, collaborationLink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-frances-110aa661/

October 14, 202523 min

Fueling Change: Donors, Advocacy, and Community, with Kelsey Polcher

What happens when advocacy and generosity work hand-in-hand? In this powerful conversation, Ali Schneider from Animal Humane Society and Kelsey Polcher from Save the Boundary Waters explore how donors can become catalysts for real, lasting change.✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:How fundraising and advocacy strengthen each otherThe crucial role donors play in driving community transformationWhy generosity—when embraced collectively—can fuel movementsReal examples of advocacy work shaped by donor engagement🎧 Tune in to see how everyday generosity can ignite extraordinary impact.Key Topics/Themes: Advocacy in fundraising, donor engagement, community transformation, environmental advocacy, generosity as a movement

September 23, 202544 min

Donor-Advised Funds & Community-Driven Giving, with Chris Beach

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are shaping the future of philanthropy—but how can nonprofits and donors harness them more effectively? Hosts Camille Pearson Walz and Kristi Ackley sit down with Chris Beach of the Minneapolis Foundation for a dynamic look at where DAFs are heading and how they’re influencing modern giving.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:How DAFs are evolving and what that means for nonprofitsStrategies for building stronger relationships with donors who use DAFsWays community foundations deepen engagement and expand impactPractical insights for donors wanting to give more intentionally🎧 Press play to gain tools and insights that can elevate your giving—or your nonprofit’s strategy—starting today.Key Topics/Themes: Donor-advised funds, modern philanthropy, donor relationships, community foundations, strategic giving