Join host Kristi Ackley for an inspiring conversation with Patti Gruber, Executive Director, about Operation Wild Horse, a program using equine therapy to help veterans heal, connect, and thrive. We explore the journey of founding the organization, powerful stories of transformation, and the unique ways horses build trust and resilience. You’ll also hear about the challenges of fundraising, the vital role of small donors, and the community that makes it all possible—plus practical advice for those looking to make a difference.

Learn more and donate at: https://vetrr.org/operation-wild-horse/

Getting your board involved in fundraising doesn’t have to be a battle. In this episode, hosts Camille Pearson-Walz and Kristi Ackley sit down with Hillary Frances of Flying Whale Strategies to unpack practical ways to engage board members in fundraising with clarity and confidence. From defining board roles and strengthening board–staff relationships to identifying the right strategies for major gifts, annual giving, grants, and sponsorships, you’ll learn how to leverage your board’s strengths, use data effectively, and inspire members to share personal stories that drive support.

Host Ali Schneider from Animal Humane Society talks with Kelsey Polcher from Save the Boundary Waters about how fundraising and advocacy intersect, the role of donors in driving change, and why embracing generosity can transform communities.

Hosts Camille Pearson-Walz and Kristi Ackley are joined by Chris Beach, Senior Vice President at the Minneapolis Foundation, for a dynamic conversation about donor-advised funds (DAFs) and their evolving role in philanthropy. Together, they explore innovative giving strategies, the importance of building strong nonprofit relationships, and how community foundations can foster deeper engagement between donors and the causes they care about. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or a donor seeking to make a lasting impact, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspectives on modern philanthropy.

In this episode, hosts Gay Gonnerman and Camille Pearson-Walz sit down with guest Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa to explore the powerful role women play in shaping the future of philanthropy. From the great wealth transfer to the unique challenges and opportunities women face in legacy planning, they dive into how women approach giving, investing, and creating impact. Learn how to draw out a woman's vision for legacy, the importance of engaging women in financial conversations, and how giving circles are empowering the next generation of female philanthropists.

In this episode, Growth By Design's Kristi Ackley sits down with Kyle Wesely of Wesely & Wesely, a CPA firm specializing in tax and financial planning, to discuss how charitable tax planning can maximize the impact of giving. They explore strategies that help donors support causes they care about while optimizing tax benefits.

Join guest host Rebecca Lynn Peterson of West Central

In this episode of A Legacy of Generosity, host Ali Schneider, Planned Giving Manager at Animal Humane Society, chats with Sherrie Beal, Associate Director of Gift Planning at The Nature Conservancy. With over 20 years of experience in one of the longest-running planned giving programs, Sherrie shares invaluable insights gained from this extensive history. They discuss the significant impact of planned giving, and Sherrie offers personal experiences and advice on having in-depth conversations with donors about their intentions, educating donors about planned giving options, encouraging long-term thinking, and prioritizing efforts in fundraising to maximize impact. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on fostering meaningful donor relationships and creating lasting legacies.

Join host Kristi Ackley and guest Chris Haarstick for a captivating conversation about the significance of our hometowns and the power of investing in the future. Discover the inspiring story of how Chris, as a young man, made the initial seed donation to start a community fund at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, transforming his small hometown with thousands of dollars in grants. Chris shares his crucial advice for development officers: "always pick up the phone," emphasizing that even unexpected calls can lead to impactful donations. The episode also delves into the philanthropic potential of younger generations, urging development directors not to overlook them, but to adapt their approach. Tune in to learn how small beginnings can lead to big changes and how the next generation is shaping the future of giving.

Join Gay Gonnerman and guest, Dale Wright, for a conversation about collaborating across your organization. Dale shares his “Core Four” principals of leadership with advice every team member can use.Core Four: Attitude, Focus, Discipline, and Consistency.

About Our Guest:

Dale Wright is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dale is an advancement executive with 20+ years of extensive experience in higher education and non profit fundraising with progressive responsibility in constituent involvement, leadership, management, and building and leading high performing teams.

He has a proven record of success in alumni affairs, program development and execution, securing and stewarding major and principal gifts, as well as multi-year comprehensive capital campaign experience, including three (3) $1B+ campaigns. As a skilled negotiator and collaborator, his ability to cultivate networks amongst a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to foster long-term relationships is unique.

He feels honored to work with remarkable benefactors, ambassadors, and volunteers to create deep and lasting impact.