Money to Give

What if a new approach to charitable giving could help change the educational future of millions of children while empowering taxpayers to make a meaningful difference in their communities? In Part 2 of this Money to Give conversation, Rick Peck continues his discussion with John Kirtley and Kimberlee Riley about the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) and its potential to expand educational opportunities for K–12 students nationwide. John shares how scholarship programs in Florida have helped students access learning environments better suited to their individual needs and explains how the new federal tax credit could provide additional support for children facing financial barriers. From helping families bridge tuition gaps to funding tutoring, summer learning programs, transportation, and enrichment activities, the conversation highlights how thoughtful generosity can create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

Throughout the episode, John, Kimberlee, and Rick explore the practical steps taxpayers and philanthropic advisors can take to prepare for the program's January 2027 launch. Kimberlee outlines three priorities for advisors: understanding the legislation and identifying eligible clients, educating clients about the difference between a tax credit and a charitable deduction, and connecting them with reliable resources to make informed giving decisions. She also discusses new educational webinars, professional advisor resources, and recent Treasury guidance concerning the potential tax benefits for married couples filing jointly. The conversation emphasizes the important role financial advisors, CPAs, wealth managers, and estate planning professionals can play in helping clients incorporate this new opportunity into their broader charitable giving strategies. More importantly, Kimberlee explains how supporting education can align with philanthropic interests such as poverty alleviation, economic mobility, workforce development, and strengthening local communities.

Looking ahead, John and Kimberlee share their visions for what success could look like five years after the program launches. John hopes to see educational scholarships reaching every child in need across Florida, connecting millions of potential donors with students who could benefit from additional resources and support. Kimberlee envisions the Education Freedom Tax Credit becoming a trusted part of philanthropic planning, encouraging advisors to engage a broader range of clients and helping more individuals recognize their ability to create meaningful change. Whether you are a donor, nonprofit professional, financial advisor, educator, or someone passionate about expanding opportunities for the next generation, this episode offers an inspiring look at how collaboration, thoughtful planning, and generosity can create lasting community impact. Join Rick, John, and Kimberlee as they explore how connecting people who want to give with children who need support could help transform lives for generations to come.

Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: [email protected]
Book A Call: Rick Peck's Calendar
Sign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving Newsletter
LinkedIn: Richard Peck


Contact John Kirtley and Kimberlee Riley:
Step Up Step Further (Florida): stepupstepfurther.org
AFC Scholarship Fund (Nationwide): afcscholarshipfund.org
Step Up For Students: stepupforstudents.org
Kimberlee Riley Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Kimberlee Riley
LinkedIn: John F. Kirtley

What if a new federal tax credit could help millions of students access educational opportunities while giving taxpayers a way to make a meaningful difference in their communities? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with John Kirtley and Kimberlee Riley for the first of a two-part conversation about the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), a new federal initiative designed to expand educational opportunities for K–12 students across the country. John shares how decades of educational choice initiatives in Florida have helped families access learning environments and resources that better meet their children's individual needs. From specialized magnet schools and tutoring to enrichment programs and educational scholarships, the conversation explores how greater flexibility and access to resources can help students reach their full potential.

Throughout the episode, John, Kimberlee, and Rick unpack how the Education Freedom Tax Credit works and why it represents a new opportunity for donors, taxpayers, and philanthropic advisors. Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible taxpayers can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 annually for qualifying cash contributions to approved scholarship-granting organizations. Unlike a traditional charitable deduction, which reduces taxable income, this credit reduces federal income tax liability dollar for dollar, subject to applicable requirements. Kimberlee explains why understanding this distinction is especially important for financial advisors and how the credit could help clients support educational opportunities without redirecting their existing charitable giving. The discussion also addresses state participation requirements, the importance of community-based impact, and how organizations such as Step Up For Students and the AFC Scholarship Fund are preparing to connect eligible students with additional educational resources.

Whether you are a donor, financial advisor, nonprofit professional, educator, or someone passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation, this episode offers a timely introduction to a new approach to educational philanthropy. John and Kimberlee emphasize that even relatively modest individual contributions, when combined across communities, have the potential to make a meaningful difference for students who need additional support. More importantly, their conversation highlights how thoughtful financial planning, greater awareness, and collaboration can help expand access to education and create lasting opportunities for children and families. Join Rick for Part 1 of this important discussion, and stay tuned for Part 2 as they continue exploring the opportunities and practical considerations surrounding the Education Freedom Tax Credit.

Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: [email protected]
Book A Call: Rick Peck's Calendar
Sign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving Newsletter
LinkedIn: Richard Peck

Contact John Kirtley and Kimberlee Riley:
Step Up Step Further (Florida): stepupstepfurther.org
AFC Scholarship Fund (Nationwide): afcscholarshipfund.org
Step Up For Students: stepupforstudents.org
Kimberlee Riley Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Kimberlee Riley
LinkedIn: John F. Kirtley

What if the greatest impact of philanthropy isn't simply the money given, but the opportunities it creates and the potential it unlocks? In this milestone 100th episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Christian Torres, entrepreneur and decision intelligence professional, for a personal and thought-provoking conversation about the power of opportunity, mentorship, and smarter philanthropic decision-making. Growing up in the South Bronx, Christian experienced firsthand how charitable support could change the course of someone's life. Through the nonprofit Prep for Prep, he gained access to educational opportunities that challenged him, expanded his perspective, and ultimately helped shape his future. His experience offers a powerful reminder that philanthropy can be about much more than financial assistance—it can provide the tools, relationships, and encouragement people need to realize their potential.

Throughout the episode, Christian and Rick explore his concept of merit-activated philanthropy, an approach that emphasizes creating opportunities for individuals to grow, take on challenges, and build upon their abilities. Christian also shares how artificial intelligence, data, and decision intelligence could transform the way donors, nonprofits, and philanthropic advisors evaluate opportunities and measure success. From using AI to strengthen decision-making to establishing clear goals and meaningful measures of impact, he challenges organizations to think beyond good intentions and consider whether their resources are truly creating the change they hope to achieve. The conversation also introduces Christian's DARK decision-making framework and explores why accountability, adaptability, and continuous improvement are essential to lasting impact.

Whether you are a donor, nonprofit leader, philanthropic advisor, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about creating meaningful change, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what thoughtful generosity can accomplish. Christian's story reminds us that financial support alone does not always create transformation; sometimes the greatest gift is an opportunity paired with the right people, guidance, and expectations. As technology continues to reshape how we understand and measure impact, this conversation encourages listeners to remain focused on the human potential behind every philanthropic decision—and to consider how today's investments in people can create opportunities for generations to come.

Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: [email protected]
Book A Call: Rick Peck's Calendar
Sign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving Newsletter
LinkedIn: Richard Peck

Contact Christian Torres:
Website: Stark Analytics
LinkedIn: Christian Torres
Social Media: @christiantores.systems

What if reducing your tax burden could also help create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen communities? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Ashley Tison, founder of OZPros, for an accessible and eye-opening conversation about Opportunity Zones and how investors can use them to pursue both financial returns and meaningful community impact. Ashley breaks down how the Opportunity Zone program works, why it was created to bring private capital into historically underinvested areas, and how recent changes have opened the door to new opportunities for investors, business owners, and communities.

Throughout the episode, Ashley and Rick explore how Opportunity Zone investments can go far beyond traditional real estate. From supporting operating businesses and creating jobs to developing housing and revitalizing neighborhoods, Ashley shares real-world examples of what can happen when private investment is intentionally directed toward communities that need it. He also discusses the importance of planning ahead, understanding the available options, working alongside trusted professional advisors, and looking beyond tax savings to consider the lasting impact an investment can create. As Ashley describes the mission behind his work, it is about helping people “do well by doing good.”

Whether you are an investor, donor, financial advisor, business owner, or someone interested in new ways capital can create positive change, this episode offers a practical introduction to the possibilities within Opportunity Zones. More importantly, it challenges listeners to think differently about the relationship between financial success and community impact. As Ashley reminds us, sharing stories about what is working can inspire others to take action—and give more people the confidence and tools to put their resources to work for both themselves and their communities.

Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: [email protected]
Book A Call: Rick Peck's Calendar
Sign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving Newsletter
LinkedIn: Richard Peck

Contact Ashley Tison:
Website: https://ozpros.com/podcast
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Ashley Tison

What happens when new tax laws create uncertainty for donors and nonprofits alike—but the desire to make a difference remains strong? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Bill Shiell of BrightDot to explore what the changing 2026 tax landscape could mean for charitable giving and, more importantly, how nonprofits can respond without losing sight of what motivates generosity in the first place. Bill reminds us that while tax benefits may influence how or when someone gives, donors are ultimately motivated by the causes, organizations, and values they care about.

Throughout the episode, Bill and Rick explore practical ways nonprofits can help donors navigate change with greater confidence. From bunching charitable gifts and engaging smaller donors to donor-advised funds and peer-to-peer giving, Bill explains why organizations should make giving as accessible as possible while continuing to tell compelling stories about their impact. He also highlights the growing role of wealth managers, CPAs, estate planners, and other professional advisors—and encourages nonprofits to proactively build relationships with these professionals rather than trying to become tax experts themselves.

Whether you are a donor, nonprofit leader, fundraiser, wealth advisor, or someone helping others make thoughtful charitable decisions, this episode offers a timely reminder that philanthropy is ultimately about relationships. Tax rules may change, but generosity, trust, and connection remain at the heart of giving. Bill offers practical ideas for bringing nonprofits, donors, and advisors together so they can share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and help more people confidently support the causes that matter to them.

Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: [email protected]
Book A Call: Rick Peck's Calendar
Sign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving Newsletter
LinkedIn: Richard Peck

Contact Bill Shiell:
Website: https://thebright.com
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: Bill Shiell

What if the spaces where families gather could actually shape the conversations, relationships, and legacy they build together? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Sarah Walker of Nuance Interiors to explore the often-overlooked connection between our physical environment, family well-being, and philanthropy. Sarah shares how evidence-informed interior design goes far beyond aesthetics, using research around light, acoustics, natural materials, spatial design, and the nervous system to create homes that help people feel more present, connected, and supported.

Throughout the episode, Sarah and Rick explore how a family’s home can become an extension of its values. From creating spaces that encourage meaningful conversations across generations to designing environments that support health, focus, connection, and daily rituals, Sarah challenges families to think about their homes as more than a backdrop to their lives. She explains how intentional design can support difficult conversations, philanthropic decision-making, family traditions, and long-term well-being—and why the environment where these moments happen may influence how people connect with one another.

Whether you are a donor, philanthropic advisor, family wealth professional, or someone thinking about the legacy you want to create, this episode offers a fascinating perspective on how our surroundings can support the people and values that matter most. Sarah reminds us that a home can be part of a family’s “legacy infrastructure”—a place where generosity, stewardship, wellness, and connection are not simply talked about, but experienced every day.

Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: [email protected]
Book A Call: Rick Peck's Calendar
Sign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving Newsletter
LinkedIn: Richard Peck

Contact Sarah Walker:
Website: https://nuanceinteriors.com/
Instagram: @NuanceInteriors
Linkedin: Sarah Walker

What happens when economic uncertainty causes nonprofit leaders to pull back at the very moment they may need to lean in? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Bill Crouch, founder of BrightDot and former college president, for a thought-provoking conversation about fundraising, donor relationships, and leading with confidence during changing times. Bill shares why he remains optimistic about generosity even amid inflation, market volatility, and donor fatigue, and why fear and a scarcity mindset can prevent nonprofits from recognizing the opportunities still in front of them.

Throughout the episode, Bill and Rick explore what relationship-driven fundraising really looks like, particularly when engaging high-net-worth donors. Bill encourages nonprofit leaders to move beyond transactions and traditional fundraising tactics by doing their homework, understanding what matters personally to donors, asking for advice, and building authentic relationships before making an ask. He calls this approach “starting with heart.” They also discuss changing donor demographics, donor-advised funds, the importance of demonstrating meaningful impact, and Bill’s concept of moving from “stewardship” to “mattership”—helping donors understand that their generosity truly matters.

Whether you are a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, board member, philanthropic advisor, or donor, this episode offers a valuable reminder that uncertain times do not have to lead to smaller thinking. Bill challenges organizations to step into uncertainty, pursue small early victories, strengthen their networks, invest in their fundraising teams, and create cultures where donors and employees alike feel seen and appreciated. At its core, the conversation is about something that never goes out of style: building genuine relationships and helping people know that they belong, they matter, and together they can make a difference.

Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: [email protected]
Book A Call: Rick Peck's Calendar
Sign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving Newsletter
LinkedIn: Richard Peck

Contact Bill Crouch:
Website: thebrightdot.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Bill Crouch

What if lifesaving healthcare already exists, but the people who need it simply cannot afford to access it? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Adeolu Adeboye, a board-certified trauma surgeon, surgical intensivist, and founder of Shekinah Global Healthcare Foundation, to explore how philanthropy can help close critical gaps in healthcare access. Drawing from his experience providing free surgical and medical care in underserved communities, Adeolu explains why effective philanthropy begins with listening to local communities and understanding what is truly preventing patients from receiving care. Sometimes the answer is not another hospital or new program, but providing the resources that allow existing healthcare systems and professionals to reach people who have been excluded from care.

Throughout the episode, Adeolu and Rick explore the difference between immediate relief and lasting change, and why philanthropy needs both. Adeolu explains that healthcare is a connected system involving transportation, diagnosis, medications, equipment, medical professionals, surgery, follow-up care, and more. If even one piece is missing, a patient may remain untreated. Through Shekinah Global Healthcare Foundation, Adeolu has embraced a partnership-driven approach that brings together local healthcare systems, medical professionals, volunteers, donors, and companies around the needs of patients. His philosophy is simple but powerful: “Impact does not always require ownership. It requires alignment.”

Whether you are a donor, nonprofit leader, healthcare professional, philanthropic advisor, or someone looking for a meaningful way to give, this conversation offers an important reminder that philanthropy extends far beyond writing a check. Money, expertise, time, relationships, supplies, and influence can all become part of the solution when they are thoughtfully coordinated around a shared purpose. Adeolu encourages listeners to ask themselves three questions: What do I have? What problem do I care deeply about? And who is already doing credible work in that space? You may not be able to solve an entire problem, but what you have to offer could completely change life for one person, and create a ripple effect for an entire family and community.Adeolu and his team will put this philosophy into action again during their next medical and surgical mission in Ibadan, Nigeria, September 20–26. For those who would like to be part of that work, you can learn more about Shekinah Global Healthcare Foundation and help support the mission at https://shekinahglobalfoundation.org/. 

Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: [email protected]
Book A Call: Rick Peck's Calendar
Sign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving Newsletter
LinkedIn: Richard Peck

Contact Adeolu Adeboye:
Website: https://shekinahglobalfoundation.org/
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Adeolu Adeboye

What happens when a deeply personal experience reveals a need shared by an entire community? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Miryam Kabakov, co-founder and executive director of Eshel, to explore how her own experience coming out in the Orthodox Jewish community inspired an organization dedicated to creating support, belonging, and greater inclusion for LGBTQ Orthodox individuals and their families. Miryam shares how Eshel has grown from its first retreat 15 years ago into a community offering peer support, retreats, family resources, education, and connections to welcoming religious leaders across North America.

Throughout the episode, Miryam and Rick discuss the challenges of building and funding a nonprofit serving a highly specific community, including Eshel’s early struggle to find funders who understood its mission. Miryam explains how storytelling, relationship building, and demonstrating impact gradually helped the organization earn trust and attract support. They also explore the importance of funding the programs that are already working—not simply pursuing the next “shiny and new” idea—and why nonprofits must clearly communicate the true costs of delivering programs so donors can help make successful work sustainable.

Whether you are a donor, nonprofit leader, fundraiser, philanthropic advisor, or someone interested in how personal experience can become a catalyst for meaningful change, this conversation offers a powerful reminder of what can happen when people feel seen, supported, and connected. Miryam’s journey demonstrates that lasting impact often begins by listening closely to a community, building trust one relationship at a time, and having the persistence to keep doing the work even before others fully understand its importance.

Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: [email protected]
Book A Call: Rick Peck's Calendar
Sign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving Newsletter
LinkedIn: Richard Peck

Contact Miryam Kabakov:
Website: Eshel
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Miryam Kabakov

What happens when an athlete’s desire to give back is matched with the infrastructure needed to create lasting impact? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Hannibal Navies, former nine-year NFL veteran and leader of Athletes Charitable, to explore how professional and collegiate athletes can turn their passion for philanthropy into sustainable charitable work. Drawing from his own experience creating a foundation while playing in the NFL, Hannibal shares why athletes often have deeply personal reasons for giving back, but may lack the time, resources, and nonprofit expertise needed to build organizations that endure.

Throughout the episode, Hannibal and Rick discuss why charitable work needs many of the same fundamentals as any successful business: strong infrastructure, compliance, fundraising strategy, impact measurement, storytelling, and the right team. Hannibal explains how fiscally sponsored programs can remove many of those administrative barriers, allowing athletes to focus on their strengths. their stories, platforms, passions, and relationships with the communities they want to serve. They also explore why communicating impact matters, how philanthropy can become part of an athlete’s identity and brand, and why beginning this work earlier, even at the collegiate level, can help build a lifetime of generosity.

Whether you are an athlete, donor, nonprofit professional, philanthropic advisor, or someone interested in the intersection of sports and giving, this conversation offers a compelling look at what it takes to turn good intentions into sustainable impact. Hannibal’s message is clear: an athletic career may eventually end, but a commitment to service can become a lasting source of purpose and legacy for decades to come.

Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: [email protected]
Book A call: Rick Peck's Calendar
Sign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving Newsletter
LinkedIn: Richard Peck

Contact Hannibal Navies:
Website: https://athletescharitable.org/
LinkedIn: Hannibal Navies
Instagram: @BullNavies
Athletes Charitable Instagram: @AthletesCharitable