Please join us and meet other new attendees. Experienced MPGC members will welcome you and visit while we enjoy a continental breakfast. Hope to see you there.
Registration / Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Opening Plenary
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Donor-Centered Fundraising
Penelope Burk, President :: Cygnus Applied Research
sponsored by:
Donor-Centered Fundraising is the breakthrough concept in fundraising and communication that reduces donor attrition while setting a new standard for fundraising success. Supported by eight years of research, the donor-centered philosophy emerged from research and testing on why donors stop giving or give less than they could, and how retention and average gift value can be dramatically improved. In this session, author and fundraising researcher Penelope Burk makes a compelling argument for Donor-Centered Fundraising as the remedy for a jaded public searching for accountability and satisfaction. (level: Basic)
Break with Exhibitors
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Breakout Sessions – Series l
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Tapping into the National Trend of Giving with Faith
Chris Andersen, President :: Lutheran Community Foundation
Marilou Eldred, PhD, President :: Catholic Community Foundation
Sally Forbes Friedman, Director :: Jewish Community Foundation
sponsored by:
The Lutheran, Catholic, and Jewish Community Foundations are tapping into a major trend in philanthropy: increasingly, people are aligning charitable giving with their faith and values. Through their Twin Cities Give With Faith campaign, these three faith foundations have successfully tapped into the national trend—a trend that goes beyond geography. Collectively, they have raised a half billion dollars and distributed more than $140 million. Learn more about this trend and the demographics, programs, and tools these foundations are utilizing to find success in their respective markets. (level: Basic)
Planned Giving the Donor-Centered Way
Penelope Burk, President :: Cygnus Applied Research
sponsored by:
This follow-up session delves more specifically into the kinds of acknowledgement and communication that work in a world where donors, like everyone else, have limited time and where not-for-profits must be highly innovative to capture their supporters’ attention. Also covered is the tricky subject of donor recognition, with surprising research findings from donors that defy many modern-day fundraising beliefs and practices. (level: Basic)
Bernanke Bingo: Gift Planning in a Low Interest Rate Environment
Robert E. Harding, JD, Principal :: Gray Plant Mooty
Stresses in the economy have occasioned today’s low interest rates, but there may be a silver lining for charities and their donors. Deferred gift vehicles are affected by changes in the “Applicable Federal Rate,” which is tied to federal interest rates. Some split interest gifts look better with a low AFR. Others look worse. This session will focus on planned gifts that are attractive right now (for example, the charitable lead annuity trust). We will also look at the negative effect of a low AFR on CRTs and CGAs and ask how bad that impact really is. (level: Advanced)
Building Blocks of Planned Giving: Simple Steps to Success
Jean Vukas Roberts, Vice President Development :: The Saint Paul Foundation
sponsored by:
Planned Giving is a unique yet integral part of an organization’s fundraising efforts. This “back to basics” session will explore how planned giving can complement existing fundraising efffots. Attendees will be given an introduction to the basic concepts of planned giving and become more comfortable offering these choices to donors. (level: Basic)
Lunch Plenary
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Planned Giving as a Biographical Event
Paul Schervish, PhD, Professor and Director :: Boston College Center on Wealth and Philanthropy
sponsored by:
This session will review the new directions in the money, meaning, and motivations of wealth holders in the 21st century that make estate planning a biographical event. Learn the meaning of a moral biography of wealth and get a summary of the current patterns of charitable giving and how the forthcoming transfer of wealth has the potential to open a floodgate of philanthropy over the next several decades. Then learn how philanthropy is a social relation of care in which people identify with the needs of others, as well as the key motivations that incline wealth holders toward increased charitable giving and other forms of personal care. (level: Basic)
Breakout Sessions – Series lI
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
The Old Gray Mare Ain’t What She Used to Be: The Revolution in Planned Giving Marketing
Sam D. Caldwell, President :: The Planned Giving Company
Think you know who your planned giving prospects are? You may want to think again! Think the best way to reach your prospects is through newsletters and brochures? You may want to think that one over, too! Focused on the old and/or the wealthy? Another assumption you may want to reconsider! Hear some surprising facts and insights that could change your thinking about how you identify planned giving prospects and market planned gifts in your institution. Hear the latest on new and exciting developments in the field. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to charitable gift planning, you will not want to miss this thought-provoking session. (level: Basic)
A Planned Giving Program on One Hour Per Week
Daniel Harris, Vice President, Charitable Consultant :: Wells Fargo Charitable Management Group
You know that planned giving can be an important source of gifts, but where do you start? And where can you find the time, especially if you already wear ten hats? At this presentation, you will learn why planned giving is worth your time, how planned giving goes hand-in-hand with endowments, planned giving program “best practices” and “bare minimums”, how you can take advantage of existing resources such as NCPG’s Leave a Legacy® Program, and how to start a planned giving program with a minor investment of time. (level: Basic)
Discernment and Discerned Giving: How Donors Plan Their Gifts
Paul Schervish, PhD, Professor and Director :: Boston College Center on Wealth and Philanthropy
This session will elaborate the process of biographical conversations whereby financial professionals can guide wealth holders through a process of conscientious discernment that clarifies their capacity and aspirations of care for others. Advancement professionals will learn how to make gift planning more spiritually fulfilling for wealth holders, more lucrative for charities, and more professionally rewarding for themselves. (level: Basic)
What Development Professionals Should Know About Estate, Gift, and GST Taxes
Joe K. Thiegs, JD, Planned Giving Officer :: University of Minnesota Foundation
sponsored by:
This presentation will focus on the aspects of transfer tax laws and rules of which planned giving professionals should be aware in working with prospective donors—especially donors contemplating large charitable gifts. This session will provide an overview of the federal transfer tax system, including explanations of the federal gift tax, estate tax, and GST tax, but also will cover some state-specific issues such as the decoupling of the Minnesota and federal gift and estate tax exemption. Speculation about possible changes to the federal transfer tax regime in light of the 2008 election will be addressed as well. (level: Advanced)
Break with Exhibitors
2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Afternoon Plenary
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Why Giving Matters
Arthur Brooks, PhD, Professor :: Syracuse University
President :: American Enterprise Institute (beginning January 1, 2009)
Giving and volunteering are often seen as merely resources to support charitable activities, and many nonprofit organizations see fundraising as little more than a necessary evil. But research has emerged showing that giving and volunteering are enormous sources of prosperity, health, and happiness for givers themselves. This presentation lays out the evidence that charity is one of the most important sources of strength and vitality for individuals, communities, and our nation. (level: Basic)
Networking Reception
4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Join faculty and participants at this networking reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.
Ready, Set, Go! Navigating the Donor Visit from Start to Finish
Ann Sponberg Peterson, Director of Development for Principal Gifts :: Luther College
Whether you’re a gift planning newcomer or a seasoned professional, it’s easy to suffer from “desk chair gravity.” We advance as professionals and produce so much more when we get up, get going, and get out with our donors and prospects. Come ready to refresh some ideas, overcome call reluctance, refine your conversation techniques, and develop some good new protocols for getting and navigating the donor visit. (level: Basic)
Breakout Sessions – Series lII
9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Help! My Board Wants to Start a CGA Program. Where Do I Start?
Johni Hays, JD, CAP, CLU, Senior Planned Giving Consultant :: The Stelter Company
sponsored by:
This session will cover exactly how and what to present to your board to “sell” the idea of offering charitable gift annuities. Your board doesn’t want every detail; they want a fair presentation of the risks and considerations involved. Once your board approves, what is your next step to launch a gift annuity program? This presentation provides a step-by-step process to address each needed area, including analyzing what states your donors reside in, obtaining various state registrations, investment considerations for the donor’s gift, administration/accounting including making donor payments and IRS reporting, staff/board training, and marketing. (level: Basic)
Black, White or Gray: Ethical Shades in Charitable Gift Planning
Tanya Howe Johnson, President and CEO :: National Committee on Planned Giving
We often think that finding black or white in a gray world is easy—until we hear a pretty good argument that our “yes” is someone else’s emphatic “no.” This breakout will facilitate a lively and interactive discussion of gift planning case studies that challenge our ethical decision-making skills and grayscale interpretations. (level: Basic)
Navigating Uneven Waters When Considering Gifts of Special Assets
Sheryl Morrison, JD, Principal :: Gray Plant Mooty
Julie Frommelt, JD, Principal :: Gray Plant Mooty
This session will discuss the myriad practical and legal issues involved when considering gifts of special assets, including tangible personal property, real property, retirement assets, closely held businesses, and more. (level: Advanced)
Charitable Remainder Trust Essentials
Bill Zook, Executive Vice President :: PG Calc Incorporated
After a brief review of the basic aspects of trusts in general, this session will focus on charitable remainder trusts in particular, as well as the ways in which they are similar to and different from other types of life income gifts. Attention will be devoted to several situations in which a charitable remainder trust is appropriate and to the overall role trusts can play in a planned giving program. (level: Basic)
Break with Exhibitors
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Breakout Sessions – Series lV
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Investment Stewardship: Proving Fiduciary Excellence to Your Donors
David J. Bromelkamp, CIMA, CIMC, President & CEO :: Allodium Investment Consultants
Nonprofit financial leaders are an integral part of the financial stewardship of an organization. The stewardship of foundation, endowment and charitable trust investments is one of the most important aspects of a financial leader’s role. The investment decision-making process is critical to successful management of your investment portfolios and demonstrates prudent financial stewardship to your donors. This presentation will explain the Self Assessment of Fiduciary Excellence that has been developed by the Foundation for Fiduciary Studies as it applies to the management of long term investment portfolios. These ideas can be adopted to help you adopt best practices for your organization. (level: Special Interest)
Bequests, Beneficiaries, and Marketing... Oh, My!
Rob Hilbert, CFRE, Major and Planned Gifts Manager :: Iowa Public Television Foundation
Nearly all organizations that don’t have a planned giving program would like one, but don’t know where to start. This session will provide the background information, sample documents, and ideas and strategies for beginning and maintaining a simple program. From setting up gift acceptance policies to initiating a legacy society, attendees will leave with the tools and information to stop delaying their success in planned giving. (level: Basic)
Life Insurance as a Charitable Gift—Now What?
Steven Lear, ChFC, CLU, President :: Affiance Financial & Generational Generosity Planning Company
This presentation will provide the development officer with the proper language to use with prospective donors when explaining how to incorporate life insurance into their charitable plan. It will also provide information about what to do with a gift of life insurance once it is received. Subject matters will include valuations (how to value a policy that provides a charitable deduction to the donor), what you should do if you are contacted by a third party buyer of a life insurance policy, and whether it’s best to liquidate the policy or pay the premiums to keep the policy in force. The overall goal of the presentation, of course, is to make sure everyone stays awake. (level: Advanced)
Guide to Successful Endowment Building
Jaclyn D. Schroeder, Gift Planner :: The Saint Paul Foundation
This session will help the development practitioner for nonprofits of all sizes develop a strategy for building a permanent endowment that honors donors and supports the mission of the organization. The presentation will cover the elements of developing a convincing case for permanent endowment, how to integrate endowment building into the development plan without threatening critical annual operating dollars, and tips for how and when to consider if a concentrated Endowment Building Campaign is right for the organization. (level: Basic)
Break with Exhibitors
12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Lunch Plenary
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Is There Hope for Planned Giving?
Tanya Howe Johnson, President and CEO :: National Committee on Planned Giving
sponsored by:
The planned giving world as we’ve known it is changing. It often seems that those changes forecast doom and gloom: government scrutiny and regulation, elimination of charitable tax incentives, increasing nonprofit priorities focused on current and outright gifts, and gift discussions that no longer include seats at the table for both advisors and charity. What are these changes? What can we expect in the future? How can gift planners not only survive these challenges but actually turn the tide? (level: Basic)
Break with Exhibitors
1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Breakout Sessions – Series V
1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Understanding a Donor’s Heart’s Desire
Susan C. Dunlop, Director of Development :: American Academy of Neurology Foundation
Gary G. Hargroves, Development Consultant
Richard J. Olson, Director of Planned Giving :: Allina Hospitals & Clinics
Understanding a donor’s social style prepares the gift planning professional to help a donor achieve his or her heart’s desire through a significant gift. The presentation will be from the donor’s perspective as he or she relates to the gift planning officer and the development process. The presentation will cover donors with the four primary social styles (thoughts, experiences, fears, goals, and hopes and dreams) and how each is assisted in achieving the donor’s heart’s desire. As we know, we can best achieve our development dreams by helping donors achieve their charitable dreams. (level: Special Interest)
Build a Successful Team: Gift Planning and Prospect Research
Holly A. McDonough, Director of Development-Gift Planning :: Minnesota Medical Foundation
Deborah Mueller, Director of Relationship Management :: Minnesota Medical Foundation
Learn how gift planning officers and prospect researchers can work together to create long-term sustainability for the organization and greater fundraising success through prospect identification, qualification, and solicitation. Examples of how to create successful prospect strategies to effectively move your best prospects through the development cycle will be provided. (level: Advanced)
One Way to Skin the Cat: Volunteers and Gift Planning in Harvard Campaigns
Grant Whitney, Senior Associate Director of Gift Planning :: Harvard University
The use of volunteers in gift planning can be a lightning rod for debate among gift planning practitioners. This presentation will highlight one model for involving volunteers currently in use at Harvard College and explore its strengths and weaknesses. In a related vein, the talk will also address the role gift planning currently plays in the “every five year” Harvard College reunion model, and how that role may change going forward. (level: Basic)
Closing Plenary
3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
In Their Own Words: Three Philanthropists Teach Us About Planned Giving
Kathleen G. Hansen, Vice President for Seminary Relations :: Luther Seminary
Three Minnesota philanthropists will share the stage in a panel discussion about planned giving from the donor’s perspective. Kathleen Hansen will moderate a discussion in which each donor will have the opportunity to share his/her motivations in making planned gifts. We will probe to learn more about how these donors appreciate being approached, what information they find helpful, and how they like to be thanked and recognized. We will ask them to describe marketing materials that work, events that have moved them, and “asks” that have been effective. With some humor, some true-life stories, and a little encouragement, these donors will give us practical ideas that will help us do our jobs more effectively. (level: Basic)
