Mission + Markets

What motivates someone to leave a charitable gift in their will? In this episode of Mission and Markets, Heather Shanahan sits down with researcher and planned giving expert Dr. Russell James to explore the psychology, neuroscience, and life stories behind legacy giving. Dr. James shares practical, research-backed strategies nonprofits can use to engage donors in meaningful conversations about bequests, permanence, and charitable impact. From donor storytelling to endowment messaging, this discussion offers actionable insights for organizations looking to strengthen their planned giving programs.

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In this episode of Mission and Markets, host Heather Shanahan is joined by CAPTRUST Advisor James Ross and Spectrum Impact Founder and CEO Rehana Nathoo to explore the growing role of impact and place-based investing for nonprofits. They discuss how endowments and foundations can align more of their assets with their mission while balancing financial returns, governance responsibilities, and long-term sustainability. The conversation also examines common challenges organizations face, from education and board engagement to portfolio design and implementation, and offers practical guidance for getting started.

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In this episode of Mission + Markets, host Heather Shanahan is joined by CAPTRUST Wealth Advisor Spencer Brown to explore how individual donors are thinking about charitable giving—and what that means for nonprofits navigating today's fundraising pressures. Drawing on insights from an advisor survey, they discuss common giving vehicles, evolving tax considerations, and the motivations that drive donor decisions. The conversation offers nonprofit leaders a clearer view into donor priorities, trade-offs, and opportunities to engage supporters more strategically.

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In episode 22 of Mission + Markets, host Heather Shanahan welcomes Dalia Wimberly, executive director of The Resiliency Collaborative, for a candid conversation about turning a hardship into strength. Dalia shares the organization's journey through a financial crisis, the bold steps taken to rebuild trust, and the cultural and structural changes that strengthened its foundation.

From tightening internal controls to embracing transparency and community, this conversation offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders navigating risk, governance, and resilience.

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In this episode of Mission + Markets, Heather Shanahan sits down with CAPTRUST advisors David Ramsour and Elliot Greenberg to unpack private markets and alternative investments—and what they mean for nonprofit portfolios.

Together, they break down strategies such as private equity, private credit, real estate, and hedge funds, focusing on how these approaches can enhance returns, manage inflation risk, and add diversification. The discussion also covers emerging trends in sectors like multifamily housing, industrial properties, and data centers. For leaders steering endowments, foundations, or large institutional portfolios, this episode delivers practical strategies to strengthen investment resilience and capture long-term opportunities in private markets.

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In this episode of Mission + Markets, host Heather Shanahan welcomes Peter Persuitti, global managing director at Gallagher, for a deep dive into the insurance needs facing nonprofits.

From navigating complex coverage and fiduciary responsibilities to exploring the power of pooling and alternative risk financing, Peter shares strategies and trends that can help nonprofit leaders protect their organizations and refocus resources towards mission-driven impact. This conversation offers clarity on board governance, risk management, and the evolving role of insurance in the endowments and foundations sector.

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In episode 19, host Heather Shanahan is joined by Ed Chaney, nonprofit tax attorney at Schell Bray, and Mike Vogelzang, Chief Investment Officer at CAPTRUST, to discuss the potential ripple effects of the latest tax reform proposals on the philanthropic landscape.

With the 2025 expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) on the horizon and a new tax bill advancing through Congress, Heather, Ed, and Mike unpack what's at stake for private foundations, colleges and universities, and individual donors. From increased excise taxes and asset thresholds to the strategic appeal of donor-advised funds, this timely conversation examines how institutional and individual giving may shift in response—and what nonprofit leaders and fiduciaries should be doing now to prepare.

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In episode 18, Heather Shanahan chats with Rose Thompson, Executive Director of Activate Good, a program that connects volunteers with community service opportunities. Activate Good teams up with local and national organizations to support community service and has grown its efforts to include youth, corporate, and community initiatives. Thompson talks about how vital volunteers are and how the organization helps nonprofits by offering skills-based and youth volunteer opportunities. Thompson and Shanahan also discuss the perks of corporate volunteerism and how teamwork can drive meaningful change.

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When raising funds for a new library, do you go by the book or write a new chapter? Join host Heather Shanahan and guest Charity Tyler, executive director or the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation as they take us on a capital campaign journey. What worked? What didn't? Find out in Episode 17 of our Mission + Markets podcast.

In episode 16 of Mission + Markets, host Heather Shanahan welcomes Sonali Ratnasinghe, a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the founder of Youth Ambassadors of Service (YAS). The organization teaches young people about the nonprofit sector, encouraging them to engage in community service. This passion project started during the COVID-19 pandemic and evolved into a 501(c)(3) organization. In the podcast, Sonali shares her recent experiences, including participating in the UN General Assembly and the Clinton Global Initiative, sharing valuable insights on youth involvement in nonprofit organizations.

What changed after a legal services nonprofit received a professional analysis of its fundraising efforts?

In episode 15 of Mission + Markets, host Heather Shanahan welcomes Missy Hatley of Legal Aid of North Carolina and Shannon Williams of Armstrong McGuire to talk about strategic fundraising. How can organizations be more effective? How can nonprofits get board members to play to their fundraising strengths? What's new and innovative in the world of fundraising?

And finally, could your nonprofit benefit from a thorough development assessment?

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One important step nonprofit leaders should consider is bringing on an auditor. Depending on the organization's size and composition, there are different types of audits that can be conducted, with various levels of cost and complexity.

In this episode, host Heather Shanahan dives into all things audits with Certified Public Accountant Robyn Campbell. Listen as they discuss why—and how—supply and demand issues are impacting the industry, plus key questions to include when conducting an auditor request for proposal (RFP).

It's sad but true: Even nonprofits are not immune to ransomware attacks. These cybersecurity breaches hinder an organization's ability to function and can create immediate damage to the nonprofit's reputation or public standing.

To better understand these risks and how to combat them, Heather Shanahan welcomes Dr. Dave Chatterjee, a cybersecurity thought leader, and Jon Meyer, CAPTRUST chief technology officer, in this episode of Mission + Markets.

This month, Heather Shanahan discusses higher education with Pete Lasher. Pete is senior vice president and higher education practice leader at Grenzebach Glier and Associates. The two discuss fundraising strategies, volunteers as donors, and honoring donor intent.

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This month, Heather Shanahan talks with Anthony Marcozzi, associate director of relationship management at Ethic.

Anthony explains Ethic's approach to working with endowments and foundations, highlighting the importance of understanding an organization's mission and values.

He and Heather also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the impact investing space, like:

• Emphasizing the importance of working with trusted advisors
• Focusing on education
• Transparency
• Community engagement

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In episode 10 of Mission + Markets, Heather Shanahan and Andy Marino cover the financial landscape of the past year and how it might affect nonprofits, endowments, and foundations.

The conversation examines the Federal Reserve's efforts to reduce inflation. Marino also addresses the historical association of the inverted yield curve with recessions and the recent normalization of longer-term interest rates. He recommends that nonprofits set realistic expectations and maintain a long-term perspective.

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In episode nine of Mission + Markets, Heather Shanahan and Jade Bristol, chief development officer at GivingDocs, discuss DEI efforts in planned giving and estate planning. GivingDocs is an online estate planning platform designed to help nonprofits improve their planned giving initiatives.

The conversation addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within planned giving and estate planning. Jade discusses the organization's mission to enhance planned giving efforts for nonprofits, and the history of inequity in philanthropy.

Jade and Heather emphasize the importance of authentic conversations, cultural awareness, and empathy when working with diverse donors in the realm of planned giving. Their discussion underscores the crucial mission of nonprofits to make a positive impact through thoughtful and respectful engagement with donors.

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In episode eight of Mission + Markets, Heather Shanahan talks to Kate Averett Anderson, senior content manager at Blackbaud, about artificial intelligence (AI) technology trends and their potential uses in nonprofit organizations. The discussion covers:

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Nonprofit AI applications, including donor communication and grant writing

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Donor prospecting and revenue optimization with AI

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AI as a tool to enhance—not replace--human efforts

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Trustworthy AI principles for responsible usage

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Protecting donor privacy and maintaining transparency

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Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, this podcast is defined as an advertisement and includes an uncompensated testimonial by a CAPTRUST client. Please be advised that clients' experiences as described in the podcast do not necessarily represent the experience of other clients.

In episode seven of Mission + Markets, Heather Shanahan talks community foundations with CAPTRUST financial advisors Bill Altavilla and Matt Doyle, plus special guest Jim McCallum. Jim is the advisor to the Chief Financial Officer for the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, having previously served as CFO since 2005. He has an extensive background in estate planning, tax, securities, planned giving, and insurance.

They discuss a range of topics, including:

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fundraising strategies

•

donor engagement

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investment management

•

community impact

Subscribe to Mission + Markets for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations.

Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, this podcast is defined as an advertisement and includes an uncompensated testimonial by a CAPTRUST client. Please be advised that clients' experiences as described in the podcast do not necessarily represent the experience of other clients.

In this episode of Mission + Markets, Heather Shanahan talks with Kristen Hoyle, CPA and audit partner at Thomas, Judy & Tucker P.A. Kristen's work focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations with tax-related services.

Heather and Kristen cover an array of topics, including:

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Varying tax statuses of nonprofits, foundations, and endowments

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When your organization needs an audit

•

How to properly prepare a 990

Subscribe to Mission + Markets for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations.