About Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts
Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts is the podcast for nonprofit development professionals looking to deepen their understanding of planned giving. Whether you’re new to planned giving or looking to enhance your existing program, we will provide you with practical tips, expert advice and real-world stories.
Host Grant Miller will explore the nuances of planned giving, covering everything from building relationships with donors to understanding the various gift vehicles to learning how to ask for a planned gift. We’ll feature advice from Sharpe consultants and interviews with planned giving professionals who will share strategies for engaging donors in meaningful ways and growing your planned giving program.
If you’re passionate about securing long-term support for your nonprofit, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the world of planned giving together!
A Nightmare on Giving Street? Debunking the Myths of Planned Giving
Welcome to our nightmare ... we think you're going to like it! On this special Halloween episode, "Master of Fright" Barlow Mann puts our planned giving fears to rest by sharing what history and research can teach us about donor behavior, how advisors will play a greater role in the future, why not knowing the answer can be the answer, tricks for how to listen for donor concerns and some cost-effective marketing treats for expressing gratitude this fall.
Panelist info:
Host Grant Miller is an award-winning writer and editor for Sharpe Group who works closely with Sharpe clients to create compelling donor interviews for their newsletters. In addition to hosting the podcast, he frequently contributes to the Sharpe blog and Sharpe Insights newsletter.
Barlow Mann, JD, Sharpe Group’s general counsel, started his career in university development and healthcare fundraising. His association with Sharpe began when he attended one of our National Planned Giving Institute seminars, and he joined the faculty in the late 1970s. In his decades with Sharpe Group, he has focused on consulting, seminar training and developing planned and major gift marketing efforts for nonprofit organizations of all sizes. He is a graduate of Tulane University and Memphis School of Law.
29 Sept 2026
Storytelling, the Hero’s Journey and Fundraising
In this episode of Sharpe Insights, we dive into the art of storytelling and its vital role in fundraising through the lens of the Hero’s Journey. Join me as I discuss with Will Dixon and Dr. Russell James how the principles of this timeless narrative can transform donor relationships. We explore how fundraisers can embody the role of the guiding sage, helping donors navigate their own philanthropic journeys, and how to create compelling asks that resonate deeply with their identities. Discover practical strategies for nurturing donor connections and ensuring that their giving experience is fulfilling and meaningful. Tune in for insights that can enhance your planned giving program and inspire lasting impact.
15 Sept 2026
Before the Gift: Family, Communication and Estate Planning
Estate planning attorney Jennifer Norton joins host Grant Miller in a discussion about ways family dynamics can ruin a gift, why it's important to have a purpose statement as part of an estate plan, what fundraisers should focus on in a donor meeting and why having intentional touches with your older planned giving donors is essential.
Panelist info:
Host Grant Miller is an award-winning writer and editor for Sharpe Group who works closely with Sharpe clients to create compelling donor interviews for their newsletters. In addition to hosting the podcast, he frequently contributes to the Sharpe blog and Sharpe Insights Newsletter.
Jennifer Norton is an attorney and owner of Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm, LLC. Graduating from Indiana University-Bloomington with a degree in Finance, and from Maurer School of Law in 2008, she has focused her practice exclusively on estate planning since 2013. She provides comprehensive services including wills, trusts, powers of attorney (health and financial), living wills, guardianship/conservatorship assistance, probate administration and strategic Medicaid qualification.
Jennifer is a member of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys and serves as the vice president of the Trust & Estates Section of the National Bar Association.
Who has been a guest on Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Barlow Mann
Julie Schuldner
Julie Shuldner
Kristen Kroon
Joe Chicky
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
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