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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.