Mission + Markets

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.

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. Rose talks about how vital volunteers are and how the organization helps nonprofits by offering skills-based and youth volunteer opportunities. They also discuss the perks of corporate volunteerism and how teamwork can really drive meaningful change.

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

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

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

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

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

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:   Nonprofit AI applications, including donor communication and grant writing  Donor prospecting and revenue optimization with AI  AI as a tool to enhance—not replace--human efforts  Trustworthy AI principles for responsible usage  Protecting donor privacy and maintaining transparency  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 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:   fundraising strategies  donor engagement  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:   Varying tax statuses of nonprofits, foundations, and endowments  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.  

In this episode of Mission + Markets, Heather Shanahan talks with Ruth Peebles, president and founder of nonprofit consulting firm The INS Group. The two discuss best practices and trends for grants, including:   Measuring impact when writing a grant   Setting guidelines on grant reporting  Telling your organization's story  Subscribe to Mission + Markets for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations.  

This month, Heather Shanahan sits down with Karen Pearl and David Ludwigson of God's Love We Deliver (GLWD). GLWD is a nonprofit organization based in New York City that provides medically tailored meals, plus nutrition counseling, to individuals living with severe and chronic illnesses. Founded in 1985, GLWD delivers these meals free of charge to clients' homes throughout the five boroughs of New York City and parts of New Jersey.   Karen shares her experience as CEO and discusses her decision to retire, with practical advice for other nonprofit leaders to engage board members in succession planning. David, GLWD's current CEO, discusses the transition process and how it set him up for success. Listen to what they learned about board involvement, organization-wide transparency, and how to achieve a (mostly) peaceful transition.   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. 

Heather Shanahan, CAPTRUST director of endowments and foundations, talks with LaVanda Brown and Courtney Johnson from the YWCA of Greater Charleston (YWCAGC). LaVanda has been the organization's executive director for seven years, and Courtney is the current treasurer and incoming chair of the YWCAGC's board.   In the episode, LaVanda and Courtney share their experiences navigating and supporting the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. The three discuss the intentional decision to have an all-female board; the steps they've taken to honor the organization's mission; the importance of staff and board member relationships; and strategic planning.  Subscribe to Mission + Markets for more insight 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 the second episode of Mission + Markets, Heather Shanahan, CAPTRUST director of endowments and foundations, is joined by Bob Murray, executive director of Casual Simulation. Bob has more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit and higher education development. The two discuss donor engagement, honoring your donor's intent, and how to keep your organization's story relevant as technology evolves. They also cover how a newer, startup-style nonprofit can partner with established organizations for success.  Subscribe to Mission + Markets for more insight for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations.   RESOURCES: How Nonprofits Can Handle Major Gifts Honoring Donor Intent | Endowment and Foundations

Welcome to the debut episode of Mission + Markets! Listen as Heather Shanahan, CAPTRUST director of endowments and foundations talks through highlights of the fifth annual Endowments and Foundations survey, completed by 169 organizations around the country, and 59 percent of respondents are private nonprofits. Heather is joined by CAPTRUST Director of Asset/Liability James Stenstrom, and Grant Verhaeghe, CAPTRUST senior director and asset/liability practice leader.   The three discuss staggering statistics regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, plus practical ways to improve an organization's DEI efforts. They also consider reasons for the decline in values-based investing for endowments and foundations.   To learn more about the survey's findings, click here.   Subscribe to Mission + Markets wherever you get your podcasts for more discussions on topics like board turnover, honoring your donor's intent, and trends among nonprofit sectors.   ABOUT MISSION + MARKETS  Mission + Markets empowers endowments and foundations to pursue their mission-driven goals by exploring trends and best practices related to mission engagement, fiduciary governance, and investment management. Hosted by CAPTRUST's Director of Endowments and Foundations Heather Shanahan, Mission + Markets shares research, resources, and recommendations from industry insiders so your nonprofit can focus on what's most important—the mission.