Each year, we have the privilege of partnering with some of the brightest minds in planned giving to offer webinars that help fundraisers navigate change, deepen donor relationships and strengthen long-term results.
In 2025, three webinars stood out—not just for attendance, but for the thoughtful conversations, practical guidance, and enthusiastic feedback from fundraisers like you. If you missed any of these sessions (or want to revisit them), here’s a look at our top three webinars of 2025 and why they resonated so strongly.
1. Giving USA 2025 Unpacked: What the Data Means for Your Subsector and Your Fundraising Strategy
Giving USA headlines only tell part of the story. This 90-minute panel discussion went deeper—examining how giving trends are affecting specific nonprofit subsectors and what fundraisers should do in response.
Led by Lynn M. Gaumer, JD, CAP®, and featuring Stelter client strategists representing health, education, human services, arts and culture, religion and more, the session translated national data into actionable fundraising insights.
Paanelists:
Senior Gift Planning Consultant
Client Strategist, Health
Client Strategist,
Education
Senior Client Strategist,
Human Services; International Affairs
Client Strategist,
Arts & Culture; Environment & Animal Welfare
Associate Client Strategist,
Religion
Here’s what one attendee had to say:
“Well organized. Knowledgeable panel. Stayed on topic. Slides were easy to follow. I also liked seeing the comparable trends to 1984. Thanks to all involved.”
— Henry Guthard, Regional Nonprofit Development Coordinator, Ennis Center for Children
2. The Autobiographical Interview
President
Langley Innovations
Most estate donors give through a simple will—yet too many nonprofits focus on complex giving vehicles and legacy society invitations instead of creating opportunities for meaningful connection.
In this one-hour webinar, James M. Langley, President of Langley Innovations, shared The Autobiographical Interview, a donor-centered approach for engaging likely estate donors through values-based conversations that build trust and deepen relationships.
Here’s what one attendee had to say:
“Professor Langley offered solid, tangible, empathetic, and compassionate tactics and strategies to sincerely connect with donors. He is reassuring and engaging. Top-notch presenter with a pleasant speaking voice and solid content.”
— Doreen O’Skea, Development Director, The Peregrine Fund
3. Top 10 Bequest Administration Roadblocks and How to Get Around Them
Partner
Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD
Bequests don’t always unfold smoothly. In this practical, one-hour session, Lindy Nash, Partner at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD, explored the most common bequest administration challenges—and how to address them effectively.
From unresponsive executors to undesirable non-cash assets, fundraisers walked away with clear, actionable guidance they could apply right away.
Here’s what one attendee had to say:
“Wonderful, practical steps and clear communication. I found this both relatable with what I’ve experienced in my 10 years as a planned giving officer and helpful tips for future situations I am certain we will encounter!”
— Abby Terpstra, Director of Philanthropy, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Looking Ahead
Whether you’re analyzing giving trends, having more meaningful donor conversations, or navigating the realities of bequest administration, these webinars reflect what fundraisers need most right now: clarity, practicality and confidence.
We’re grateful to our presenters, panelists and attendees for making these sessions so impactful—and we look forward to continuing the conversation this year.
➡️ Have you seen a great presentation or speaker that you would recommend for our 2026 webinar series? Are there specific topics you would like to see covered? Let us know!