March 12, 2020 – Annual Conference on Gift Planning with Dr. Russell James and Lani Starkey

Hawaii Gift Planning Council, Hawaii Community Foundation, University of Hawaii Foundation and First Hawaiian Bank are pleased to present the 2020 Annual Conference on Gift Planning featuring:

Dr. Russell N. James III, J.D., Ph.D., CFP
Professor, Department of Personal Financial Planning, Texas Tech University

Russell James, J.D., Ph.D., CFP® is a professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University.  He directs the on-campus and online graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning.  Additionally, he teaches Charitable Gift Planning at the Texas Tech University School of Law.

Prior to his career as an academic researcher, Dr. James worked as the Director of Planned Giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri for 6 years and later served as president of the college for more than 5 years, where he had direct and supervisory responsibility for all fundraising.  During his presidency the college successfully completed two major capital campaigns, built several new debt-free buildings, and more than tripled enrollment.

Dr. James has over 150 publications in academic journals, conference proceedings, and books.  He has been quoted on charitable and financial issues in a variety of news sources including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, and ABC News.

Lani Starkey, J.D., LL.M
Founder, Fifty Rock Consulting

Lani Starkey is the founder of Fifty Rock Consulting.  He is an accomplished consultant, fundraiser, tax attorney, former CPA, coach, and presenter.  He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii.

Based in Hawaii, Fifty Rock Consulting works closely with many local charities, including REHAB Foundation, Iolani School, Hawaiian Humane Society, and Make A Wish.

As a popular and sought-after trainer and speaker, Mr. Starkey presents about 20 times per year at conferences and meetings across the mainland on innovative fundraising strategies as well as traditional development best practices.

Current mainland clients include University of Wisconsin, University of Central Florida, Humane Society Silicon Valley, Salvation Army, and Amazing Facts.

Conference Timeline and Sessions*

9:00 a.m.  Conference check-in

9:30 a.m.  Welcoming remarks

9:45 a.m.  Russell James – Why cash in not king in fundraising: Results from 1 million nonprofit tax returns
This research tracks the fundraising growth of hundreds of thousands of nonprofit organizations from 2010 through 2016 to identify what predicts current and long-term fundraising growth.  A key predictor is whether the nonprofit effectively pursues gifts of assets (e.g., stocks, bonds, real estate) rather than gifts of cash.  This presentation reviews these comprehensive results, investigates the psychological and practical aspects of why gifts of assets are so critical for high-growth fundraising, and discusses strategies for effectively pursing these important gifts.

10:45 a.m.  Break

11:00 a.m.  Lani Starkey – Rome wasn’t built in a day – How to scale fundraising beyond your mission
This presentation focuses on select opportunities and barriers to growing gift revenue.  Specifically, it looks at organization and donor behavior to uncover development strategies that can significantly increase major gifts and planned gifts.  Attendees will learn what key platforms and giving programs are critical if they want to “move the fundraising needle” in a meaningful way.

12:00 p.m.  Buffet lunch

12:45 p.m.  Lani Starkey – The five types of blended gifts: the what, when, and why of closing blended gifts
Blended gifts are “trending” in the fundraising world.  While the practice of asking for blended gifts has been occurring with varying degrees of consistency for years, there is more interest today than ever before.  Blended gift advocates promise better gift results for your organization and greater satisfaction and impact for your donors.  So, is it all too good to be true?  Are there no downsides to blended gifts?  In this session, we will look closely at the donor dynamic, risk factors, and “case” for a blended gift activity.  Finally, we will focus on solicitation planning and donor relationship status as key due diligence factors.

2:00 p.m.  Break

2:15 p.m.  Russell James – Storytelling in legacy fundraising: New findings, ancient origins, and practical tips
Connecting with the donor’s life story in the right way can be a powerful trigger for legacy giving.  But, how do we do that? Professor James shows how understanding the ancient origins and the latest research findings leads to simple, effective, practical techniques that anyone can use to more effectively encourage gifts in wills.

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.  Pau Hana/Networking
Meet your peers and enjoy fellowship and cocktails.

*HGPC is an Approved Provider of CFRE Credits for Approved Educational Offerings.

ADA:  We require a minimum 5 business days’ notice for ADA requests.  While we will make our best efforts to provide requested accommodations, we reserve the right to decline to provide or provide substitute accommodations if the request is (1) untimely; and/or (2) unduly burdensome to our organization as defined under the ADA.

Registration (click Tickets above):

Early Bird Registration by February 21, 2020
HGPC Member: $125/person (must login with username/password to receive member rate)
Non-member: $175/person
Non-member group rate (3 or more): $140/person

Registration after February 21, 2020
HGPC Member: $150/person (must login with username/password to receive member rate)
Non-member: $200/person

Scholarships available!
Applications due 1/17/20. Inquire with Kyle Karioka at (808) 440-1862 or kyle.karioka@usw.salvationarmy.org

Who Should Attend:
Gift Officers, Advancement Professionals and Staff, Executive Directors, Board Members, Trustees, Volunteers