As we wrap up 2025 and look forward to 2026, it seems right to look back at what we accomplished and learned both with the podcast, my business, and community volunteer.

My guests covered a lot of ground and shared with us incredible insights into what to consider within the industry this year and the people moving the industry forward in North Texas.

Eliza Solender on real estate for nonprofits. Steve Latham on gifts from assets rather than cash, Ty Wilson on the global impact of giving circles, Greg Warner, and founder of MarketSmart, on technology and fundraising.

We also had guests who brought a different perspective to table, like Michelle Monse and her work with donors and nonprofits in rural West Texas; and Alicia Peoples and Diana Hoyt who both shared their creative passions outside of fundraising.

About Fundraising: The Podcast continues to evolve and in 2026 you will hear more solo episodes about challenges we all deal with as fundraisers.

If you have a suggestion for 2026 or would like to work with my team, please visit https://dmgroupconsulting.com/

CHAPTERS:

• 01:29 – Steve Latham, founder of DonateStock. Donations from assets are 30% greater than cash gifts.

• 02:12 – Invited by Wendolyn Abel, VP of Grants Ministry, to be a guest speaker at The Gathering, presented by Texas Methodist Foundation.

• 04:50 – Greg Warner, founder of MarketSmart, technology and the nonprofit sector

• 06:31 – End-of-Year fundraising 3-part solo episodes

• 07:07 – Share your favorite episode

• 08:25 – Inspiration to colleagues and successful work for clients

• 09:20 – Sneak peek at 2026

Ty Wilson with Philanthropy Together shares the latest trend in fundraising and philanthropy: Giving Circles. Learn how your nonprofit can benefit from the collective generosity women, youth, and men who pool their money for greater impact. Ty believes that everyone is a philanthropist, you just have to show up and do good.

3-part series on End of Year Fundraising Success

Episode 3: There’s more than one way to thank donors

Donations should be acknowledged within 72 hours, or 3 days, of receipt. Thanking donors is another opportunity to engage board members, other volunteers and staff. Thank you emails are standard but phone calls and handwritten notes are the exception. Authentic gratitude keeps donors giving.