Are you missing out on the largest gifts of your career as a fundraiser?
In your role as a Development Officer, learn to help your donors tap into resources they didn't know they had to fund ministry.
Your highest capacity donors hold 90% of their wealth in assets. As a Development Officer, are you equipped to help these donors realize the potential of these assets for funding ministry?
The challenge
- Your high-capacity donors want to give more, but they're constrained by cash limitations.
- You're missing out on major gifts because you're not discussing non-cash assets.
- Your organization is struggling to meet fundraising goals in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The Solution
Asset Giving University is an elite, groundbreaking training program designed specifically for experienced Development Officers.
Get equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to unlock transformational gifts through non-cash asset donations.
Why asset giving matters
Did you know?
Over 90% of wealth is held in non-cash assets
Yet most charitable gifts are made in cash
By mastering asset giving strategies, you can:
- Help donors give more than they ever thought possible
- Significantly reduce your donors' tax burdens
- Secure larger gifts for your organization's mission
The Asset Giving University experience
Asset Giving University is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to unlock transformational gifts through non-cash asset donations.
Program Structure
- Two intensive in-person sessions over six months in 2025-2026
- In-depth online learning and virtual group coaching
- Practical application exercises with real-world scenarios
- Networking opportunities with industry experts and your peers
Join a select cohort of 10-15 of your peers for three immersive, hands-on learning experiences at the Sonesta Hotel in Irvine, California, one of the premier training venues in Orange County.
You’ll learn key concepts, connect with industry experts, and put into practice new ideas and tools you can use on the job immediately.
What you'll gain:
-
Technical Expertise
Master the intricacies of gifting various asset types, including real estate, business interests, and complex securities. -
Strategic Insight
Learn to identify prime opportunities for asset gifts within your donor base. -
Conversation Skills
Develop the confidence to initiate and guide discussions about non-cash giving with high-capacity donors. -
Holistic Understanding
Grasp the interplay between asset giving, estate planning, and long-term donor relationships.
2025 SESSION DATES
Successful completion of the program requires participation in two in-person sessions and online coursework.
2025 SPRING COHORT
In progress
2025 FALL COHORT
Now Accepting Applications:
Los Angeles, California
- Session 1: September 17-18, 2025
- Session 2: February 4-6, 2026
Dallas, Texas
- Session 1: October 7-8, 2025
- Session 2: February 11-13, 2026
PRIVATE COHORT OPTION
Ask us about bringing Asset Giving University as a private offering to your donor development team!
Private programs can run with a minimum of 10 participants.
Contact us for pricing and scheduling:
At the end of the program, you’ll emerge thoroughly equipped with the skills to play a key role in steering donors toward greater generosity with asset and estate gifts.
Course Overview
Embark on a transformative journey...
Begin by exploring the spiritual foundations that underpin your unique calling.
Discover how to weave the Generosity Theory of Change into your donor relationships, fostering a deep understanding of generosity as a path to spiritual growth.
Learn how to explore your own money story, peeling back layers to reveal hidden barriers that may hinder your connection with donors.
Gain the mindset you need to approach each donor meeting with the compassionate heart of Jesus, free from judgment or intimidation.
This journey will transform you into a skilled and compassionate fundraiser, equipped to guide donors toward giving that resonates with their faith and values.
What you'll learn:
Pastoral conversation skills
Equip yourself to navigate the evolving landscape of Christian giving with biblical principles and their practical implications. Develop the ability to lead meaningful discussions about giving, business, and family dynamics. Learn to guide inheritance conversations that captivate donors through the art of storytelling. Finally, learn to more effectively build “ecosystems of generosity” among donors.
Asset giving technical knowledge
Understand the nuances of donating retirement assets, real estate, and privately held business interests. Familiarize yourself with donor-advised funds and supporting organizations and learn to collaborate more effectively with private foundations. Become conversant in the tax implications of different asset types and corporate structures. Learn how to read and present technical gift illustrations to donors and how to work with a donor’s financial and legal professionals.
Charitable Estate Design Fundamentals
Grasp the essentials of trusts and testamentary giving strategies. Explore the intricacies of charitable gift annuities, remainder trusts, and lead trusts. And while you are having planned giving conversations, learn how to lead donors into discussions about giving assets during life. Most importantly, develop the skills to engage donors in these crucial estate conversations, ensuring their legacy aligns with their deepest values and aspirations.
MEET THE ASSET GIVING UNIVERSITY team
Jeanne McMains
Jeanne currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Offerings & Marketing at the National Christian Foundation. She has a passion for helping givers and their families create and achieve their charitable giving goals. She is responsible for improving the clarity and performance of our existing offerings and for developing new ones. Jeanne has been a practicing attorney in the areas of estate planning, business succession, and family philanthropy since 1995. Throughout her career, Jeanne has been a sought-after presenter for several financial institutions, including Fidelity Investments, Merrill Lynch, and Morgan Stanley, among many others. She is also a speaker for numerous charitable organizations, including: Alliance Defending Freedom, Christian Legal Society, Compassion International, Generous Giving, Focus on the Family, and Kingdom Advisors.
Paul Forbes
Paul is the Senior Vice President of Giver Experiences at the National Christian Foundation. Paul grew up in Kansas City and attended West Point, where he studied engineering. After serving as an army officer and flying attack helicopters for peacetime, he felt led to leave the military and settle down. Forbes worked for Hallmark Cards in Mexico and facilitated mission trips for his home church, Pleasant Valley. He eventually became the executive pastor at Pleasant Valley and joined the National Christian Foundation staff 16 years ago, where he has been involved with the generosity movement.
Connie Hougland
Connie is the Vice President of Charity Experience & Offerings at the National Christian Foundation. Connie has been part of the NCF family since 2000. She is passionate about the cause of generosity and works to help NCF support charities in serving givers and unlocking unique giving opportunities. She is the author of What If God’s Got This: 6 Key Pillars for Sustainable Ministry. Connie was blessed to be married to her high school sweetheart, Blaine, for 37 years until the Lord called him home in the Spring of 2022 after a long battle with cancer. She continues to reside in the Kansas City area where she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her four grandsons Hudson, Sawyer, Mason and Miles.
Bryan Feller
Bryan Feller has served as the President of NCF California since 2014. Prior to NCF, Bryan got his undergrad in theology and, later, an MBA. He was instrumental in leading a handful of companies to double-digit growth, including a company that made the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies twice. In 2005, he started a consulting firm focused on marketing strategy and sales team effectiveness. In his role as consultant, sales trainer, and coach, Bryan has worked with nearly 70 organizations, ranging from start-ups to the Fortune 500. His clients have included such household names as Johnson & Johnson, United Airlines, Capital One, and Bausch + Lomb.
Is Asset Giving University right for you?
Asset Giving University is an elite, groundbreaking training program designed specifically for:
- Experienced Development Officers (3+ years in the field)
- Professionals working with organizations generating $5M+ in annual revenue
- Individuals ready to take their fundraising skills to the next level
PRICING
Secure your spot today!
Regular Registration Rate: $5,000
Private Program Option
Ask us about bringing Asset Giving University as a private offering to your donor development team!
Private programs can run with a minimum of 10 participants.
To ensure a personalized experience, space is limited
Secure your spot
