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.

Episode 22: Turning Adversity into Opportunity 12/08/2025

Episode 22: Turning Adversity into Opportunity In episode 22 of Mission + Markets, host welcomes , executive director of The Resiliency Collaborative, for a candid conversation about turning a hardship into strength. Dalia shares the organization’s journey through a financial crisis, the bold steps taken to rebuild trust, and the cultural and structural changes that strengthened its foundation. From tightening internal controls to embracing transparency and community, this conversation offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders navigating risk, governance, and resilience. Want to hear more? Subscribe to for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/39327980

Episode 21: Unlocking Private Markets for Nonprofits 11/19/2025

Episode 21: Unlocking Private Markets for Nonprofits In this episode of Mission + Markets, sits down with CAPTRUST advisors and to unpack private markets and alternative investments—and what they mean for nonprofit portfolios. Together, they break down strategies such as private equity, private credit, real estate, and hedge funds, focusing on how these approaches can enhance returns, manage inflation risk, and add diversification. The discussion also covers emerging trends in sectors like multifamily housing, industrial properties, and data centers. For leaders steering endowments, foundations, or large institutional portfolios, this episode delivers practical strategies to strengthen investment resilience and capture long-term opportunities in private markets. Want to hear more? Subscribe to for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/39099980

Episode 20: Insurance Insights for Nonprofits 10/15/2025

Episode 20: Insurance Insights for Nonprofits In this episode of Mission + Markets, host welcomes Peter Persuitti, global managing director at Gallagher, for a deep dive into the insurance needs facing nonprofits. From navigating complex coverage and fiduciary responsibilities to exploring the power of pooling and alternative risk financing, Peter shares strategies and trends that can help nonprofit leaders protect their organizations and refocus resources towards mission-driven impact. This conversation offers clarity on board governance, risk management, and the evolving role of insurance in the endowments and foundations sector. Want to hear more? Subscribe to for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/38596120

Episode 19: Tax Reform, Endowments, and Donor Strategy 06/09/2025

Episode 19: Tax Reform, Endowments, and Donor Strategy In episode 19, host is joined by , nonprofit tax attorney at Schell Bray, and , 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 for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/36919565

Episode 18: Activating Volunteers 05/12/2025

Episode 18: Activating Volunteers In episode 18, chats with Rose Thompson, Executive Director of , 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 for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/36539240

Episode 17: A Capital Campaign Journey 12/10/2024

Episode 17: A Capital Campaign Journey When raising funds for a new library, do you go by the book or write a new chapter? Join host and guest , 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. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/34371895

Episode 16: Youth Ambassadors of Service 10/29/2024

Episode 16: Youth Ambassadors of Service 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. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/33673377

Episode 15: A Fundraising Makeover 07/31/2024

Episode 15: A Fundraising Makeover 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 of Legal Aid of North Carolina and 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 for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/32374662

Episode 14: Conducting an Auditor RFP 06/17/2024

Episode 14: Conducting an Auditor RFP 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). /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/31777612

Mission + Markets Episode 13: Nonprofits and Cybersecurity 05/17/2024

Mission + Markets Episode 13: Nonprofits and Cybersecurity 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. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/31358607

Fundraising Strategies in Higher Education 02/13/2024

Fundraising Strategies in Higher Education This month, Heather Shanahan discusses higher education with Pete Lasher. Pete is senior vice president and higher education practice leader at The two discuss fundraising strategies, volunteers as donors, and honoring donor intent. Subscribe to for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/29940593

Values-Based Investing with Ethic 01/16/2024

Values-Based Investing with Ethic This month, Heather Shanahan talks with Anthony Marcozzi, associate director of relationship management at . 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 for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/29511993

Markets, with CAPTRUST’s Andy Marino 11/21/2023

Markets, with CAPTRUST’s Andy Marino In episode 10 of Mission + Markets, 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 for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/28744078

DEI in Planned Giving with GivingDocs 10/30/2023

DEI in Planned Giving with GivingDocs In episode nine of Mission + Markets, and Jade Bristol, chief development officer at , 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 for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/28460768

Trends in AI with Blackbaud 09/22/2023

Trends in AI with Blackbaud In episode eight of Mission + Markets, talks to Kate Averett Anderson, senior content manager at , 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 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. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/28114304

A Deep Dive Into Community Foundations 08/28/2023

A Deep Dive Into Community Foundations In episode seven of Mission + Markets, talks community foundations with CAPTRUST financial advisors and , 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 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. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/27871026

Heather Shanahan talks tax with CPA Kristen Hoyle 07/19/2023

Heather Shanahan talks tax with CPA Kristen Hoyle In this episode of Mission + Markets, talks with Kristen Hoyle, CPA and audit partner at 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 for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/27512961

Grant Trends and Best Practices with Ruth Peebles 06/15/2023

Grant Trends and Best Practices with Ruth Peebles In this episode of Mission + Markets, talks with Ruth Peebles, president and founder of nonprofit consulting firm . 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 for more insights for nonprofits and mission-focused organizations. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/27158814

Building a Succession Plan with God’s Love We Deliver 05/17/2023

Building a Succession Plan with God’s Love We Deliver This month, sits down with and 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 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. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/26865531

Board Development With YWCA of Greater Charleston 04/20/2023

Board Development With YWCA of Greater Charleston , CAPTRUST director of endowments and foundations, talks with and 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. 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. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/26604942

Donor Engagement with Bob Murray 03/20/2023

Donor Engagement with Bob Murray In the second episode of Mission + Markets, , CAPTRUST director of endowments and foundations, is joined by Bob Murray, executive director of . 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: /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/26281647

A Closer Look into CAPTRUST’s Endowments and Foundations Survey 02/22/2023

A Closer Look into CAPTRUST’s Endowments and Foundations Survey 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, . 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. /episode/index/show/9e567b25-67c1-4d36-8349-720a6002fa41/id/26014752

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