Debbie Compton didn’t set out to build a caregiving platform—she lived the chaos first. Caring for three parents with complex diagnoses, she faced the overwhelming gap between diagnosis and real support. Out of that experience, she created The Purple Vine, practical tools, and books to help caregivers navigate uncertainty, make critical decisions, and feel less alone in one of life’s hardest roles.

Most nonprofits don’t have a planned giving problem. They have a starting problem. In my conversation with Tony Martignetti, one idea stood out: start with wills. That’s where 75–90% of legacy gifts come from. No complex strategy needed. No perfect pitch. Planned giving isn’t about death. It’s about sustaining your mission. Start the conversation. That’s where momentum begins.

When you talk to Judd Holzman, you don’t hear a fundraiser chasing tactics—you hear someone focused on meaning. From global development work in Africa to leading advancement at JCFS Chicago, his philosophy has stayed consistent: fundraising is deeply human. It’s not about pressure or transactions, but about partnership, purpose, and helping donors find connection and meaning through giving.

Joey Small doesn’t talk about fundraising as tactics—he talks about relationships. At The Frisch School, he’s helped raise millions by focusing on trust, consistency, and truly knowing donors. From thoughtful outreach to making giving easy, his approach is simple but powerful: when donors feel understood and connected to something meaningful, they don’t just give—they become long-term partners in the mission.