Elevating philanthropy through education and excellence
When gift planning is done right, everyone wins—donors achieve greater impact, nonprofits secure more gifts, and communities thrive. We partner with professional associations to raise the bar by increasing gift planning expertise across the entire sector.
Trusted Perspectives
“Dave is the expert’s expert. There are a lot of “experts” in professional associations…they may be experts in certain topics, but very few of them know legacy giving as well as he does.”
Maximize your ability to make an impact—without sacrificing what matters most
Education that elevates practice
Move beyond theory to practical application. Our presentations and keynotes provide immediately actionable strategies that members can implement from day one.
Thought leadership that advances the field
Share cutting-edge research, data-driven insights, and proven methodologies that position your association at the forefront of philanthropic innovation.
Resources that multiply impact
Equip your members with tools, templates, and frameworks that elevate their gift planning capabilities and professional confidence.
Bring Heaton Smith’s expertise to your next event
Gift planning education and training FAQs
Popular presentation topics include “From Planned Giving to Gift Planning: The Shift That Changes Everything,” “Making the Data-Driven Case for Gift Planning Investment,” “Complex Gifts Made Simple,” and “Building Collaborative Gift Planning Cultures.” Dave and the Heaton Smith team customize every presentation to your members’ specific needs, whether they’re development professionals, nonprofit executives, board members, or professional advisors.
Yes. We structure presentations to qualify for CFRE credits and other professional certifications. We provide all necessary documentation, including learning objectives, session descriptions, and attendance verification. Our workshops meet requirements for continuing education in fundraising, nonprofit management, and professional development.
Yes. Dave Smith and our team deliver equally engaging presentations in virtual, in-person, and hybrid formats. Virtual sessions include interactive elements, breakout discussions, and downloadable resources. In-person events can range from 45-minute keynotes to multi-day training intensives. We adapt delivery to maximize engagement regardless of format.