What You Water Grows: The Art of Legacy-Minded Fundraising
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM ET
Speaker(s): Melanie Souto, Sr. Associate Director of Development, Gift Planning, University of Rhode Island Foundation
Competencies: Emotional IntelligenceRelationship Building
Experience Level: Level 3- Practicing Mid Level CareerLevel 2- Emerging Early Career
Elective Session
What if every development professional saw themselves as a gardener of legacy?
Too often, planned giving feels like a separate garden—quiet, mysterious, and reserved for specialists. But in reality, legacy gifts grow from years of nurturing by every team across advancement. This session explores how small, intentional “seeds” planted in everyday donor conversations can blossom into meaningful, lasting gifts.
Using the metaphor of a garden, participants will learn how to spot cues that signal legacy readiness, use natural “seed phrases,” and confidently reference gift options without sounding too technical. Discover the art of legacy-minded fundraising and leave ready to nurture growth that lasts long after the campaign ends.