From Prospect to Planned Gift: A Strategic Approach to Planned Giving Success

Panelists: Ryan McFarlin, Laura Reiner, Emily Sulzle

Please join us August 26th for lunch and a professional development program at Hillcrest Country Club in Lincoln where we'll hear from a panel of experts. Lunch will begin at 11:30 with the program running from 12-1PM.  

About The Program

Unlock the full potential of your planned giving program by mastering the journey from prospect identification to gift closure. In this dynamic session, Ryan McFarlin, Laura Reiner, and Emily Sulzle from the University of Nebraska Foundation will share actionable strategies for identifying planned giving prospects and moving them forward to documenting planned gifts. Learn how to leverage data, donor behavior, and relationship-building techniques to create a robust pipeline of legacy donors.

We’ll walk through the full lifecycle of a planned gift and explore how to prioritize prospects, tailor your messaging, and maintain meaningful follow-up. Ryan McFarlin, Assistant Director of Gift Planning doing high-volume planned giving fundraising, will share real-world insights and successful follow-up practices that turn interest into impact.

Whether you're building a program from the ground up or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to grow your planned giving results.

About Our Panelists

Ryan McFarlin, Assistant Director of Gift Planning

Ryan McFarlin is an Assistant Director of Gift Planning with the University of Nebraska Foundation. In his current role, Ryan focuses on high-volume outreach to prospective planned giving donors and providing strategic support for other high-volume fundraisers. Ryan is a graduate of both Northwestern University (BA) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (MA). Prior to joining the University of Nebraska Foundation, Ryan held roles with the Dormie Network Foundation, Huskers Athletic Fund, and Reformed University Fellowship. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time outdoors with his wife and their two dogs. 

Laura Reiner, Prospect Information Manager

Laura has over a decade of experience in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and data-driven development operations. As Prospect Information Manager at the University of Nebraska Foundation, she collaborates with Planned Giving, Foundation Relations, and Corporate Relations teams to optimize donor portfolios, provide strategic insights, and drive fundraising success.

Before joining the Foundation, Laura spent several years at JDRF, where she advanced from Development Assistant to Development Manager. There, she led major fundraising events, volunteer programs, and outreach initiatives—significantly increasing both community impact and revenue in support of Type 1 Diabetes research. 

Emily Sulzle, Director of Gift Planning

Emily Sulzle has over a decade of experience in fundraising and nonprofit work. She holds a degree in Nonprofit Administration and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Nebraska Omaha, is a CFRE, and is pursuing her CAP® designation. Emily has held roles at the University of Nebraska Foundation, Nebraska Community Foundation, and Concordia University, focusing on major and planned giving. She currently manages a planned giving portfolio, supports major gift teams in their planned giving strategies, and leads the gift planning marketing efforts at UNF. Emily also serves on the boards of CGPN and AFP-Nebraska, is a mom/bonus mom to six kids, and teaches yoga.

REGISTER ONLINE - or contact Chapter Administrator Joe Pittman at [email protected] or 402-397-0280.

NOTE:  Full participation in this program is applicable for 1.0 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.