PROGRAM
Have you ever thought about the discussions donors have before they decide to make a gift to your organization?
This session looks behind the gift at the conversations donors have with their trusted advisors — financial planners, attorneys, and accountants — as they make decisions about managing their assets, planning for their future, and supporting their families.
Our expert panel of trusted advisors, moderated by programming co-chair Colleen Rogers Messenger, will share insights from their work with clients to help fundraisers better understand the donor experience through the advisor’s lens.
Topics we will discuss:
- How and when the topic of giving arises in conversations between donors and their advisors
- A high-level overview of how donors may structure their giving – including tools like family foundations, donor-advised funds, and estate plans
- Why clarity around your organization’s mission and messaging matters when advisors are providing input to a client
- The importance of building relationships across generations with donor families
Come prepared to engage with our panelists, who bring decades of experience and first-hand insights into helping clients navigate life, legacy, and how philanthropy fits into their broader plans.
YOUR PANEL:
Matt Busick, CFP®, CRPC®, Senior Wealth Advisor
Mercer Advisors
Matt has spent 30 years helping individuals grow, protect, and transfer wealth. He founded River Glen Wealth Counselors in 2008, specializing in financial planning for corporate executives, and merged with Mercer Advisors in 2023. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Matt draws on life lessons from athletics, parenthood, and living with tetraplegia. He holds degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Iowa. Motivated by childhood financial insecurity, Matt is committed to empowering families through financial independence. He serves on the boards of The Rotary Club of Des Moines and its foundation. Matt lives in Des Moines with his wife and two children.
Ashley Charnetski, Attorney at Law
Whitfield & Eddy Law
Ashley is a trusted estate planning attorney with over a decade of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners build and preserve their legacies. Her practice focuses on wills, trusts, estate administration, and succession planning—including Iowa’s agriculture and small business communities. Known for her clarity, thoroughness, and practical guidance, Ashley builds lasting relationships and helps clients navigate life changes and evolving laws. A native of a Colorado farm, she understands the complexities of succession planning. Ashley earned her J.D. with honors from Drake University Law School and holds a B.A. from American University.
Abby Croll, CPA, Partner
Eide Bailly LLP
Abby is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience in public accounting, including eight years at a Big 4 firm. She specializes in tax compliance and consulting for flow-through entities, high-net-worth individuals, and family groups, with a focus on estate and trust planning. Known for her hands-on approach, Abby builds strong client relationships to align tax strategies with broader financial goals. A proud Iowa State alum, she serves on multiple university and professional committees. Abby has been honored as the Iowa Society of CPA’s Rising Star and Iowa State’s Young Alumni Volunteer. She is active in her church and children’s schools.
location/PARKING:
Ample free parking is available on the east side of the building.
REMINDERS:
As an AFP member, you may bring one guest annually FREE OF CHARGE to an AFP monthly education meeting. If you would like to use your free guest pass, please email Kim at afpcentraliowa@gmail.com.
MEAL OPTIONS:
We will enjoy catering from In the Bag for this month's luncheon. Please complete this google form to make your choice between: Basic Brown Bag Turkey sandwich, Basic Brown Bag Roast Beef sandwich, Basic Brown Bag Vegetarian sandwich, Santa Fe Chicken Salad, or Crunch with a Punch Chicken Wrap. Anyone who does not submit a lunch choice by 2/4/26 will receive the Basic Brown Bag Turkey sandwich.
RSVP DEADLINE:
Please register and submit your lunch choice by noon on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
CFRE CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:
This program is eligible for CFRE credits. To search CFRE credits for past AFP programs please visit: My Education Finder.