In an era where social and economic landscapes evolve at an unprecedented pace, fundraisers are navigating increasingly complex conversations with donors. This session explores the potential effects of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and its proposed tax changes on philanthropic decision‑making. We’ll examine how shifts in giving incentives, income structures, and financial planning considerations may shape donor behavior, as well as how development professionals can confidently guide supporters through uncertainty. Join our panel of experts for a clear, practical discussion focused on what fundraisers need to know—and how to engage donors thoughtfully amid rapid change.
Speakers:
Thomas E. Bayer, CPA, CEXP
Principal, Sikich
Thomas E. Bayer, CPA, CExP, is the Advanced Tax Planning Leader. He has more than 30 years of experience providing a broad range of tax and business advisory services to commercial clients across various industries and Sikich markets.
Tom has specialized expertise in the areas of business succession planning and advanced tax planning. He puts his tax planning and business consulting knowledge to work firm-wide, serving clients in an advisory capacity across all markets. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Exit Planner (CExP), and is Certified in Strategic Performance Management (CSPM).
Jennifer Turner
Vice President of Philanthropy, CICF
Jennifer Turner, vice president of philanthropy at CICF, helps support more than 1,300 families, companies, and not-for-profits to design philanthropic plans that are both meaningful and impactful. With expertise in fundraising, capital campaigns, planned giving, and more, Jennifer helps organizations of all kinds maximize their missions and ensure their long-term sustainability. Prior to working at CICF, Jennifer was the director of development for the Indiana Repertory Theatre where she led their development program for 7 years including completing an $18.5 million major gifts campaign raising $20 million. Jennifer has a passion for creating partnerships and connections within the community to create meaningful impact.
Scott Eckart, MBA, CEPA, CFBS
Financial Planner, Westpoint Financial Group
Scott Eckart takes a unique approach to his work as a financial planner. As a well-known industry expert, Scott has been working tirelessly since 1994 to help provide his clients with comprehensive and effective solutions to their financial planning needs.
Scott take the time to listen to his clients through a discovery process that seeks to first understand their short and long term goals. By assembling strategies and techniques to put soutions into action, Scott continues to engage his clients every step of the way through implementation and management of this approach.
Whether it is a closely held business owner, farming operation or a family looking to protect their loved ones, Scott focuses on the distinct value found in ensuring each individual's unique needs are being addressed. His passion for excellence has earned him long-standing relationships as a trusted advisor to many.
With his solid reputation as a top-performing, reliable resource, Scott is often sought-out to advise others throughout the industry. He has spoken extensively throughout the U.S.and Canada on behalf of major financial services institutions and has provided in-depth training to other industry professionals. Scott's commitment to his work includes giving back to this community by partnering with non-profit organizations in the areas of strategic planning, planned giving and estate strategy programs.
Moderator: Steve Gerber
Executive Director of Development, Grace College and Grace Seminary
Steve is returning to Grace College and Grace Seminary, assuming his previous role as Executive Director of Development. A graduate of Grace Theological Seminary, Steve received his Master of Divinity degree in 1997. Most recently, he was the Chief Development Officer for the CICOA Foundation in Indianapolis. CICOA is a large human service organization that serves seniors, their caregivers, and persons of any age with a disability in eight counties in central Indiana. Steve was also a part of the Grace College Advancement team from 2016-2022. Before coming to Grace in 2016, Steve pastored churches in Roann, Wabash, Trafalgar, and Bloomington. Steve served as the Executive Director of a small not-for-profit that provides transportation services in Martinsville, Indiana. Steve was employed in development work with the Shepherd Foundation in Union Grove, Wisconsin, from 2004 to 2010. He has a rich background in executive leadership, social services, management, and not-for-profit leadership. During his time with Shepherds, Steve earned his M.B.A. in July of 2008 from the University of Phoenix. Steve earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2018 and also earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation from the American College of Financial Services in 2023. Steve and his wife Vicki have two sons who are both graduates of Grace College, and one son who also completed his Master of Divinity degree from Grace Theological Seminary. They enjoy their four grandchildren and vacationing anywhere close to the water!