Asset Giving University for Michigan charity leaders

Asset Giving University (AGU) is an elite training program designed for experienced development officers working with major gift donors. At AGU, attendees are equipped with knowledge, skills, and confidence to unlock transformational gifts through non-cash asset donation. Learn more at www.assetgiving.university.

National Christian Foundation Michigan is offering a scholarship to an upcoming AGU session for a Michigan-based nonprofit leader. Full details and the digital application are below. Applications are due Friday, April 10 and a recipient will be notified the following week. For questions or help applying, contact Director of Giver Services Arlene DeYoung at adeyoung@ncfgiving.com or 616.957.4372.

Scholarship details

NCF Michigan is pleased to offer a full scholarship for the upcoming AGU Fundamentals course in Indianapolis, IN June 23-25, 2026. The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient’s application fee for the cohort (a $2,000 value), cover its full cost. Travel and lodging remain the responsibility of the attendee. To participate in this cohort, attendees must be present in-person in Indiana.

AGU Fundamentals – Indianapolis June 2026 Cohort
Hosted onsite at Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way, Fishers, IN 46038
8 AM on Tuesday, June 23 to 12 PM on Thursday, June 25

Eligibility requirements
To be eligible, the applicant must:

• Be currently employed (part-time or full-time) at a church or 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
• Be actively involved in a donor-service role at that nonprofit, for example as President, CEO, major gift officer, advancement team member, gift processor, or similar role.
• The applicant, the organization, or both must be primarily located within the state of Michigan.

About the course

Asset Giving Fundamentals is a 2.5-day course on strategic giving opportunities you can bring to donors. AGU Fundamentals is a Certified Fund Raising Executive continuing education program, qualifying participants for 14 CFRE continuing education points. Attendees will gain:

• Technical expertise: Master the intricacies of gifting various asset types, including real estate, business interests, and complex securities.
• Strategic insight: Learn to identify prime opportunities for asset gifts within your donor base.
• Conversation skills: Develop the confidence to initiate and guide discussions about non-cash giving with high-capacity donors.
• Holistic understanding: Grasp the interplay between asset giving, estate planning, and long-term donor relationships.

One charity leader shared, “I’m honestly sad that I haven’t learned about asset giving earlier in my role as a fundraiser. I’m so grateful for the equipping and care AGU is providing to ministry leaders. I’m reminded of the pastoral role I have in the lives of our stakeholders. The relationships I’m forming in the cohort have been great and I’m learning as others ask questions.” The AGU Fundamentals course is designed around three key areas:

• Pastoral conversation skills
  • Equip yourself to navigate the evolving landscape of Christian giving with biblical principles and their practical implications.
  • Develop the ability to lead meaningful discussions about giving, business, and family dynamics. 
  • Learn to guide inheritance conversations that captivate donors through the art of storytelling. 
  • Finally, learn to more effectively build “ecosystems of generosity” among donors.
• Asset giving technical knowledge
  • Understand the nuances of donating retirement assets, real estate, and privately held business interests.
  • Familiarize yourself with donor-advised funds and supporting organizations and learn to collaborate more effectively with private foundations.
  • Become conversant in the tax implications of different asset types and corporate structures.
  • Learn how to read and present technical gift illustrations to donors and how to work with a donor’s financial and legal professionals.
• Charitable estate design fundamentals
  • Grasp the essentials of trusts and testamentary giving strategies.
  • Explore the intricacies of charitable gift annuities, remainder trusts, and lead trusts.
  • While you are having planned giving conversations, learn how to lead donors into discussions about giving assets during life.
  • Develop the skills to engage donors in these crucial estate conversations, ensuring their legacy aligns with their deepest values and aspirations.

Scholarship application

Applications are due no later than Friday, April 10. The recipient will be notified the following week. The $2,000 scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient’s application fee for the cohort. Travel and lodging remain the responsibility of the attendee. For questions or help applying, contact Director of Giver Services Arlene DeYoung at adeyoung@ncfgiving.com or 616.957.4372.