October 1 webinar: Inherited wealth and lasting generosity

Join us on October 1, 2026, 11 am ET

Inherited wealth often fails to produce the lasting generosity donors intend. Money dwindles, conflict grows, and even “permanent” structures can drift from mission. This session explores the wealth handoff from both sides. We’ll look at estate planning that anticipates common outcomes – dissipation, family conflict, and limits of permanence – and clarifies whether giving now may better serve heirs and their impact.

Next, we’ll examine post-transfer advising that moves inheritors from obligation to purpose, reduces decision friction, promotes harmony among heirs, and helps successor philanthropists steward charitable assets as entrusted resources meant to be put to work for good.

Meet the speakers

Hear from giving specialists with years of experience working with major donors and asset gifts. Each one brings a practical perspective from real donor conversations and giving scenarios.

Russell James, J.D., Ph.D., CFP®

Professor of Charitable Financial Planning
Texas Tech University

Russell James is a chaired professor at Texas Tech University, where he directs the on-campus and online graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning (planned giving). Prior to his career as an academic researcher, Dr. James worked as an estate planning attorney in private practice, as Director of Planned Giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri, and later as the college’s president.

He was elected to the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners’ “Hall of Fame” and as an honorary fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Dr. James has published research in more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific journal and law review articles and has authored 10 books on philanthropy. He’s been quoted on charitable and financial issues in a variety of news sources, including: The Economist, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC News, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, the Associated Press, Bloomberg News, The Washington Post, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy, and his financial neuroimaging research was profiled in The Wall Street Journal’s SmartMoney Magazine.

Connie Hougland

VP, Innovation and Charity Experience, NCF

Connie Hougland serves as VP, Innovation and Charity Experience for National Christian Foundation (NCF). Connie has been part of the NCF family since 2000. She’s passionate about the cause of generosity and works to help NCF support charities in serving givers and uncovering unique giving opportunities.

She’s the author of What If God’s Got This: 6 Key Pillars for Sustainable Ministry and What If God’s Got Me: Widowed Not Invisible.

About Inside Major Gifts webinars

• Hosted by charity-focused leaders who understand major donor realities
• Built around real strategies and examples you can apply immediately
• Includes live Q&A during each session
• Free webinar with 60-minute format designed to be high value