Apex Legacy Consultants

02/27/2026

Millennials often approach generosity as an extension of who they are and what they care about in the world, aka its incredibly personal.

Giving is often connected to identity, community, and their lived experiences instead of tradition. This generation tends to support organizations that feel aligned with their values and that communicate clearly about why their work matters and how people can be part of it.

They are often drawn to:
➡️ Social and environmental causes
➡️ Organizations with a clear mission and visible values
➡️ Opportunities to engage beyond a financial gift

Much of what they are after in giving is connection and a deep desire for relationship and relevance. Millennials respond well to clear storytelling, digital accessibility, and invitations to participate in ways that feel natural, flexible, and allows them to feel connected.

02/24/2026

We have received several messages from partners, both locally and nationally, asking how they can support Minneapolis right now.

As an organization based here and as a team that works closely with nonprofits serving our communities, we see how events affect organizations, families, and neighborhoods in real time. Many of you have reached out simply wanting to know how to help.

You may consider donating to local nonprofits that provide direct services, supporting community foundations that deploy rapid-response funds, volunteering with organizations serving affected families, supporting small businesses in impacted areas, or reaching out directly to nonprofit leaders to ask how you can best help!

And here are some (certainly not all) organizations that Apex has connections with if you’re looking for specific organizations to engage with:

Community foundations that are collecting donations and directing funds to nonprofits in the community with immediate needs:
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation


St. Croix Valley Foundation

Organizations focused specifically on food security:

(Food Kit and Drive)

Operation (Food Drive)

Organizations focused specifically on housing insecurity:


Catholic Charities Twin Cities (Emergency Shelter)

Organizations that are directly supporting immigrants and refugees in the Twin Cities (donations, meeting translations, grocery and rent support, etc.):
Arrive Ministries




Organizations focused on legal support:



Here's a PDF of this list:https://www.apexlegacyconsultants.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MN-Nonprofits-to-Support-Winter-2026.pdf

02/20/2026

Gen X donors don’t always get the spotlight in giving conversations, yet they still play a critical role in helping sustain organizations today.

Often described as independent and pragmatic, this generation approaches generosity with a long view.They are balancing careers, raising kids or supporting aging parents, and thinking seriously about long-term financial stability. They are intentional about where their dollars go and thoughtful about how giving fits alongside competing priorities at this stage of life.

Because of that, their approach to giving is often practical and values-driven. Gen X donors want to know that their generosity is making sense within the bigger picture of their lives, not adding complexity.

They are often drawn to:
➡️ Organizations connected to their community
➡️ Causes that align closely with their personal values
➡️ Efforts where they can see tangible outcomes over time

Because of their stage of life they tend to be incredibly thoughtful and keen on asking good questions. They appreciate transparency, flexibility, and options that allow them to support organizations now while keeping future needs in mind.

02/13/2026

When we talk about , one thing becomes clear pretty quickly: age and life stage shape how people think about generosity.

That’s especially true when it comes to Baby Boomers.

This generation is navigating big transitions. Retirement, changing family dynamics, and long-term financial planning often bring giving decisions into focus. For many Baby Boomers, generosity is less about spontaneity and more about taking care of their loved ones and supporting organizations that impacted them.

They often direct their giving toward:
➡️ Health and human services
➡️ Educational institutions
➡️ Faith-based organizations and causes tied to personal experience

Baby Boomers want to understand how their support is being used, what role it plays over time, and how today’s giving connects to future plans. Really, what they want is CLARITY. So thoughtful communication and well-timed conversations make all the difference with this group!

02/10/2026

Nonprofit leaders, here is a question we hear more often than you might expect from donors:

“My estate is not taxable, so I do not need to think about tax planning. Right?”

The answer is usually more complex because estate taxes are only one part of the picture. Even when an estate is not subject to federal estate tax, there may still be state estate taxes, inheritance taxes, or income taxes tied to how assets transfer to heirs and charities.

Why knowing how to answer this question matters for nonprofits:
• Many donors hold wealth in retirement accounts, real estate, or business interests that are taxed differently at death
• State-level tax rules can significantly change a donor’s options
• Understanding which assets are taxed and which are not often influences how and when donors choose to give
• Tax awareness is a major driver behind legacy giving conversations, even for donors who do not see themselves as “taxable”

So, if you're nonprofit leader, be sure that you're educated on how you can help donors! Looking for more? Check out this blog that helps break things down and can be a helpful resource to share or reference in conversations.

https://www.apexlegacyconsultants.com/2023/08/11/when-is-an-estate-taxable-and-why-does-it-matter-for-nonprofits/

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

02/05/2026

If you have followed us for a while, you probably know we spend a lot of time talking about and why they matter. Understanding how/why donors give, and why, helps organizations support their donors in ways that actually make sense.

So we thought it was time to bring back one of our favorite topics: generational giving.

Today, the Silent Generation.

This generation continues to show steady, consistent generosity. They give at high rates and tend to support more organizations on average than any other group.

They are most likely to support:
➡️ Their chosen place of worship
➡️ Local social services
➡️ Veterans and emergency relief efforts

What stands out most is their loyalty. Trust, consistency, and long-term relationships matter deeply here. Legacy conversations often feel like a natural extension of the care and commitment they have already shown for years. So don't forget about that!

01/30/2026

Did you know that an up-to-date, easy-to-navigate, and clear website can encourage donations to your organization?

Whether you realize it or not, your website is a vital part of your organization’s fundraising strategy.

Here are 10 website updates that encourage donations!

Want to learn more? Check out our blog post!

https://www.apexlegacyconsultants.com/2023/11/03/10-website-updates-that-encourage-donations/

Did you know that an up-to-date, easy-to-navigate, and clear website can encourage donations to your organization? Whether you realize it or not, your website is a vital part of your organization’s fundraising strategy.

01/23/2026

Christy Coulter, MA, CFRM, FCEP wrapped up teaching another a class on The Principles and Techniques of Fundraising The Fund Raising School!

She co-taught alongside Louie Correa and Jennifer A. Oyer, CFRE, guiding students through core fundraising strategies and practical approaches they can put to work right away. Huge thanks to Louie and Jennifer for their partnership and expertise.

Well done, Christy, and congratulations to this outstanding group of learners!

01/12/2026

We stay up on best practices, trends, and legislation so YOU don't have to. We're about lifelong learning around here, and we each have extensive reference libraries, follow industry leaders, and read countless newsletters and blogs to bring our best to the table.

If you want to be in on what we're finding, join our newsletter!

https://www.apexlegacyconsultants.com/newsletter/

01/08/2026

Our team loves to talk strategy. And you know what goes well with strategy?

Great food.

If you're in need of a great meeting spot or great Italian food in St.Paul, add to your list!

01/05/2026

As organizations release year-end reports and reflect on the year behind them, we are paying close attention to the patterns that keep showing up.

(And yes, keep an eye out for ours soon.)

Patterns give helpful clues about what donors are responding to and where organizations may need to adjust how they show up. So, if you're an organization leader make sure you're keeping up with these trends! They should be helping influence how your organization plans, communicates, and engages with donors.

Here are a few of the trends that we're seeing!

12/24/2025

Our team is signing off for the year to spend time with our families and loved ones, and we hope you are too!

We're incredibly thankful every conversation, partnership, and connection this year. We couldn't do it without you.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from all of us at Apex (and Lucy)!