What we do
The mission of Leveraged Philanthropy is simple: to empower nonprofits to realize their long-term vision by unlocking the transformative potential of planned gifts. By creating targeted planned giving programs and streamlining bequest administration, organizations can grow their pipeline of legacy gifts, generating sustainable funding for the future.
Planned Giving Program Guidance
- We partner with nonprofits to develop, implement, and manage customized planned giving programs. We provide strategic guidance on portfolio management, prospect development, marketing plans, and the integration of planned giving into overall fundraising efforts.
Bequest Administration
- As a cornerstone of our services, we offer end-to-end bequest administration. From the moment a nonprofit is notified of a bequest, Leveraged Philanthropy guides the organization through every step of the process—reviewing wills and trust documents, liaising with estate representatives, facilitating asset transfers, and ensuring compliance with all legal and fiduciary obligations. Our meticulous approach safeguards the integrity of each bequest, ensuring that donor intentions are honored and that nonprofits receive the maximum benefit from every legacy gift.
Workshops and Seminars
- Through workshops, seminars, and individual consultations, we help donors and nonprofit staff understand the benefits and mechanics of planned giving. We demystify tools such as charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, gifts of stock and real estate, endowments and more, ensuring that both donors and organizations can make informed decisions.
About the founder:
Debbie McCullough, Esq., is a seasoned fundraising and non-profit leader with more than three decades of experience advancing missions through planned giving, strategic development and organizational management.
Prior to starting Leveraged Philanthropy, she served as Vice President of Planned Giving for Heifer Foundation for nine years, where she helped donors match their philanthropic goals with a legacy giving vehicle that was right for them. In addition to meeting directly with donors to discuss their planned giving options, Debbie also managed the foundation’s bequest administration program. In this role, she worked extensively with trustees and executors to ensure each donor’s gift was received in a timely manner. Planned Giving Revenue increased from $3 million a year to $26 million a year during her tenure.
Prior to her work with Heifer Foundation, Debbie worked with leading conservation and animal welfare organizations in planned giving leadership positions building and expanding their legacy and bequest administration programs. In addition to extensive planned giving experience, her grant writing, cause marketing and capital campaign skills expanded programs for organizations that help people with disabilities and at-risk children and families. Serving as an Executive Director for a child abuse counseling center, she focused on developing earned income revenue which enabled the organization to triple their income.
A licensed attorney in three states (Nevada, California and Pennsylvania), Debbie brings unique legal experience and knowledge to her fundraising practice, specializing in trusts, estates and nonprofit law. She received her J.D. doctorate of law from the University of Baltimore Law School, and her Master’s degree in Legal Administration from the University of Denver Law School.
With extensive expertise in cultivating and administrating planned gifts, developing high-impact fundraising strategies and leading teams, Debbie has dedicated her career to building stronger, more sustainable non-profits.