Fall 2024 GPC Newsletter

#99plus1

By Ed Knight, Sr. Gift Planning Specialist, Philanthropies

President Russell M. Nelson’s 100th birthday was September 9, 2024. Prior to his birthday, President Nelson extended an invitation through social media. In his message, he said,

“I am soon approaching my 100th birthday. One of the places where the Savior used the number 100 in the scriptures was the parable of the lost sheep. Though 99 of his flock were safely by his side, the shepherd went in search of the 1 who was lost… Over the coming months I invite you to consider prayerfully: who do you know who may be discouraged? Who might you need to reconcile with or ask for forgiveness? Has one name been on your mind lately, though you haven’t quite known why? As you bring these questions to the Lord, He will inspire you to know how you can reach out and lift one who needs help.”

In the midst of the emails, phone calls, meetings, and other tasks we have to do each day, we can remember that we might be interacting with one of His “lost sheep.” They could benefit from a kind word, an uplifting scripture, or personal encouragement. I recently experienced the spiritual prompting to send an encouraging email to someone whose name was on my mind—although I didn’t know why—but God knew that this person was one of the lost sheep that day. Let us search for “the one” and find ways to minister to someone in need. As President Nelson said, the Lord will help us find those opportunities if we so desire. Thank you for all you do to bless others with your financial and legal expertise and with your spiritual gifts. You do great work, and we are grateful to be associated with you.

Taft Dorman Spotlight

Finance Faculty member - BYU-Idaho

Visiting Lecturer - Texas A&M University

-Please share about your professional and personal background

Taft Dorman is a finance faculty at Brigham Young University-Idaho and an adjunct professor at the Texas A&M University School of Law. He got introduced to, and gained a passion for, the financial services industry in 2004 when he worked for a tax office in East Lansing, MI. Since then, he expanded his professional background in the investment management arena and obtained his PhD in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University in 2016. In joining the faculty at Brigham Young University-Idaho, he has built the CFP Board registered program from 3 to 140 students and growing. At Brigham Young University-Idaho he teaches Introduction to Financial Planning, Risk Management, Estate Planning, and the Financial Planning Capstone course. At Texas A&M University he teaches Introduction to Financial Planning, Investments, and the Financial Planning Capstone course.

-Why are you involved with the Gift Planning Council

Taft has always appreciated the good that philanthropy does to bless the lives of others. Although he’s been a tithe payer all his life, his passion for philanthropy was born when he completed the graduate certificate in charitable planning at Texas Tech University. Those courses became his favorite courses. At Brigham Young University-Idaho, he dedicates a good amount of his Estate Planning course to helping students expand their understanding in charitable planning. He is involved with the Gift Planning Council because it’s a fantastic network of deep thinkers in philanthropy and provides networking opportunities for students. Additionally, he looks forward to the annual visit by Philanthropies to the Brigham Young University-Idaho financial planning program.

-Can you share some of your favorite experiences that you’ve had while attending the Gift Planning Council conference?

Taft’s favorite experience while attending the Gift Planning Council conference in 2023 was simply being around like-minded individuals in philanthropy and watching them embrace, mentor, and network with the Brigham Young University-Idaho students. All the presenters provided great insight and lifted everyone around them. Everyone was kind and welcoming.

-Do you have a favorite experience related to philanthropy or giving?

Taft has multiple favorite experiences related to philanthropy or giving. One is building and leading the financial planning program at Brigham Young University-Idaho and teaching the Estate Planning course. His favorite topic to discuss with students is how to pay tithes with appreciated assets. Teaching and helping students brings greater life satisfaction than any financial investment could. Recently, he helped form a new non-profit focused on providing scholarships to reduce barriers of entry into the financial services profession.

On-Demand Webinars/Past Events

As a service to our Gift Planning Council friends, we have made video presentations on timely topics available on our website. These were given by our talented colleagues. This also includes presentations given during past GPS events. We hope they add value to you and your clients.

A list of available videos is on this page. 

BYU-Pathway Worldwide

Through donations to the BYU-Pathway Worldwide Fund, thousands of students around the world are blessed with the opportunity to obtain an education in a spiritually based environment and gain better employment. In 2023, BYU-Pathway Worldwide served more than 61,000 students in over 180 countries.

The BYU-Pathway Worldwide Fund blesses students who have recently completed their missions but need financial assistance to begin or continue their education. By donating to this fund, you are fostering the growth of the Church and its members throughout the world. Your donation will help educate disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities.

To learn more about BYU-Pathway Worldwide and how donors can further this great work, click here.

Informational Videos

We have created numerous informational videos that can be used easily to introduce and even educate individuals about segments of gift planning. They are easily available in the Gift Planning section of the Philanthropies website. One example is the following: 

Donor Advised Funds

This video gives you a one-minute guide to how Donor Advised Funds work.

PS: Don’t forget to add giftplanning@ChurchofJesusChrist.org  to your safe-senders list.

PPS: If you have friends or colleagues who you think would benefit from receiving this newsletter or other Gift Planning Council correspondence, please contact David Bonner at david.bonner@ChurchofJesusChrist.org or at 801-356-5247.