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Michael

Pohlmann

michael@discerningpath.com

michael-pohlmann-headshot.jpg

Discerning Path

Founder and Principal Advisor

As the Principal at Discerning Path, Michael Pohlmann develops philanthropic strategies for both donors and nonprofits. He possesses over 15 years of experience in fundraising, during which he has successfully raised more than $275 million in bequests, Legacy Challenges, and current gifts for civil rights, healthcare, education, and environmental causes at leading nonprofit institutions. Prior to his nonprofit career, he held senior management and business development roles at IBM, E*TRADE, and several Silicon Valley startups. Michael also dedicates time to the Philanthropic Planning Group of Greater New York, where he has served as Vice President, co-led their major conference, advocated for diversity efforts, and managed finances as Treasurer. He is joining the NACGP 2025 Board of Directors. Michael holds a BA in Organizational Communications and a Certificate in Financial Planning from New York University. He recently obtained the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®). Although they are long-time New Yorkers, he and his wife now live in Bellevue, WA, and enjoy hiking and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Bellevue

WA

CGP Board

Marketing/Cultivation, Integrated Planning

Making a Legacy Challenge Work for Your Organization

Legacy Challenges, when implemented with intention and strategy, can be a powerful way to inspire legacy giving, deepen donor engagement, and unlock transformational future support. But what does it really take to make one work? In this session, Michael Pohlmann, an accomplished philanthropic advisor and architect of some of the most successful legacy campaigns in the country, will share the blueprint behind record-breaking efforts like the ACLU Legacy Challenge, EDF’s $27 million Legacy Match, and Planned Parenthood’s $350 million Bequest Challenge. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience and over $275 million in confirmed planned gifts, Michael will walk through how to: • Design a Legacy Challenge that fits your organization’s capacity and donor base • Leverage internal collaboration and donor-centric messaging • Integrate legacy efforts with annual and capital campaigns • Avoid common pitfalls and maximize participation and matching opportunities This session is ideal for gift planning professionals, development leaders, and nonprofit executives who are ready to take a bold step toward securing their organization’s long-term future.