Building Lasting Legacies 
for Nonprofit Organizations

Offering strategic guidance for building nonprofit endowment funds, planned giving/legacy giving programs, and long-term philanthropic sustainability, from planning and donor engagement to program implementation and long-term stewardship.

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Schedule a consultation

Overview

Strategy, Vision, & Approach

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Strong nonprofit organizations are sustained through thoughtful leadership, meaningful donor relationships, and long-term financial stewardship. Legacy giving, planned giving, and endowment development programs create opportunities for organizations and families to invest in missions that will serve communities for generations to come.

Philanthropic Endowment Advisors partners with nonprofit organizations, boards, individuals, and families to develop philanthropic strategies rooted in purpose, sustainability, and lasting impact. We help clients strengthen legacy giving initiatives, grow endowment support, navigate governance and planning conversations, and cultivate deeper engagement around charitable vision and values.

Our approach is collaborative and relationship-driven — combining strategic guidance, practical implementation, and ongoing advisory support to help organizations and philanthropic families move confidently toward their long-term goals.

Services

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Helping organizations assess long-term financial goals and develop sustainable endowment strategies aligned with their mission.

Endowment Strategy

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Legacy and Planned Giving Programs

Designing and implementing legacy and planned giving initiatives that inspire donor participation and long-term support.

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Collaborating with nonprofit leaders to establish fundraising goals, operational plans, outreach strategies, and stewardship programs.

Campaign Development

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Providing continued coaching, guidance in donor engagement and reporting systems, and staff/volunteer training to support long-term success.

Ongoing Advising
& Training

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Helping nonprofit boards and leadership teams establish effective governance practices, clarify roles and responsibilities, and build strong foundations for sustainable growth.

Nonprofit Entity Corporate 
Governance

Philanthropic Advice
for Individuals & Families

Customized strategies to help individuals and families fulfill their charitable goals, define their legacy, and maximize long-term philanthropic impact.

Including:

  • Legacy planning conversations

  • Charitable giving guidance

  • Multi-generational philanthropy

  • Aligning values with giving

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Our Philosophy

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We believe meaningful philanthropy is built through trust, stewardship, and shared purpose.

The strongest legacy/planned giving and endowment programs are created through authentic relationships, thoughtful planning, and a clear commitment to long-term impact. Successful organizations engage donors, boards, and communities in ways that create lasting connections to mission and vision.

At Philanthropic Endowment Advisors, we help organizations and philanthropic families build those connections with clarity, confidence, and care — creating strategies that support both immediate needs and generational impact.

Our Approach

Every organization, family, and philanthropic vision is unique. Our role is to provide thoughtful guidance and practical strategies that help clients strengthen their mission, engage supporters, and build long-term sustainability.

We work alongside nonprofit leaders, boards, development teams, individuals, and families through three guiding principles:

  • Strong relationships are at the core of lasting philanthropy. We help clients foster meaningful donor engagement, strengthen board and leadership alignment, and cultivate a culture of stewardship and trust.

  • We assess current efforts, identify opportunities for growth, and develop practical, actionable plans that support sustainable fundraising and philanthropic success — from legacy giving, planned giving, and endowment development to governance and long-term planning.

  • Every strategy should reflect the values and vision behind the mission. We help organizations and philanthropic families align charitable goals, community impact, and long-term legacy through thoughtful, purpose-driven planning.

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Howard Epstein- founder, dressed in a gray blazer and light blue shirt, standing in front of colorful abstract art on a beige wall.

Meet the Founder

Howard N. Epstein

Founder - Philanthropic Endowment Advisors

  • 45+ years of nonprofit leadership and community involvement

  • Former Partner, Oakdale Strategies

  • Former Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

  • Led development of a legacy giving campaign generating $30M+ in commitments

  • Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy

  • JD, Creighton University School of Law

Howard N. Epstein founded Philanthropic Endowment Advisors with the conviction that financial stability is essential for a nonprofit organization's ability to accomplish its mission and long-term growth; that a nonprofit cannot rely exclusively or very heavily on only annual funding efforts. He collaborates and strategizes with nonprofit charitable organizations to achieve long-term financial stability through legacy gifting, planned giving, and endowment development campaigns and also assists them with governance of their organizations.

Prior to founding Philanthropic Endowment Advisors, Epstein was a Partner at Oakdale Strategies, focusing on legacy and endowment strategies.  Before entering the philanthropic consulting business, Epstein served for ten years as executive director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.  During his tenure, the Foundation doubled the amount of its charitable distributions and its assets under management.  He championed the implementation and development of the Foundation's legacy giving campaign which led to gift commitments from hundreds of donors with a total value over $30 million.

Epstein earned his JD degree from Creighton University School of Law, and was in the private practice of law for 16 years before joining the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.  He was an adjunct professor of law at Creighton where he taught a course in nonprofit organizations.  Active in business and community activities for over 45 years, he has been a member of, and served as a board member and officer of, numerous organizations including current membership in Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha, Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska, and the Omaha Estate Planning Council.

A Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, Epstein maintains an in-depth knowledge of the nonprofit philanthropic community, the important role of the nonprofit organization's officers, board of directors, professional staff, volunteers, donors and supporters.  He is well-versed in the techniques and gifting tools which are available to help them succeed.

Let’s Build a Lasting Legacy

Whether you are developing a new endowment initiative, an after-life time legacy giving program, strengthening an existing philanthropic program, or exploring other philanthropic possibilities, we would welcome the opportunity to help.