How can everyday people help fund non-profits? As funding is shifts, many nonprofits including food banks, homeless shelters, mental health clinics, disaster relief organizations, and international aid groups are facing financial uncertainty.

In Part 1, I sat down with fundraising consultant Tessa Wardzinski, whose career has included working with the United Nations, UNAIDS, UNICEF, and Make-A-Wish. We discuss practical ways to build generosity into your financial life without feeling overwhelmed, why charitable giving is becoming more important than ever and how nonprofits really operate.

This episode will help you think differently about generosity and inspire you to build the kind of community and world that you want to live in.

Key takeaways:

• Charitable funding is changing: Many organizations like food banks, mental health clinics, and shelters have lost their major funding streams, making individual and grassroots generosity more important than ever.

• Every donation has value: Smaller organizations often rely on modest gifts, making even a $25 donation meaningful, while larger organizations benefit from recurring support and long-term donors.

• Give with purpose: The most successful fundraising efforts focus on storytelling, simplicity, and making donors feel connected. Discover how aligning your donations with your personal values can make giving more meaningful, sustainable, and fun.

Be sure to join us for Part 2, where we discuss how to make charitable giving fun at home, at work, and a part of your everyday life.

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Disclaimer:

The information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, investments, or financial instruments. Private placements and alternative investments are speculative and involve significant risks, including the potential loss of your entire investment. These investments are often illiquid, meaning they may not be easily sold or converted to cash, and investors should be prepared to hold them for an extended period of time. These opportunities are typically suitable only for accredited investors and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional before making any investment decisions. The hosts and guests of this podcast are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented.

Did you know you can choose where your Arizona state tax dollars go? Instead of paying the state, you can direct those funds to support foster kids, schools, or local charities, all through Arizona’s tax credit program. Every dollar you donate comes straight off what you owe the state.

For example, if you owe $1,400 in taxes and you donate $1,200 to a qualified charity, then you’ll only pay $200 to the state. And you can spread your giving across different categories and organizations.

It’s simple to do too. You check your eligibility, pick your charities, and make sure you keep your receipt for taxes.

Even if you don't live in Arizona, this episode may be worth a listen because many states offer charitable giving incentives. Check with your state's Department of Revenue, tax agency, CPA, or financial advisor to see what opportunities may be available where you live.

Key Takeaways:

• Dollar-for-Dollar Credit: This isn't a deduction—it's a full credit. You can earmark your tax dollars for approved organizations, reducing what you owe to the state by the exact amount you donate.

• Multiple Giving Categories: There are four main categories: public/charter schools, private schools, qualified charitable organizations, and foster care orgs. Each category has its own maximums.

• Cash Flow Timing: You do need cash on hand to make the donation, but the tax credit/refund comes back to you during tax season. With the right timing, you aren’t out the money for long.

Links and resources mentioned:

• Arizona Department of Revenue Tax Credit information and eligible organizations: https://azdor.gov/
• Arizona Tax Credit Funds directory: https://aztaxcreditfunds.com/

Ready for the next step?

• Subscribe to the podcast: pod.link/1671924778
• Please leave a comment or review
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  • Website: www.mefinancial.net

Disclaimer:

The information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, investments, or financial instruments. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional before making any investment decisions. The hosts and guests of this podcast are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented. Always consult your CPA or tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.

I sat down with Braden Hudson, CFO and cofounder of Trellis Energy, to talk about an oil and gas investment opportunity. Trellis isn’t your typical operator—they specialize in fractional ownership of wells alongside major names like Chevron and EOG, giving accredited investors direct access to proven energy projects.

With a focus on downside risk, diversified deals, and strong tax benefits, their fund offers an alternative growth platform outside traditional markets. If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio and tap into energy investments in a smarter way, this episode is a must-listen!

Key takeaways:

• Diversification Through Non-Operated Interests: Trellis Energy provides fractional ownership in oil and gas wells across top-tier U.S. operators, which spreads risk across different projects, regions, and commodities. This isn’t about chasing 10x returns—it's about steady capital appreciation with a strong downside risk focus.
• Distinct Growth Platform Model: Trellis doesn’t operate the wells themselves—instead, they invest alongside proven, reputable operators (think Chevron, EOG, Oxy) in projects too small for major institutional players, but out of reach for most individuals. This model enables earlier cash flow recycling and tailored exit timing, seeking 15–20 projects per fund lifecycle.
• Investor Alignment & Tax Efficiency: With an 8% preferred return and significant personal capital invested, Trellis aligns its interests with investors. Plus, 70–85% of capital may be deductible in year one, depending on structure—adding another layer of efficiency for portfolio strategy.

Curious how private energy investing could fit your portfolio—either for tax planning, diversification, or long-term growth? Check out the full episode or let’s connect!

#AlternativeInvestments #OilAndGas #PrivateEquity #PortfolioDiversification

Contact Brayden Hudson with Trellis Energy Partners - https://trellisep.com/

Take the quiz - How Alternative Assets Can Fit in Your Portfolio - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/672ec387dca489a684704eee

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• Subscribe to the Podcast: pod.link/1671924778
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  • YouTube: youtube.com/@theunconventionalinvestor
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• Website: www.mefinancial.net

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decisions. The hosts and guests of this podcast are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented.