When Gifts Get Complicated: Specialty Asset Management for Nonprofits

Nonprofits increasingly receive gifts beyond cash and marketable securities—such as mineral interests, real estate, water rights, royalties, and other specialty assets—that can create unexpected legal, fiduciary, and administrative challenges. This session explores the complexities that arise when well‑intentioned gifts require specialized oversight, valuation, compliance, and long‑term management.

Drawing on more than 25 years of fiduciary experience, our speaker will walk attendees through real‑world scenarios involving specialty assets held by nonprofits and fiduciaries. Participants will gain insight into common risks, governance considerations, and best practices for accepting, managing, and, when appropriate, divesting these assets to align with organizational mission and donor intent. This session is designed for nonprofit leaders, board members, and financial professionals seeking practical guidance on navigating complicated gifts with confidence and care.

About Our Speaker

Thomas Kelley, JD, CTFA & CPL has 26 years of fiduciary experience managing specialty assets located in the Rockies and Northern Plains as well as the Central US and the Gulf Coast.

Currently oversees the management of specialty assets held primarily by fiduciaries such as Banks, Trust Companies, Foundations and other Financial Institutions.

Earned the Certified Professional Landman (CPL) designation through the American Association of Professional Landmen in 2014.

Earned the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation through the American Bankers Association in 2012.

Earned a JD Degree from the University of Wyoming in 2001 and a BS Degree from Texas A&M in 1997.