How Philanthropy Creates Lasting Impact in Senior Living With J.D. Shuman

You Can't Take It With You

J.D. Shuman is the President and CEO of Asbury Foundation, a charitable organization that supports benevolent care, innovation, and life-enriching programs for residents of Asbury Communities’ senior living campuses. He brings over 20 years of experience in senior living philanthropy, including leadership roles at Asbury and Homewood Foundation. Since rejoining Asbury in 2019, he has led major initiatives like the $60 million “Everyday Exceptional” campaign. J.D. is also a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and is pursuing an MBA at Mount St. Mary’s University.

In this episode…

In a world full of headlines about scarcity, conflict, and division, it’s easy to forget how powerful a single act of giving can be, especially when it inspires others to do the same. So can one donor’s gift ripple out to change an entire community?

According to J.D. Shuman, a seasoned leader in senior services and philanthropy, generosity becomes transformational when it's aligned with a donor’s passion and a broader community vision. He highlights how even donating something as unexpected as a rock climbing wall at a senior living community can significantly enhance brain health and resident engagement. The result is more than just new facilities; it’s a culture of giving that empowers seniors, uplifts staff, and plants seeds of inspiration for future donors. Through brain health centers, scholarship programs, and a $60 million campaign, J.D. illustrates how generosity sustains meaningful, long-term impact.

In this episode of You Can’t Take it With You, host Jim Dunlop sits down with J.D. Shuman, President and CEO of Asbury Foundation, to discuss how philanthropy is reshaping the future of senior living. They explore the ripple effect of donor-led innovation, building culture through giving, and creating legacy through endowments. J.D. also shares how everyday generosity can unlock potential in both people and communities.