Modern Planned Giving: How Digital Tools Are Transforming Nonprofit Fundraising
Planned giving doesn’t have to be complicated, but for many nonprofits, it still feels that way. For years, legacy gifts have depended on personal outreach, mailers, and in-person events to keep donors engaged. That approach worked for a while, but times are changing.
How Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) Can Boost Your Nonprofit’s Year-End Giving
For many nonprofits, gifts from long-time supporters over age 70½ represent a vital source of stability and growth. Yet, one of the most powerful giving tools available to this group remains underutilized: the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
Executor of Estate Explained: What to Do If You Don’t Have Anyone to Name
In one of my first planned giving discussions early in my fundraising career, I faced something I had never considered before. Over lunch, a longtime donor hesitantly told me he had no one to serve as executor of his estate. He had confided in me about the strained relationship with his children and extended family, leaving him with a difficult decision. It was hard for him to talk about, and my job at the moment was, first and foremost, to listen.
What Nonprofits Should Know About Planned Giving in 2026
Discover how your nonprofit can refine its planned giving strategies to respond to new trends, incorporate best practices, and exceed donor expectations.
Wills vs. Beneficiary Designations:
When it comes to helping supporters plan future gifts, one of the most common sources of confusion is deciding which assets should be included in a will and which should be distributed via beneficiary designations. I wrote about this a couple of years ago, but recent conversations with individuals have prompted me to revisit this important topic, especially how these vehicles can impact planned gifts for nonprofits.
From Gifts to Growth: How Technology Is Rewriting the Fundraising Playbook
Managing a nonprofit in 2025 has never been more challenging—or more full of opportunity. As donor engagement expectations shift toward digital convenience and personalization, nonprofits that embrace modern technology are better positioned to control costs, strengthen relationships, and grow current and future gifts. By leveraging the right tools, organizations can maximize communication, engagement, and fundraising outcomes.
Prioritizing Donor Retention in Your Fundraising Strategy
Retaining donors is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Learn practical strategies nonprofits can use to improve donor retention and grow sustainably.
$46 Billion Reasons to Integrate Planned Giving at Your Nonprofit
If you need a single, compelling reason to prioritize planned giving this year, here it is: around 46 billion dollars flows to charities every year through bequests. In fact, the latest Giving USA numbers show that bequests in 2024 totaled about $45.84 billion—roughly 8% of all U.S. charitable giving for the year. That’s not a rounding error; it’s a transformative funding stream your mission can’t afford to ignore.
How Two Estates Became One Planned Gift
One of the most interesting parts of planned giving is that you never know what is going to happen! Planned gifts will surprise you. In an earlier blog, I talked about the planned gift that I DIDN’T accept. That was not even close to the most interesting gift that I ever received.
And this one isn’t either. But it was something I never expected.
Identify the Best Donor Personas for Planned Giving
Identifying the best donor personas for planned giving is all about understanding who is most likely to make long-term, legacy-based contributions—and why. These donors aren’t just generous; they’re deeply aligned with your mission and often thinking about the impact they’ll leave behind. Here’s how to pinpoint them:
