Legacy Giving vs Planned Giving
When it comes to charitable giving, the terms “legacy giving” and “planned giving” are often used interchangeably. And here’s the spoiler: they mean the same thing! Both refer to gifts donors arrange during their lifetime that are typically realized after they pass away. Whether through a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation on a retirement account, etc. these gifts allow supporters to leave a lasting impact on the causes they care about—often in ways they never could during their lifetime.
Planned Gifts – Now and Later!
In the 1960s, there was a candy called “Now & Later.” It was a fruit-flavored hard chewy candy whose tagline was “Enjoy some now and save some for later.” For nonprofit fundraising leaders, there’s a lesson to be learned from this unique confection. Creating a well-executed planned giving program is one of the most impactful ways to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. While many donors care deeply about your mission, they may not be aware of the various ways they can leave a lasting legacy now and after they pass! By integrating the right tools and communication strategies, you can help supporters make meaningful planned gifts now and later!
Great Nonprofit Leaders Invest in Tomorrow Not Just Today
Great nonprofit leaders understand that true impact isn’t just about meeting today’s needs—it’s about securing the future. While annual campaigns and major gifts are essential for keeping the lights on, organizations that thrive for generations don’t just focus on immediate fundraising. They invest in tomorrow by implementing, reviving, and doubling down on their planned giving programs. Legacy gifts create a foundation of long-term financial stability, ensuring that missions continue well beyond the present moment.
Insurers Can Help Close the Estate Planning Gap
64% of all Americans think having a will is important, but only 32% actually have up-to-date documents in place. This gap represents tens of millions of people with good intentions who have not acted to protect their families from the potential confusion, heartache, and turmoil that inevitably occurs when wills, beneficiary designations, and a rudimentary listing of financial and other accounts are not in place. Can American companies and organizations take steps to help close the gap?
A Day that Changed Planned Giving at My Organization
We send out direct mail a few times a year. Our donor base responded well to direct mail. They enjoyed writing checks! On every direct mail form, there was a checkbox for them to let us know that we were in their estate plans.
Creating a Model to Target Planned Giving Donors
Work smarter, not harder, and develop a model to guide you through the process of finding the likely planned giving donors (or prospects). Using that model you expend resources and time more effectively to find those donors who can make an impact on your organization through a planned gift.
Unlocking the Future: Why Planned Giving is a Must for Nonprofits
Planned giving is more than a financial strategy—it’s a cornerstone of long-term sustainability for nonprofits. Over $84 trillion is expected to transfer between generations by 2045, with $12 trillion earmarked for charitable causes. Yet, only 5.3% of U.S. households currently include a charitable gift in their estate plan, leaving an enormous opportunity for nonprofits to secure transformational gifts that can support their mission for decades.
What Nonprofits Can Learn From The Kansas City Chiefs Success
The Kansas City Chiefs are going for their third straight Super Bowl title this weekend. Many bemoan their success! While they may not like the Chiefs, there is one undeniable thing about them: their success.
Five Reasons Why Planned Giving Is Essential For Every NonProfit
Planned Giving is a fundraising method that offers a higher return on investment than other types of fundraising. This is typically because planned gifts (such as bequests or beneficiary designations) are often large, but cost relatively little to secure. You can start as simple as a page about planned giving on your website and start promoting this impactful way to give.
Understanding QCD’s in 2025
For retirees with a healthy nest egg in tax-deferred accounts, hitting age 73 comes with a new milestone: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). While it’s a sign of financial success, those RMDs can come with a not-so-fun side effect—higher taxes! The bigger your account balance, the larger your RMD, which could nudge you into a higher tax bracket.
