How to Start or Revitalize Your Nonprofit’s Legacy Society
A Legacy Society is a powerful way to recognize and steward donors who include your nonprofit in their estate plans. Whether you’re launching a new society or breathing life into an existing one, follow these steps to build a thriving program that secures your mission’s future.
How To Start A Planned Giving Program
Starting a planned giving program may seem like a big undertaking, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much more achievable. Here are ten steps to get started:
Why Fractional Fundraisers Make Sense
Nonprofits are constantly balancing the need for expert fundraising support with the realities of limited budgets.
Hiring a full-time development director or fundraising team can be expensive, and not every organization has the resources to do so. This is where fractional fundraisers come in—a flexible, cost-effective solution that makes strategic sense for many nonprofits.
How to Leverage Your Giving Societies for Planned Giving Conversations
Whether you call them giving circles, giving societies, or giving groups, these groups of consistent donors are committed to your organization. They show their commitment through giving, volunteering, and being ambassadors in your community.
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.
