Why 380 Years of Data Prove Your Nonprofit Should Prioritize Planned Giving This Year
If your nonprofit is looking for its next reliable growth engine, here is a surprising truth from nearly four centuries of data. Planned giving has been one of the most consistent, predictable, and mission-transforming revenue streams in philanthropic history. And thanks to the work of Dr. Russell James, whose 380-year analysis of American charitable bequest behavior remains the most comprehensive in the field, we can finally see the patterns clearly.
Spoiler. They all point to one thing. Planned giving is not emerging. It is enduring.
So let’s explore what four centuries of donor history can teach us.
Why Nonprofits Need a Dedicated Planned Giving Platform Built for Their Mission
The fundraising landscape is shifting fast, and one thing is clear. Planned giving is no longer a back-of-house function. It is becoming one of the most reliable and strategic revenue engines for nonprofits of every size.
As donors adopt digital tools across every part of their lives, organizations are turning to online platforms to modernize planned giving. But here is the honest truth that nonprofit leaders already know. Not all planned giving platforms are built with nonprofits in mind.
Required Minimum Distributions Explained: 10 Surprising Facts Every IRA Owner Should Know
If you are 70½ or older, you may already know your IRA comes with something called a Required Minimum Distribution. What you might not know is how flexible and impactful those funds can be for your financial planning and your charitable giving.
This guide breaks down ten things most people never learn about RMDs, so you can feel confident making decisions that support your goals and the causes you care about.
Do Wills Need to Be Notarized? State-by-State Rules Explained (2025 Update)
If you’re setting up your “Last Will & Testament”, you may wonder: Do I have to have it notarized to make it valid? The short answer: in most states, no. But there are smart steps you can take to make sure it stays “bullet-proof” for your loved ones down the line.
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.
