How to Start a Planned Giving Conversation With Donors (Without Pressure)
Planned giving isn’t only about money, it’s about meaning. When you frame the conversation around values, legacy, and impact, donors feel invited rather than pressured.
For many nonprofits, planned giving can be a lifeline for financial stability and growth. Yet, many organizations lack the resources to establish and maintain a vibrant planned giving program. With limited budgets, hiring a full-time planned giving officer often feels out of reach. However, bringing on a dedicated fractional planned giving resource offers an innovative solution to this challenge.
The Role of Planned Giving in Nonprofit Success
Planned giving provides a powerful way for nonprofits to build long-term financial security. Bequests, trusts, beneficiary designations and other legacy gifts ensure a steady income stream that can sustain programs, expand services, and help organizations weather economic downturns. Despite its importance, planned giving is often underutilized in smaller nonprofits due to lack of expertise or dedicated staff.
This gap is particularly problematic since studies show that donors who include nonprofits in their estate plans give significantly more over their lifetimes. By not actively promoting planned giving and committing to a robust, ongoing program, organizations miss opportunities to deepen donor relationships and secure transformative gifts over time.
The Fractional Planned Giving Officer: A Smart Solution
Fractional planned giving officers (PGO) can be a cost-effective way to overcome resource limitations. These professionals work part-time or on a project basis, providing nonprofits with access to high-level expertise without the financial burden of a full-time hire. Here are some key benefits of engaging a fractional PGO:
Why LifeLegacy Is the Right Partner
LifeLegacy, a market leader in providing planned giving tools (and services) for nonprofits, understands the unique challenges nonprofits face in implementing planned giving programs. That’s why we’ve assembled a network of highly skilled fractional PGOs who can help your organization unlock the potential of legacy giving. Our experts not only have the certifications and experience to deliver results but also have access and expertise with LifeLegacy’s Giving Suite to streamline and facilitate planned giving for your organization.
By choosing LifeLegacy, your nonprofit gains access to:
Don’t let budget constraints hold your nonprofit back from securing its future. Consider LifeLegacy’s fractional planned giving officer solution as the catalyst for building a planned giving program that sustains and grows your mission for generations to come. Fractional PGO plans start at as little as $1,200/mo.
Reach out today to explore how LifeLegacy can help your organization thrive.
Head of Partnerships
Craig@lifelegacy.io
Planned giving isn’t only about money, it’s about meaning. When you frame the conversation around values, legacy, and impact, donors feel invited rather than pressured.
A planned giving conversation isn’t something you rush into. It’s a moment of trust, timing, and emotional readiness, and when you recognize the signals, the conversation becomes far more natural and meaningful for both you and the donor. Below is an exploration of the cues that tell you a donor may be ready to talk about legacy gifts, along with some practical guidance to help you approach the moment with confidence and care.

LifeLegacy and Ministry Brands announced a new strategic partnership that will expand access to modern planned giving for churches, ministries, schools, and faith-based nonprofits nationwide.
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