“You don’t have to be a large organization to have success in planned giving, often the smaller organizations see the biggest impact from legacy gifts” – Jordan Cassidy CAP
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.
Planned gifts, such as bequests, charitable trusts, and beneficiary designations, provide nonprofits with a steady stream of future funding. Unlike annual giving, which can fluctuate due to economic conditions, planned gifts create a more predictable and sustainable financial foundation.
Offering planned giving options allows donors to create a lasting legacy aligned with their values. When supporters know they can continue making an impact beyond their lifetime, they feel a deeper connection to the organization, increasing donor retention and overall engagement.
Donors may not have the capacity to make large cash donations right now or during their lifetime, but they can leave a significant gift through their estate. By promoting planned giving, nonprofits tap into larger, transformative gifts that wouldn’t be possible through traditional fundraising methods.
Relying solely on annual fundraising, grants, and events can be risky. Planned giving programs add another layer of financial security, helping nonprofits withstand economic downturns and continue fulfilling their mission without disruption.
Get Started With Planned Giving by Joining LifeLegacy’s Planned Giving Co-Op
Jordan@lifelegacy.io
Retaining donors is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Learn practical strategies nonprofits can use to improve donor retention and grow sustainably.
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.
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.
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