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Modern Planned Giving: How Digital Tools Are Transforming Nonprofit Fundraising

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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.

By 2026, digital transformation won’t just be for donor CRMs or event management — it’ll be the heartbeat of planned giving, too. And the organizations that embrace it now will be the ones capturing more legacy gifts later.

That’s where solutions like LifeLegacy come in. Our customizable, comprehensive, and affordable Giving Suite makes charitable giving easy for donors and even easier for nonprofits to receive gifts. From a branded online will to automated marketing and communication tools to integrations with your donor CRM, everything is designed to help your supporters take action and leave a legacy that lasts.

In short: less lift, more gifts.

 

The Digital Future of Planned Giving

The way donors connect with the causes they love is changing…fast. Online giving isn’t just for crowdfunding or annual campaigns anymore; it’s becoming the norm across the entire nonprofit sector. In fact, digital giving now accounts for anywhere from 4% of total gifts for large nonprofits to 14% for smaller ones, and those numbers keep climbing.

And here’s what might surprise you: it’s not just younger donors driving the shift. Older supporters — the same group most likely to leave a legacy gift — are more digital than ever. According to Pew Research, 75% of adults over 65 use the internet daily. They manage their finances, connect with family, and even handle healthcare online. So why not their planned giving, too?

The truth is, too many nonprofits still rely on outdated, offline approaches to legacy giving. But your next generation of planned giving donors is already online, and your longtime supporters are right there with them. They’re ready to make a will, name a charitable beneficiary, or plan their legacy digitally.

That’s where LifeLegacy’s Giving Suite comes in. It’s the forward-thinking, digital bridge between your nonprofit and your donors, making planned giving simple, seamless, and accessible for everyone.

 

The LifeLegacy Advantage: Planned Giving for the Digital Age

Imagine being able to offer every donor — no matter their age or income — a simple, secure, and modern way to leave a legacy. That’s exactly what LifeLegacy’s Giving Suite was built for. It’s a fully customizable planned giving platform that helps nonprofits inspire generosity today while cultivating future gifts for years to come.

Here’s what’s inside:
A complimentary online will, power of attorney, and advance directive — all branded to your nonprofit, so your mission stays front and center.
A Gift Intention Tool — where donors can easily share their legacy commitments, giving your team real-time insight into future impact.
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) tool — so donors aged 70½+ can make tax-free gifts directly from their IRAs.
Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) integration — allowing supporters to give now, not later, with a few clicks.

By bringing all these digital legacy giving tools together in one place, LifeLegacy helps nonprofits create a seamless donor experience that promotes both current and future giving.

Whether someone wants to make a QCD today or include your organization in their will tomorrow, LifeLegacy makes it effortless — empowering nonprofits to track, steward, and celebrate every gift along the way.

 

The Power of Asking

Even the best planned giving tools won’t make an impact without one key ingredient: communication. 

Here’s the simple truth…if you don’t ask, you won’t get.

Nonprofits that talk openly, confidently, and consistently about planned giving achieve far better results than those that stay quiet. Donors may love your mission and even intend to include you in their estate plans, but without a clear reminder — or an easy way to take action — those intentions can fade into the background.

That’s why LifeLegacy’s Giving Suite goes beyond technology. We don’t just give you the tools — we give you the words. From ready-to-use planned giving marketing templates and social media posts to customizable emails and website copy, we make it simple to educate and inspire your supporters about legacy giving.

Because when your nonprofit shares the right message at the right time, awareness turns into action, and good intentions turn into lasting impact.

 

Removing Barriers & Friction

The donors who helped build your nonprofit’s success are still your strongest foundation. They’re loyal, community-driven, and more tech-savvy than ever: checking finances online, managing healthcare digitally, and giving through virtual campaigns.

By meeting these supporters where they already are — online — your nonprofit makes it easy for them to act on their philanthropic goals. A digital planned giving strategy isn’t just about convenience; it’s about removing barriers.

No appointments. No stacks of paperwork. No attorneys to chase down. Just a simple, guided experience that empowers donors to create a legacy when the inspiration strikes.

And for nonprofits, going digital means scalability. You can reach more supporters, track engagement, and measure impact…all without adding staff or increasing overhead.

With the right digital legacy giving tools, generosity becomes effortless for donors and sustainable for your organization.

 

A Call to Action for 2026

The nonprofits that will thrive in 2026 aren’t just the ones raising funds. They’re the ones building real relationships through technology. The future of philanthropy is digital, and planned giving is no exception.

Digital planned giving is one of the most exciting and underutilized opportunities for long-term growth and sustainability. It allows mission-driven organizations to deepen donor engagement, unlock new streams of support, and strengthen their impact for years to come.

By partnering with LifeLegacy, your nonprofit can offer donors a simple, secure, and modern way to create their legacy while ensuring your financial foundation remains strong for generations to come.

The future of planned giving is here. Make sure your nonprofit is ready to lead it.

Picture of Author: Craig Simms

Author: Craig Simms

Head of Partnerships
Craig@lifelegacy.io

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