For nonprofits, the challenge of sustaining operations and funding mission-critical initiatives is ever-present. Many organizations focus heavily on annual giving campaigns or a handful of fundraising events, leaving a critical opportunity untapped: a dedicated planned giving strategy. Integrating estate planning into your fundraising plan can unlock a steady stream of future contributions, ensuring long-term financial stability and deepening donor relationships.
Planned gifts, which include bequests, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and other legacy gifts, often represent the largest donations an individual will ever make. Yet, many nonprofits fail to promote the benefits of planned giving effectively, and do not have a donor “learning module” regarding what planned giving is and the tools and resources that are available.
The value of planned giving goes beyond the dollar amount. When donors include your organization in their estate plans, they signal a deep, enduring investment in your mission. This connection fosters loyalty, inspiring additional gifts during their lifetime. Estate planning also opens doors to conversations with donors about their values and long-term impact, strengthening trust and alignment.
Offering an online will to your donors simplifies the process of planned giving. Nearly 70% of Americans do not have an up-to-date will and associated documents. Platforms like LifeLegacy make it easy for nonprofits to enable donors to create a legally valid will in minutes while providing seamless options to include your organization as a beneficiary of the will. This eliminates traditional barriers to entry, such as cost and complexity, and empowers donors to take immediate action.
An online will platform also allows nonprofits to:
By integrating these tools, nonprofits can create a low-effort, high-reward strategy that transforms passive supporters into legacy donors.
Even the most robust estate planning platform requires an effective marketing and communication strategy to maximize impact. This is where LifeLegacy’s “Planned Giving Co-Op” comes into play. Designed to support nonprofits at every stage of their planned giving campaigns, the Co-Op includes sample emails, social media posts, educational content, and templates to inspire action.
Key elements of a successful marketing strategy include:
Integrating estate planning into your fundraising strategy isn’t just an add-on; it’s a transformational approach to securing your organization’s future. By partnering with an experienced platform like LifeLegacy, nonprofits gain access to cutting-edge tools that make it easy for donors to support their mission for years to come. Coupled with a strong marketing strategy, this approach can create a lasting legacy of impact—for both your organization and your supporters.
For nonprofits struggling with developing a planned giving strategy, now is the time to act. Estate planning isn’t just about securing future gifts; it’s about building enduring relationships and ensuring your mission thrives for generations. Contact LifeLegacy today for a no obligation conversation.
Head of Partnerships
Craig@lifelegacy.io
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a powerful tool that allows IRA owners to donate directly to qualified charities, bypassing the usual tax implications of IRA distributions.
Encouraging donors to give from their IRA is a creative way for a donor to give with impact and save on taxes. The impact is the same whether a donor gives from their bank account or their IRA. A QCD gift is a win-win!
AI is becoming increasingly popular in the nonprofit sector. Learn how your organization can get started and use AI to improve its fundraising strategy.
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