Comments for Planned Giving Breakthroughs

Comment on Planned Giving in 20 Years by claire axelrad

claire axelrad — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:15:40 +0000

You make a great point. I find that many nonprofits never get around to this because the concept of a “planned giving program” is daunting. When I steer folks towards simply promoting bequests and starting a legacy society, it’s easier to take the first step.

Comment on Secret Planned Gifts by claire axelrad

claire axelrad — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:09:16 +0000

This is so obvious, and yet so…. “secret”. Planned gifts, as with ALL gifts, are something we must cultivate. We can’t just sit around wishin’ and hopin’. The number one reason people don’t give has always been because THEY AREN’T ASKED.

I am continually counseling folks that they must inform their constituents that they are a great option for consideration of a legacy gift. Even small nonprofits, without the resources to invest in significant marketing, should at the very least be promoting bequests. Otherwise, you’re right. Folks will give to the charities that let them know a legacy gift would be meaningful.

Thanks Lorri!

Comment on Secret Planned Gifts by samwel marienga

samwel marienga — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:39:29 +0000

Want to be a member.l am a director of a non-profit institution for the disadvantaged children.
MARGARET SANER(CHARCHA ESAMBA)

Comment on Planned Gifts Are Major Gifts by Tina Becker

Tina Becker — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:08:43 +0000

Hi Lorri,
I think your post clearly depicts so many of the attitudes and concerns of those who are asked to wear multiple hats today. I agree that it may seem daunting to feel as of one must become an expert at yet another realm of fundraising.
I think you truly hit the nail on the head when you mentioned utilizing tools to aid in establishing a knowledge base; a place to start, if you will.
Planned giving is a method to raise more and larger gifts. It is a method where a donor can commit and leave his financial situation unchanged or provide a substantial gift payable after this “lifetime.”
The biggest recommendation for those who are embarking on this journey to go for it full steam ahead! It increases salaries, provides future income for the organization and really is a unique and fulfilling win-win.
Partnering with an expert organization such as VirtualGiving/Plannedgivingmarketing.com (and there are other providers from which one can derive necessary guidance) provides a donor centric philosophy that illustrates how one can prosper while giving-as we know donors want to do. Varying content on our planned giving websites coupled with various marketing solutions-prospect identification, world class mail pieces to drive traffic to the site and provide another “touch” to the donor, guidance and customized plans-to arm the fundraising professional with all they need to have a complete planned giving program that will grow with the professional and open doors for gifts that may not otherwise be realized.
It can be daunting-agreed-but with a partnership with a trusted firm to take on much of this task, everyone wins:the donor wins, non-profit wins and the planned giving marketing firm has the privilege of giving the fundraiser a much needed commodity-TIME! And let’s not forget money!
I am pleased to answer any questions about planned giving marketing.
Please reach out and learn how to increase your salary, earn more and help satisfy the needs of your donor.
Great topic Lorri! Hope this helps!

Comment on Planned Gift Prospects Come in Many Shapes & Sizes by Michael J. Rosen, CFRE

Michael J. Rosen, CFRE — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:51:05 +0000

Lorri, you’re quite correct that, when it comes to planned giving, loyalty matters. And, when it comes to loyalty, it’s not just about giving money. While consistent donors are loyal supporters and, therefore, good planned giving prospects, volunteers and others are also loyal folks. Really, what it comes down to is engagement. The more someone is engaged and the longer they are engaged, the more likely they will be to make a planned gift to a particular nonprofit.

While loyalty or engagement is a key determinant of whether someone will support a particular nonprofit with a planned gift, the number one determinant of whether someone will make a planned gift to any nonprofit is whether or not they have children. Those without children are far more likely to make a planned gift.

So, if you have loyal supporters who do not have children, those should be your top priority prospects. But, remember that everyone is really a planned giving prospect though not necessarily a top priority one.

Comment on Planned Giving Campaigns Without a Budget by Michael J. Rosen, CFRE

Michael J. Rosen, CFRE — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:31:58 +0000

Lori, I agree with what you’ve said. However, I would like to add something that I point out in my book “Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing” (http://bit.ly/eRgSum): Not all planned gifts are deferred gifts. So, in the quest for current dollars, nonprofit organizations can serve themselves well by continuing to seek planned gifts. For example, gifts of appreciated securities or a gift that establishes a Charitable Gift Annuity are just two types of planned gifts that can result in immediate cash for the nonprofit.

Comment on Planned Giving Trust by Henry Koornneef

Henry Koornneef — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:40:05 +0000

Great comments about trust, Lori. I fully agree!

Comment on Planned Gifts & Free Planning Guide by James Chitwood

James Chitwood — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:33:07 +0000

Have tried unsuccessfully to download you guide and sure would like the opportunity to read it and other great materials you so generously share.

Jim

Comment on Put Planned Giving on Your Board’s Next Meeting Agenda by Amy Eisenstein

Amy Eisenstein — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:48:37 +0000

Lorri – Great post and great suggestion. Many nonprofits don’t understand the value of planned gifts, because they are so focused on right now. Think forward. Once your organization has 100% giving on the board, the next step is to get 100% planned giving!

Comment on Great E-Newsletter on Planned Gift Prospects From Tom Ahern – Who’s Also Great by Jim

Jim — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:47:06 +0000

Great advice Lorri! I always look forward to your posts on planned giving!