Are We a Good Fit?

First Name

Last Name

Organization

Section 1

Your Experience in the Nonprofit Sector

Whether you’re just getting started or bring decades of fundraising wisdom, your experience shapes how your organization approaches planned giving. We’d love to understand your path—and how it informs the work you do today.

How long have you worked in the nonprofit sector?

0 to 5 years

5 to 10 years

10 to 15 years

15+ years

How long have you been with your current organization?

Less than 6 months

6 – 12 months

1 – 3 years

3 – 10 years

10+ years

How did you find your way into fundraising? (Pick the one that makes you laugh—or cry!)

I was born for this.

I fell into it by accident.

I wanted to make a difference.

A boss, mentor, or friend dragged me in.

I followed the money—ironically, to help others get it.

It was this or door-to-door sales. Seriously.

Free lunch at donor events? Yes, please.

Still trying to figure that out.

Or, just tell us your story:

Section 2

Your Interest in Planned Giving

Let’s get down to business—and see where you are on your planned giving journey.

What prompted you to reach out? (Select all that apply.)

We're ready to launch a planned giving program

We're expanding our current planned giving efforts

Leadership suggested we explore planned giving

We’re looking for a better partner than our current vendor

We’ve outgrown our current solution and need deeper expertise

We’re here because someone recommended you

What’s your timeline for starting or expanding your planned giving program?

We’re ready to move forward immediately

Within the next 30 days

Within the next 90 days

In 6 months or more

No set timeline—we’re exploring and gathering insights

If you realize it's time to pursue planned gifts but you do not have plans yet, what's holding you back?

This is new to me. That's why I'm ready to start a conversation with you.

I am waiting for board approval.

I am waiting for budget approval.

Other

If "Other," tell us why.

Are you planning a campaign, budgeting for next year, currently under contract with another vendor, or something else?

Section 3

Budget and Comittment

Only about 1% of nonprofits actively pursue planned gifts. The fact that you're here says a lot.

What’s your budget for building or growing your planned giving program?

$100,000+

$25,000 – $100,000

$10,000 – $25,000

$5,000 – $10,000

$995 – $5,000

No budget allocated yet (still exploring options)

How much time can you realistically dedicate to planned giving each week?

2 hours or less per week (common)

2 – 8 hours per week

Full-time

Whatever it takes—I’m committed to making this work

Section 4

Challenges and Priorities

You might be surprised by how often your challenges mirror those of your peers.

What are the biggest roadblocks to growing your planned giving initiatives at your organization? (Select all that apply)

Leadership needs convincing

Our board needs education (We have tools for that)

We don't have the time

I’m still learning the basics of planned giving

No major roadblocks—we just need a clear, proven strategy

How would you rate your understanding of planned giving vehicles?

No experience

Basic familiarity

Solid working knowledge

Which statement best reflects your current mindset?

Understanding how planned giving vehicles work should be my top priority

Building strong donor relationships matters more than technical knowledge

Both are equally important—this isn’t either/or

Section 5

Life Income Gifts and Your Program

Nationally, fewer than 1% of nonprofits offer life income gifts. This section helps us understand your current scope.

Do you currently facilitate life income gifts? (e.g., charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts)

Yes

How many gifts under management? (leave blank if you don't know)

How much ($) under management? (leave blank if you don't know)

Do you accept gifts of real estate?

Yes

No – We don’t have the in-house expertise

No – We consider it too risky

No – But we’re open to exploring it

Do you have formal gift-acceptance policies in place?

Yes – They’re current and clearly defined

Yes – But they need review

Section 6

Endowment and Consulting

An endowment provides long-term stability, donor confidence, and a foundation for future growth.

Do you currently have an endowment?

Yes

[If helpful, we offer a free endowment calculator you can embed on your website—just let us know if you'd like access.]

If Yes, what’s your endowment? (leave blank if you don't know)

Who manages your endowment? (leave blank if you do not know)

Are you working with an independent fundraising consultant?

Yes

Not currently, but we plan to in the near future

If yes, would you be willing to share their name? We love connecting with and networking with consultants in the space.

Section 7

Marketing and Outreach

We offer more than just planned giving websites and direct mail—this section helps us understand your broader outreach efforts.

Have you attended The Planned Giving Boot Camp or The Major Gifts Boot Camp?

Yes

Never heard of it

Do you actively market planned gifts?

Yes – It’s a major part of our fundraising strategy

Somewhat – It’s in the mix, but not a priority

Not at all – But we still receive occasional unsolicited gifts and are looking to grow

Not at all – We’re not focused on planned giving at this time

Do you collaborate with professional advisors (estate attorneys, CPAs, financial planners) to encourage planned gifts?

Yes – It’s a major part of our fundraising strategy

Somewhat – Occasionally, when it makes sense

No – Not currently

Have you ever surveyed your donor base or constituency?

Yes

No sure

Section 8

Planned Giving Marketing and Current Efforts

If you're working with another vendor, we’ll ensure a smooth and seamless transition—no disruption to your donors or staff.

Who currently creates your planned giving marketing materials? (website, brochures, print, etc.)

We develop them in-house

We don’t have any marketing materials (or they're outdated)

We use outside vendors as needed

We have an active contract with a vendor

When does your contract end?

Which vendor are you currently working with? This helps us avoid overlap and better understand your current setup.

Pentera

Stelter

Crescendo

Sharpe Group

PG Calc

Freewill

None

Other

If other, who?

How effective do you feel your current planned giving outreach is?

Very effective – We’re seeing strong engagement and results

Moderately effective – It’s getting some attention, but there’s room to grow

Not effective – It’s outdated, inconsistent, or non-existent

Not sure – We haven’t tracked results closely

Section 9

Storytelling and Legacy Society

Donor stories don’t just inspire—they influence. We often refer to storytelling as storyselling because the right narrative can lead to second-time gifts and deepen legacy commitments.

Do you have access to compelling donor stories that could inspire future gifts? (Studies show that donor stories not only motivate others to give—but often lead to second-time gifts.)

Yes

Yes, but I need help interviewing donors and/or writing the stories

Do you currently have a legacy society in place?

Yes

How many members? (enter a number only)

Have you ever publicly recognized a legacy donor (e.g., in a newsletter, event, or annual report)?

Yes

Not yet—but we’d love to have the opportunity

Section 10

Last Questions

We’re looking forward to learning more—and exploring how we can support your success.

Have you considered using an online will-maker service like LegacyPlanner™, GivingDocs, LegalZoom, or FreeWill?

Yes

Possibly—open to considering it

No – We’re not in favor of that approach

I’m not familiar with these services

Is there anything else we should know about your program, your challenges, or what you’re hoping to achieve?

Would you like to be considered for a future feature in GIVING magazine? (We occasionally highlight clients, nonprofits doing interesting work, or donor stories. No writing skills needed—we’ll help you shape the story. You can even share personal experiences, best practices, lessons learned—anything that might help others in the field.)

Yes, I'd love that

Maybe later

No, thanks

Confidential Questionnaire