Viken Mikaelian

Modern home floating on clouds, symbolizing how real estate gifts can elevate charitable impact and legacy giving
Real Estate Donations
Viken Mikaelian

Only the Top 1% of Nonprofits Accept Gifts of Real Estate

Nonprofits are leaving billions on the table—not because donors aren’t willing, but because fundraisers are too afraid to ask for real estate. Myths, fear, and ignorance have paralyzed the sector. Meanwhile, $35 trillion in property is changing hands over the next two decades. Still think bake sales will cut it? Like Willie Sutton said about robbing banks: “Because that’s where the money is.” Real estate is where the money is. The smart fundraisers already know it. Do you?

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Viken Mikaelian April 24, 2025 No Comments
Boardroom of executives desperately searching for trendy buzzwords instead of actual strategy. Innovation clearly not on the agenda.
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

100 Delusions

100 Fundraising Delusions (and the People Who Still Believe Them) isn’t a blog. It’s a mirror—and not the flattering kind. After 26 years in this business, I’ve heard it all: the excuses, the sacred cows, the budget-killing fantasy thinking. From “We need younger donors” to “We’ve got FreeWill, so we’re covered,” this list delivers 100 cold truths—each one a quiet reason your fundraising isn’t working. If you see yourself in a few, congratulations—you’re self-aware. If you don’t see yourself at all?
Well… that’s Delusion No. 100.

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Viken Mikaelian April 17, 2025 No Comments
An image of a stamp to get your will notarized.
Wills
Viken Mikaelian

Does a Will Have to be Notarized?

Discover whether a will needs to be notarized to be legally binding in 2024. Learn the requirements, benefits, and exceptions for notarizing a will.

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Viken Mikaelian April 15, 2025 No Comments
Cartoon illustration of a planned giving expert speaking at a podium with an open book, delivering a seminar on charitable estate planning and legacy gifts.
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Hosting a Planned Giving Seminar?

Thinking of hosting a Planned Giving Seminar? Great—if your goal is to perfect the sound of silence. Most people would rather organize their sock drawer than attend something that sounds like a tax lecture. Want them to actually show up? Call it “Estate Planning for Grown-Ups Who Don’t Want Chaos.” Talk about protecting their family, not charitable trusts. Trust us—once they’ve planned for their dog, their alma mater might just sneak into the will.

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Viken Mikaelian April 9, 2025 No Comments
Multiple hands pointing to a person under magnifying glass, symbolizing personalization in planned giving
Stewardship and Relationships
Viken Mikaelian

Personalization Is Key to Planned Giving

Personalization in planned giving isn’t just thoughtful—it’s essential. Donors want to feel seen, heard, and valued. They’re not giving to a logo; they’re giving to a person they trust. From using real photos to remembering birthdays, every personal touch deepens the connection. This blog explores how small, intentional actions—like phone warmth, handwritten notes, and tailored messaging—can transform your outreach. Personalization builds trust, and trust builds legacy. It’s time to retire the grey flannel suit and put people first.

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Viken Mikaelian March 31, 2025 No Comments
About Us sign on rustic wooden background
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Your Bio Is Boring. Let’s Fix That.

Forget stiff, lifeless bios. Donors don’t leave legacies to titles—they give to real people. Warm, engaging staff bios build trust and spark connections before the first call. Keep it brief, add personality, and use a professional tone that reflects your mission. Include photos, credentials, and a fun detail or two. Your bio isn’t just an intro—it’s an invitation. Make it human. Make it memorable. Solid tips included.

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Viken Mikaelian March 29, 2025 No Comments
Stewardship and Relationships
Viken Mikaelian

Mr. Cameron Has Something to Tell You

Looking for fundraising inspiration? Meet William John Cameron—barefoot pioneer, entrepreneur, and big game hunter who offers timeless wisdom for nonprofits. “Money never starts an idea; it is the idea that starts the money,” he reminds us. Stop waiting for perfect conditions or budgets before taking action. And remember, “Thanksgiving is a word of action”—gratitude isn’t just seasonal, it’s strategic. Cameron’s life teaches us that great fundraising requires only two things: a compelling idea and the courage to act.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

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Viken Mikaelian March 27, 2025 No Comments
Hand holding a magnifying glass over miniature wooden houses, symbolizing estate planning, property evaluation, and identifying assets for bequest marketing.
Bequests
Viken Mikaelian

Bequest Marketing: The Ultimate Guide to Your Most Essential Planned Giving Strategy

Bequest marketing is the cornerstone of effective planned giving strategies for nonprofits seeking sustainable funding. Unlike complex charitable vehicles, bequests are accessible to donors of all income levels, requiring no immediate financial commitment while yielding gifts 200-300 times larger than lifetime donations. By implementing strategic bequest marketing through multiple channels, nonprofits can build lasting donor relationships and secure their financial future with minimal resources. Start with bequest marketing before exploring more complex planned giving options—it’s the simplest, most effective approach to legacy fundraising.

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Viken Mikaelian March 17, 2025 No Comments
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