CATEGORY

Viken Mikaelian

Viken Mikaelian founded PlannedGiving.com in 1998 and has spent nearly three decades advising and training nonprofit professionals responsible for billions in charitable gifts. He has presented at over 500 fundraising conferences and is widely published on planned giving strategy. Viken is the publisher of GIVING Magazine and founder of Philanthropy.org.
Depiction of family making a will
Wills
Viken Mikaelian

10 Powerful Truths About Making a Will You Need to Know

Creating a will is a vital act of love and responsibility—not just for the wealthy, but for anyone wishing to protect their loved ones and legacy. This guide outlines ten essential truths, including the importance of naming guardians, avoiding court-imposed decisions, and using modern, affordable tools like LegacyPlanner™. It stresses that valid wills are legally binding, easy to update, and crucial at any age. Take action today to ensure your wishes are honored and your family is safeguarded.

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Jonathan Gudema July 28, 2025 No Comments
Overwhelmed nonprofit professional surrounded by distractions, symbolizing toxic busyness and poor time management
Self Improvement & Career
Viken Mikaelian

Stop Being Busy and Start Being Dangerous

Most people aren’t busy—they’re just unfocused, boundary-less, and addicted to looking important. This piece delivers seven brutal truths about time, attention, and why most nonprofit professionals are stuck in a loop of motion without progress. If your calendar is full but your goals are stalled, this is your wake-up call. Stop being everyone’s unpaid assistant. Start producing outcomes. Because in the end, you’re either running your day—or starring in someone else’s productivity fantasy.

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Viken Mikaelian July 25, 2025 No Comments
An image Hardball in Leadership No Excuses Just Results.
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Hardball in Leadership: No Excuses, Just Results

Whiners don’t win—leaders do. If your comfort zone is begging for 2–4% raises and hoping for a part-time job post-retirement, this isn’t for you. Hardball leaders don’t play it safe—they make bold moves, take calculated risks, and push their teams toward excellence. The nonprofit world is plagued by a softie mentality, where comfort trumps results. But real impact demands urgency, accountability, and grit. Step up, toughen up, and lead like a winner—because playing it safe won’t get you to the top.

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Viken Mikaelian July 21, 2025 No Comments
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 June 20, 2025 No Comments
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Free Online Will & Estate Planning Tool for Charitable Giving

A donor-facing estate planning tool designed to help document charitable intent.

GIVING Magazine Cover — Navy Seals

Giving Magazine

For those who drive change — not watch it. Join the top 1%.

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