Most people create a will or trust and never look at it again. But life changes—marriages, births, moves, asset shifts—can render your estate plan outdated and ineffective. Failing to update it may mean your assets go to the wrong person or your heirs face unnecessary stress and taxes. Reviewing your estate plan ensures your wishes are honored and your legacy protected. It’s not morbid—it’s responsible planning.
Understanding the key differences between conservatorship and guardianship is crucial for the future care of loved ones.
A retired farmer wanted to donate $202,000 in grain. One charity said no—“We only take cash and stocks.” Another said yes, turned it into a high-yield gift annuity, and gained a grateful donor for life. The first charity? Left with nothing. This isn’t about generosity—it’s about competence. When nonprofits cling to outdated rules, they don’t just miss gifts. They drive donors away. Inflexibility isn’t policy. It’s failure.
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?
Learn how to update your estate planning documents with a trust amendment form. Understand the process, requirements, and differences between amendments, restatements, and codicils.
Discover the differences between per stirpes and per capita distributions in wills. Learn how these terms affect the inheritance of your estate.
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.
Discover whether a will needs to be notarized to be legally binding in 2024. Learn the requirements, benefits, and exceptions for notarizing a will.
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.
Most will-making tools end the conversation. LegacyPlanner™ begins it. Unlike generic platforms, LegacyPlanner™ integrates with your planned giving website, guiding donors through their entire legacy journey—not just creating a will, but exploring all giving options. It’s designed to educate, inspire, and build lasting relationships. The result? More meaningful gifts, stronger connections, and long-term impact. If you’re ready to move beyond transactions and build true donor engagement, LegacyPlanner™ is the tool your planned giving strategy needs.
Many people misunderstand wills and estate planning, leading to costly mistakes. Common myths include assuming spouses inherit everything, believing wills are private or avoid probate, or thinking only the wealthy need one. In reality, state laws may override your wishes without proper planning. This article dispels these myths, clarifies probate laws, and explains why regular updates and legal guidance are essential to protect your family and legacy.
Too many nonprofits miss easy opportunities to remind donors about legacy giving in their annual fund communications. While major campaigns focus on "demystifying legacy giving," simple tweaks in regular outreach can be just as effective. Add a legacy message to your email footer, highlight donor stories, include a subtle legacy ask in year-end appeals, and train your team to introduce the idea naturally. Legacy giving isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s about impact. Small adjustments today can inspire transformational gifts tomorrow.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn how to create a living will to ensure your healthcare preferences are honored even if you become incapacitated. Follow these steps for peace of mind and clarity.
Matching gifts amplify donor impact, inspiring larger contributions and attracting new supporters. Smith College and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation leveraged this strategy with our expertly crafted landing pages, blending donor immersion and storyselling. These campaigns seamlessly integrate planned giving exposure into the donor journey—turning a simple match into a powerful, long-term giving strategy.
Most fundraisers waste their best material shouting at the wrong audience—posting, emailing, and calling people who will never give. Like a man ranting on his phone in public, they mistake noise for communication. Real influence happens face-to-face, where tone, body language, and trust come into play. If your message matters, don’t miniaturize it. Skip the peanut gallery. Get in the room, make it personal, and close the gift where real decisions are made.
S.R.O.I. In today’s competitive fundraising environment, nonprofits must think beyond immediate revenue and consider long-term sustainability. Planned giving is often viewed as a long-term revenue stream, but its true value extends beyond financial returns. By embracing a Strategic Return on Investment (SROI) approach, nonprofits can leverage planned giving not only for revenue but also to build authority, trust, and donor loyalty that lasts generations. The Strategic Return of Planned Giving Higher Gift Values and Lifelong Donor Engagement Planned gifts consistently outsize annual gifts by a significant margin. Research from Dr. Russell James, a leading expert in charitable giving psychology, highlights that donors who include a bequest in their will often increase their lifetime giving as well. This challenges the common misconception that planned giving cannibalizes other fundraising efforts. Instead, planned giving deepens donor commitment and reinforces their connection to the organization’s mission, leading to both immediate and future financial gains.
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Bequests are up, cash is down. Empower your donors to plan their will and invest their legacy in the cause they support the most.
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