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.
Originally published September 9, 2010. Updated for 2025. There’s something graceful—and powerful—about smart messaging. It cuts through noise, builds trust, and moves people to act. And in an attention-starved, AI-saturated world, your website’s copy is either doing that… or driving people away. Whether you’re promoting a church, charity, university, or planned giving program, strong messaging isn’t just important—it’s everything. Especially when it comes to your most valuable screen real estate: your forms, calls-to-action, and sign-up prompts. Some organizations still don’t get it. Fortunately, others do—and the New York Public Library gave us a classic, clear-cut example. Back in 2010, Jeff Brooks over at FutureFundraisingNow.com compared two versions of NYPL’s e-newsletter sign-up page: one clunky, one clean. The contrast was so sharp it became a textbook case of messaging done right. And guess what? It’s still relevant today. Because even now, far too many nonprofits keep making the same mistakes. Let’s
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.
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.
Do you cut back on food when times are tough? If that were the case, everyone would be slim and trim right about now. Marketing is the meat and potatoes (sorry, bad pun) of any fundraising operation, and cutting back, especially in a tight economy, is a recipe (sorry again) for problems down the road.
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.
The No-Risk Real Estate Exchange approach helps retirement communities fill vacancies faster by eliminating the biggest barrier: seniors waiting to sell their homes. Through a structured sale, seniors get immediate cash to cover move-in costs, while the remaining home value becomes a tax-deductible charitable gift. The process is fast, seamless, and zero-risk—funds are secured before move-in and directed into the community’s endowment. Seniors gain peace of mind and flexibility, while communities avoid delays and secure long-term financial stability.
More and more nonprofits are allocating funds to planned giving marketing, recognizing its power to secure long-term donor support. This quick guide outlines practical numbers for budgeting across small, medium, and larger organizations. Learn how to determine your overall marketing spend and allocate the right percentage to planned giving, ensuring your campaign is well-positioned for sustained legacy donations. With clear examples and proven success stories, this guide empowers nonprofits to strategically invest in their future financial stability for lasting impact.
Most planned giving seminars fail to attract an audience because donors don’t prioritize giving in their daily lives. Instead of focusing solely on charitable gifts, nonprofits should offer educational estate planning presentations that provide real value. Our turnkey estate and legacy planning seminar engages donors by addressing their financial well-being while seamlessly introducing planned giving. No dull lectures, no snoozefests—just engaging, high-value content that keeps donors interested and fosters long-term relationships.
Asset protection is about securing your wealth and future against unforeseen risks. Without the right strategies, liabilities can erode what you’ve built. Here’s a quick summary of guidance from Joshua Keleske, helping you navigate legal structuring, insurance, and strategic ownership to safeguard your assets. With the right planning, you can protect what matters most and ensure long-term financial security.
For too long, nonprofits have relied on reactive fundraising—chasing grants and emergency appeals. Today's foundations demand more, prioritizing organizations with sustainable strategies over those operating crisis-to-crisis. The $68 trillion wealth transfer presents unprecedented opportunities, but only for nonprofits with modern planned giving programs. As Trump-era policy shifts demonstrated, diversified funding models provide essential resilience. Organizations clinging to outdated methods—like complex calculators and printed newsletters—are losing to those focused on donor relationships and digital engagement. The future belongs to nonprofits that plan strategically, not those that plead desperately.
Learn how to preserve your digital legacy with a step-by-step guide on creating a digital estate plan for your online assets.
Explore the advantages and risks of crafting your own will through DIY methods and understand if it’s the right choice for your estate planning needs.
Discover the essential estate planning documents you need to ensure your loved ones are protected. Learn about wills, trusts, and more in this comprehensive guide.
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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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