You know that feeling of spinning your wheels? That feeling you get when you are burning through time and exhausting yourself yet having little to show for it in the end? Preparation is critical, but what gives you bragging rights at the end of the day is the action you take
For the really big gifts, ask for the residue. The $100,000 was appreciated. But the 8.2 million went elsewhere.
Do you wish to be better than average in your career and in your life? If you do, then you need to behave in a better than average fashion. It's an obvious statement, but an endless number of people belie this sound reasoning.
Two informal surveys we conducted indicate that those who even dabble in planned giving do significantly better in their careers than those who do not.
Trying to save money by using eMarketing? Think again. According to the 2015 Response Rate Report by Direct Marketing Association (who also does eMarketing), direct mail outperforms all digital channels in a big way. The response rate for direct mail was 600% higher than that all of the digital channels combined. This number is too big […]
Investing time in people is the most valuable use of a leader’s day. Despite daily urgencies, meaningful moments—like one-on-one check-ins, hallway conversations, or being home for dinner—create trust, connection, and long-term impact. This was exemplified by Mr. Martin K. Brown, a beloved principal who knew every student by name and presence. His secret? Be visible, know people deeply, and lead with love. That’s real time management—and real leadership.
Q: When a husband and wife fund a gift annuity, is it always joint and survivor?
Donors often do not know the exact structure or details of their own planning, charitable or otherwise. They depend on their advisors. This is one reason it is so important to partner with advisors when working with donors.
Question In your Strange Myths section in Giving Tomorrow Magazine, the statement is made that “Most planned giving donors are not prospects for large major gifts.” Did the word “not” creep in there by mistake? Answer This is a really good question and common misperception. Over the last several years there have been a number […]
Long-term study shows multiple benefits for charities to get in the estate plan sooner. We all know charitable estate giving is a big deal. In comparison, despite all of the media attention and conversation generated by corporate giving, annual estate giving has always been much larger. (In some years, charitable estate gifts are more than […]
First, a Thank You For those of you who are reading this and are clients of mine, I truly thank you for your business. When I started in 1998, I did it with the goal to make planned giving accessible to your average prospect. At the time, planned giving was so bogged down with legalese and […]
Question My nonprofit organization currently uses all bequest proceeds for operating expenses. The family of a recently deceased donor has questioned this and wants us to designate the funds for endowment (what is an endowment). What should we do? Answer It’s important to remember that only funds explicitly restricted by the donor can serve as […]
Making Estate Planning Accessible, Simple, Personal, Secure and FREE!
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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