Give & Take

Give & Take offers original insight on planned giving, donor behavior, and nonprofit strategy—written for fundraisers, executives, and advisors who want clarity, not noise.

Editorial content is produced internally or by invitation. Guest contributors may apply.

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Probate is the legal process that occurs after an individual's death, involving the validation of their will and the administration of their estate. This procedure ensures that the deceased's assets are distributed according to their wishes and that all debts and taxes are settled. The executor, appointed either by the will or the court, plays a pivotal role in managing this process. Their duties include filing the will with the probate court, inventorying the estate's assets, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, settling outstanding debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs. Understanding the probate process is essential for executors and beneficiaries alike to navigate the complexities of estate administration effectively.

Learn about the public nature of wills, probate, and strategies to keep your estate plan private.

Probate court entrance

Understanding probate fees is crucial when settling an estate. Learn about the costs involved, including attorney fees, court charges, and more to navigate probate effectively.

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That popup demanding contact info for a generic eBrochure? It's lazy. Your visitors know it. They'll hand over their junk email and never think of you again. Want real engagement? Offer real value—exclusive content, branded swag, early access. No value, no ask. Simple. Respect the exchange or lose the donor.

Elephant and a mule celebrating over beer. Political satire.

The next four years are yours to shape, no matter who's in office. Success isn't luck — it's mindset, action, and personal growth. Staying in your comfort zone, no matter how hard you work, won't get you ahead. Growth requires discomfort, risk, and learning new skills. Every top performer faces fear but uses it to grow stronger. Will you survive and hope someone else fixes your life or thrive by taking charge? Life isn’t a ballot box—no one else can vote for your success.

Discover how to make a charitable gift from your retirement account with these 10 powerful tips. Maximize tax benefits and leave a lasting legacy.

Ensure your pets are cared for even after you're gone with comprehensive estate planning. Discover steps, tips, and legal options to secure your furry friends' future.

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I didn't invent these ideas. I stole them from Ben Franklin, Dan Kennedy, and a few dead Stoics. This isn't a polished productivity manifesto—it's a brain dump of what actually works: Sunday planning sessions, inbox discipline, ROI-filtered to-do lists, and saying no to everything that doesn't move the needle. You can't deposit LinkedIn likes into your checking account. Stop being busy. Start being effective. The secret? Fewer things, done better.

Learn how to obtain power of attorney for a parent or loved one with this detailed guide on the steps, legal requirements, and best practices.

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“People commonly use statistics like a drunk uses a lamp post; for support rather than illumination.” (Mark Twain)

A gold rendering of real estate assets and coins.

When most people think about philanthropy, they envision cash donations or planned giving from stocks. But what about real estate? For donors looking to make a lasting impact, Realty Gift Fund (RGF) is leading the way in transforming real estate assets into significant charitable contributions. Realty Gift Fund (RGF) is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning it is a charitable organization that is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations; its primary focus is facilitating the donation of real estate to other non-profit organizations. We sat down with Jay Grab, one of RGF’s experts, to discuss how the organization simplifies these complex transactions and amplifies donors’ legacies.

Learn how to obtain a death certificate with this comprehensive guide. Understand the requirements, steps, and uses of a death certificate to simplify the process during a difficult time.

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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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