CATEGORY

Stewardship and Relationships

Don’t Look at the Wall
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Don’t Look at the Wall

Two great quotes from Mario Andretti: “If everything seems under control you are not going fast enough.” and “Don’t look at the wall.”

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On Productivity, Planned Giving and Your Career
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

On Productivity, Planned Giving and Your Career

Do you set daily goals? Do you think multitasking is helpful? Do you know the difference between motion and action? These 8 hacks will get your productivity — and your career — energized.

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An image of an empty chair in front of a blackboard. A spotlight shines on the chair, to illustrate the concept "Get unstuck and get moving."
Self Improvement & Career
Dan Rice

Get Unstuck and Get Moving

There are many smart people walking around with brilliant ideas in their heads, but just a small few of them can manage to take action and make something happen.

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Better Than Average
Self Improvement & Career
Viken Mikaelian

Better Than Average

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.

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Why Getting In The Will Today Matters
Beneficiary Designations
Julie Morgenstern

Why Getting In The Will Today Matters

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 double all corporate gifts.) Of course, we all know that to receive any estate dollars, your organization must get in the will or other estate

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Keyboard image with Bequets and OPerating Expenses spelled over it.
Beneficiary Designations
Doug White

Is It Okay To Use A Bequest For Operating Expenses?

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 a true endowment (importance by Deb Ashton). If a donor’s will does not specify a restriction, these funds are technically unrestricted and can be used

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What Are You Thankful For?

Our clients are some of the most successful, creative people in the planned giving community. We asked them what they’re grateful for, and here’s what they said. (Feel free to steal their ideas at your family feast on Thanksgiving.)

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The key to planned giving success: benefits that fit together like a puzzle.
Planned Giving Marketing
Dan Rice

Benefits, Not Features: What Really Sells a Planned Gift

Originally published July 30, 2015. Updated for 2025. Summary: Why Benefits Always Win When it comes to planned giving marketing success, it’s not about the features—it’s about the emotional and personal benefits for the donor. That was the takeaway from a lively webinar featuring Viken Mikaelian and Tom Ahern, two industry veterans in donor engagement strategies. If you missed it, the recording will be available soon at PlannedGiving.guru. From Real Estate to Philanthropy I came to planned giving from the

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Google Uses Direct Mail Like Crazy
Giving
Dan Rice

Google Uses Direct Mail Like Crazy

  So it’s settled. Direct mail is a good idea. My husband and I run a small business. A very small business. So I was a little surprised to find out that we’re on Google’s mailing list. I’d understand if they sent me an email, or maybe a personalized video pop-up on YouTube. But no … the King of the Internet sent me a good old-fashioned letter, in a paper envelope, with a stamp, delivered by the postman. Yes, direct mail.

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Giving Magazine, Karen Alonso on Cover, United Way Las Vegas, AFP Chapter President

Giving Magazine

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