CATEGORY

Estate & Gift Planning Fundamentals

Foundational concepts related to estate planning and charitable gift planning. Covers basic structures, terminology, and planning considerations that underpin informed decisions by donors, advisors, and nonprofit professionals.

10 Planned Giving Excuses Debunked
Bequests
Jeb Banner

10 Planned Giving Excuses Debunked

What’s the big deal about planned giving anyway? When it comes to things we don’t understand, or may be intimidated by, there’s always a reason to avoid taking a closer …

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Are You Sending Out Death Brochures?
Bequests
Tom Ahern

Are You Sending Out Death Brochures?

That canned “planned giving newsletter” you’re paying for is viewed by your recipients as a “death brochure” and is going right into the trash. Spend your money wisely. (By Tom Ahern)

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Wise Women Estate Planning
Estate & Gift Planning Fundamentals
Viken Mikaelian

Estate Planning for Women

Women hold a large percentage of this nation’s wealth, yet most don’t have an estate plan. Show those who care about your mission the value of estate planning, and they’ll be encouraged to include a charitable gift to you. Simple … donor and attorney friendly … and to the point.

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I Want to Meet a Rich Guy
Bequests
Karen Martin

I Want to Meet a Rich Guy

What does wanting to meet (and marry) a rich guy have to do with planned giving? More than you think, and it all boils down to the meaning of the word “rich.” This puts “I want to meet a rich donor” in a whole new light.

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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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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%.