Most nonprofits have a reversed Darwinian approach to new idea generation. Instead of survival of the “fittest” they strive for survival of the “safest.”
Planned Giving: It’s About Legitimacy
Everyone focuses on the importance of planned giving from a financial perspective. When in fact, it’s about legitimacy and credibility. If you have both, the money will follow.
Is December a Time to Plan for Year-End Charitable Giving?
Year-end giving appeals are often poorly planned and executed. The best time to begin is between July and September, and making sure that you have a series of “touches” and not just one mailing planned.
CRATs, nOObs, and Other Acronyms
Like cell phones, social media and text messages, acronyms have taken over our lives. But we had planned giving acronyms long before the birth of texts. What else does a CRAT stand for? Read and find out.
How I Got into Planned Giving
People often ask me about my life. What’s my background? Where’s my accent from? Where did I grow up? Where did you meet your wife? One of these days I’ll get around to answering all that… But the most common question I get is, “Viken, how did you get into planned giving?” Answer: By Accident.
What’s the True Measure of Wealth?
Fundraising professionals focus on income as a measure of giving ability. The worried fundraiser thinks this way. “The prospective donor won’t give, because she won’t save money by being charitable. I won’t raise enough money to make my annual goals. My charity won’t accomplish its mission, and I’ll lose my job. What am I going to do?”
New to Planned Giving? Check Out These Resources
If you’re new to planned giving, you’re lucky you found this page. Established program? It’s a good refresher and has useful tips for your team.
Quiz: Which is More Powerful?
“Direct mail is too expensive,” you say. Well, fine. Use something cheaper that does not work nearly as well.
Simplicity May Be Complicated, but It’s Key
You can’t believe how hard it is for people to be simple, how much they fear being simple. They worry that if they’re simple, people will think they’re simpleminded. In reality, of course, it’s just the reverse. ~ Jack Welch, CEO, General Electric
“Get a Charitable Deduction Now for a Gift You Make Later”
It’s hard to explain how a Donor Advised Fund works to a donor. And when you try, they’re yawning. This creative marketing copy helps them get the point.