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Usually easy to give and easy to receive. These are assets already in the possession of the donor and gifting them do not affect cashflow during lifetime.
These gifting vehicles return a steady stream of income to the donor and other beneficiaries.
These gifts help maintain the benefits of owning an asset while making a gift.
Trusts assure that financial, familial and estate matters remain private. Trusts do not go through a probate process and are not subject to any kind of public review.
Home » It’s Not About Money
Everyone focuses on the importance of planned giving from a financial perspective, when, in fact, it’s about legitimacy, trust, credibility, and “friendraising.” If you have these, the money will follow.
“Why does your organization need a planned giving program?”
Most marketing communications over use (over abuse) this answer: Planned giving is invaluable to an establishment’s financial health… blah, blah … largest inter-generational wealth transfer … blah, blah … over $30 trillion will pass from Baby Boomers … blah, blah.
The truth is that if your organization doesn’t have a planned giving program, your donors and prospects will clearly see that you’re not planning for the future. Which means you’re planning to fail. And this is why you and your organization will not be taken seriously.
So if it is not about money, what is planned giving about?
Planned giving is a hallmark of legitimate, prestigious organizations that are serious about long-term goals. Donors want to ensure their money goes to a successful nonprofit. The savviest donors are well aware of planned giving options, and they’ll check them out before supporting a cause. If you don’t have a planned giving program, you’re losing prospects. Why? You’re not taken seriously. Period.
Trust is built by considering the diverse needs of many. No two donors are alike. A program that’s a perfect match for one might not work for another. Organizations with versatile planned giving options get more gifts from a wider variety of donors. More donors = more funding.
Only 5 percent of the nation’s wealth is in liquid assets. The rest is where planned giving comes into play: retirement plans, real estate — even collectibles. Planned gifts are usually a donor’s largest gift to an organization. Are you happy just receiving one-time gifts of $5, $10, or $200? Then you’re in the wrong business.
Planned gifts are easy to market, easy to give, and easy to receive. Especially beneficiary designations. People will appreciate you more, because it shows you care. It’s not rocket science.
The majority of people aren’t wealthy. Studies have found that most gifts come from poor and middle-class donors. A donor may not be able to contribute anything right now, but through planned giving can offer a large amount in the future. Again, this shows you care.
Fundraising is about relationships, and relationships are built on trust. A planned giving program helps establish that trust and helps fundraisers cultivate more opportunities for giving. Just like businesses, charities are built on repeat “customers.”
Donors don’t give just to help a cause — they give because it makes them feel good. Planned giving is a way for anyone to leave a legacy (i.e., to feel good), and that appeals to almost all potential donors — whether they get a hospital wing named in their honor or make it into a nonprofit’s newsletter.
Making people feel good is a major part of friendraising.
