In the world of fundraising, a well-executed planned giving survey can be a game-changer. It provides valuable insights into your donor base, helping you tailor your strategies and maximize engagement. Yet, many nonprofits overlook this powerful tool. Let’s explore how conducting an effective planned giving survey can benefit your organization and how to implement one successfully.
Why Planned Giving Surveys Matter
Planned giving surveys play a crucial role in understanding donor intentions and preferences. They help you identify potential planned giving donors, understand their motivations, and effectively communicate the impact of their contributions. Here are some compelling reasons to prioritize planned giving surveys:
Identify Potential Donors: According to a study by the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, 31% of donors are more likely to consider planned giving if they are approached in a personalized manner.
Tailor Your Approach: By understanding the motivations behind planned giving, you can craft messages and campaigns that resonate with your donors.
Build Long-Term Relationships: Surveys show that engaging donors in conversations about their giving preferences increases loyalty and long-term support.
Steps to Conduct an Effective Planned Giving Survey
Define Clear Objectives
Before you design your survey, identify what you hope to achieve. Are you looking to gauge overall interest in planned giving, or are you trying to identify specific types of planned gifts? Setting clear objectives will help you craft questions that yield actionable insights.
Craft Thoughtful Questions
The quality of your questions will determine the usefulness of your survey. Here are some tips for creating effective questions:
Be Specific: Instead of asking, “Are you interested in planned giving?” ask, “Which types of planned gifts are you interested in learning more about?”
Use a Mix of Question Types: Include multiple-choice, rating scales, and open-ended questions to capture a range of data.
Keep It Short: Aim for brevity to respect your donors’ time. A survey with 10-15 well-crafted questions should suffice.
Segment Your Audience
Not all donors are the same, and your survey should reflect that. Segment your audience based on factors such as donation history, age, and engagement level. This allows you to tailor questions and follow-up communications more effectively.
Offer Incentives
Encourage participation by offering incentives. This could be a small gift, exclusive content, or an entry into a raffle. Ensure that the incentive aligns with your organization’s values and the interests of your donors.
Utilize Digital Tools
Leverage digital survey tools like SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Typeform to streamline the process. These platforms offer templates, easy distribution, and data analysis features that can save you time and effort.
Analyze and Act on the Data
Once you’ve collected responses, analyze the data to identify trends and insights. Look for patterns in donor preferences and motivations. Use this information to refine your planned giving strategies and tailor your communications.
Follow Up with Respondents
Show appreciation for your donors’ time and input by following up with personalized thank-you messages. Share key findings from the survey and outline how you plan to act on the feedback. This builds trust and demonstrates that you value their opinions.
Case Study: Successful Planned Giving Survey
One nonprofit that excels in utilizing planned giving surveys is Helping Hands Foundation. By segmenting their audience and crafting targeted questions, they identified 150 potential planned giving donors within three months. Their follow-up communications highlighted specific donor stories and the impact of planned gifts, resulting in a 20% increase in planned giving commitments.
Conclusion
Conducting effective planned giving surveys is a strategic move that can significantly boost your fundraising efforts. By understanding your donors’ preferences and motivations, you can create targeted campaigns that resonate and inspire long-term support.
By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the full potential of planned giving for your organization. Start today and watch your donor relationships—and your fundraising results—flourish.
In recent years, the digital revolution has extended its reach into the realm of wills and estate planning. Companies like FreeWill , Legacy Planner and GivingDocs claim that their online will planners can effectively generate planned gift intentions. But do these platforms really deliver on their promise? Are they a viable tool for fundraisers and non-profit leaders to tap into the potential of planned giving? Let’s explore.
The Rise of Online Will Planners
What Are Online Will Planners?
Online will planners are digital tools that allow individuals to create legal wills online. They often come with user-friendly interfaces, guided templates, and educational resources to help users make informed decisions about their estates. Companies like FreeWill, Legacy Planner and GivingDocs have taken this concept a step further by integrating planned giving options into their platforms.
Why They’re Gaining Popularity
The convenience and accessibility of online will planners have made them increasingly popular. According to a study by Caring.com, the number of Americans creating their wills online has grown by 23% over the past five years. This shift is largely driven by the ease of use and the ability to complete the process from the comfort of one’s home.
The Promise of Generating Planned Gift Intentions
How Do They Work?
These platforms aim to simplify the process of including charitable gifts in wills. Users are prompted with options to allocate a portion of their estate to a non-profit organization. This seamless integration makes it easier for individuals to consider planned giving as part of their legacy.
Do They Deliver Results?
Statistically speaking, the answer is promising. FreeWill reports that over $2 billion in planned gifts have been committed through their platform. Similarly, GivingDocs has facilitated millions in planned donations. These numbers suggest that online will planners are indeed effective in generating planned gift intentions.
Benefits for Fundraisers and Non-Profit Leaders
Increased Accessibility
Online will planners make estate planning accessible to a broader audience. This democratization means that more individuals, regardless of their financial status, can consider planned giving. For non-profits, this opens up a new stream of potential donors.
Streamlined Process
The integration of planned giving options within the will creation process simplifies the workflow for fundraisers. Instead of engaging in lengthy discussions about estate planning, fundraisers can direct potential donors to these platforms, where the process is already guided and streamlined.
Enhanced Engagement
Online will planners can serve as a touchpoint for ongoing engagement with donors. By providing educational resources and regular updates, non-profits can maintain a relationship with individuals who have included them in their wills.
Success Stories
Numerous non-profits have reported success using online will planners. For instance, the American Red Cross has received significant planned gifts through FreeWill, enabling them to fund critical programs and initiatives.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that online will planners do indeed generate planned gift intentions. For fundraisers and non-profit leaders, these tools offer a modern, efficient way to tap into the potential of planned giving. By incorporating online will planners into your fundraising strategy, you can enhance donor engagement and secure future support for your organization.
In the nonprofit world, securing sustainable funding is critical. Did you know that up to 90% of a donor’s wealth is tied up in their assets? By tapping into planned giving, your organization can unlock significant potential and ensure long-term financial health.
Key Benefits of Planned Giving
For Donors:
Tax Benefits: Donors can receive tax deductions and potentially reduce estate taxes.
Legacy Creation: Provide donors with the opportunity to leave a lasting impact.
Financial Planning: Allow donors to manage their assets effectively while supporting their favorite causes.
For Nonprofits:
Sustainable Funding: Establish a steady stream of future income.
Increased Donations: Planned gifts often result in larger donations than typical annual contributions.
Stronger Donor Relationships: Deepen connections with your supporters through personalized giving options.
Partnering with Professional Advisors
One of the most effective strategies to boost planned giving is by collaborating with professional advisors. Here’s how fundraisers and nonprofit leaders can work with these experts:
Build Relationships with Advisors
Cultivating relationships with estate planners, financial advisors, and attorneys is essential. These professionals can introduce the concept of planned giving to their clients, who may not be aware of such opportunities.
Educate Advisors about Your Mission
Ensure that professional advisors understand your organization’s mission and impact. Provide them with brochures, case studies, and testimonials that highlight the benefits of planned giving to their clients.
Offer Joint Seminars and Workshops
Host informational sessions in partnership with professional advisors. This collaboration can educate potential donors about the benefits of planned giving while positioning your organization as a knowledgeable resource.
Create Comprehensive Resource Kits
Equip advisors with detailed materials that explain different planned giving options, such as bequests, charitable remainder trusts, and donor-advised funds. These kits should include sample language for wills and trusts, making it easier for advisors to guide their clients.
Recognize and Thank Advisors
Acknowledge the crucial role of professional advisors in your planned giving initiatives. Recognize their contributions through thank-you notes, public acknowledgments, and special events.
Conclusion
By integrating planned giving strategies and collaborating with professional advisors, your nonprofit can unlock new funding opportunities and deepen relationships with donors. Take action today and see the long-term benefits for both your organization and your supporters.
In the world of fundraising, planned gifts represent one of the most impactful ways donors can support your organization. From bequests to charitable gift annuities, these contributions can provide significant financial stability and long-term support. However, effectively counting these gifts can often be a complex and nuanced process. This guide aims to demystify the practice, offering you clear strategies to efficiently account for planned gifts in your fundraising efforts.
Why Count Planned Gifts?
Planned gifts, while often realized in the future, play a crucial role in shaping an organization’s financial health and strategic planning. Here are some compelling reasons why you should count planned gifts:
Financial Forecasting: Understanding the potential incoming funds helps in creating accurate long-term budgets.
Donor Stewardship: Recognizing planned gifts can strengthen donor relationships, fostering loyalty and future contributions.
Strategic Planning: With a clearer picture of future assets, your organization can make informed decisions about growth and development.
How to Count Planned Gifts
Assigning Present Value
One effective method to count planned gifts is by assigning them a present value. This approach involves discounting the estimated future gift to its present-day worth, using a reasonable discount rate. This gives you a more accurate reflection of the gift’s value over time.
Classifying Gifts by Certainty
Not all planned gifts carry the same level of certainty. Classifying them based on factors like the donor’s age, health, and the type of planned gift can provide a more accurate picture. For example:
High Certainty: Bequests from elderly donors with no dependents.
Moderate Certainty: Charitable remainder trusts from middle-aged donors.
Low Certainty: Life insurance policies from younger donors.
Using Software and Tools
Modern fundraising software can simplify the process of counting planned gifts. Tools like Blackbaud, Donor Perfect, and Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud offer features to track and value planned gifts efficiently. These tools can help you:
Automate calculations of present values.
Track donor commitments and follow-ups.
Generate reports for strategic planning.
Incorporating Donor Intentions
Directly communicating with donors to understand their intentions can offer invaluable insights. Surveys, interviews, and regular check-ins can provide data points that strengthen the accuracy of your planned gift counting.
Best Practices for Accurate Counting
Regular Updates: Periodically update the values and classifications of planned gifts to reflect any changes in donor circumstances or economic factors.
Transparent Reporting: Ensure your financial reports clearly distinguish between realized gifts (those you’ve received) and planned gifts (future commitments).
Professional Appraisals: For complex gifts like real estate or business interests, professional appraisals can provide accurate valuations.
Conclusion
Counting planned gifts doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the types of planned gifts, utilizing present value calculations, employing modern tools, and maintaining clear communication with donors, you can effectively manage and leverage these essential contributions.
Remember, planned gifts are a testament to the trust and commitment your donors have in your mission. Recognize and honor this trust by accurately counting and reporting these gifts, ensuring your organization’s sustainable growth.
In the world of fundraising, one of the most effective strategies is blending major and planned gifts. This approach not only maximizes donor contributions but also ensures long-term financial stability for your organization. Let’s explore the benefits, strategies, and practical steps to successfully integrate these two powerful fundraising methods.
Understanding Major and Planned Gifts
What Are Major Gifts?
Major gifts are significant donations made by donors who have a strong commitment to your cause. These contributions are typically sizeable and can fund specific projects, initiatives, or capital campaigns. Major gifts are often seen as immediate, impactful support that can propel your organization’s goals forward.
What Are Planned Gifts?
Planned gifts, on the other hand, are contributions arranged in advance and allocated at a future date. These can include bequests, charitable trusts, life insurance policies, and other financial instruments. Planned gifts are an excellent way to secure financial sustainability and often reflect the donor’s legacy and long-term support for your mission.
Benefits of Blending Major and Planned Gifts
Increased Donor Engagement
By offering multiple ways to give, you cater to different donor preferences and capacities. This increased flexibility can foster deeper relationships and higher engagement levels.
Long-term Financial Stability
While major gifts provide immediate funds, planned gifts ensure future financial security. This combination helps balance short-term needs with long-term sustainability.
Expanded Fundraising Potential
Blending these two types of gifts opens up new avenues for fundraising. You can appeal to donors who might prefer to make a significant impact now and to those who wish to leave a lasting legacy.
Strategies for Blending Major and Planned Gifts
Identify Potential Donors
Use donor data and analytics to identify individuals who have the capacity and inclination to give both major and planned gifts. Look for patterns in giving history, engagement levels, and personal interests.
Build Relationships
Focus on building strong, lasting relationships with your donors. Personalize your communication, involve them in your mission, and show them the impact of their contributions.
Educate and Inform
Provide information about the benefits and options for planned giving. Many donors may not be aware of how they can contribute through planned gifts. Offer workshops, seminars, and resources to educate them.
Create a Comprehensive Campaign
Develop a fundraising campaign that incorporates both major and planned giving options. Highlight the immediate impact of major gifts and the long-term benefits of planned gifts. Use testimonials and case studies to illustrate the value of each.
Practical Steps to Implement Blended Giving
Assess Your Current Donor Base:
Review your donor data to identify potential prospects for major and planned gifts.
Develop a Blended Giving Strategy:
Create a plan that outlines your goals, target audience, and communication strategies.
Train Your Team:
Ensure your fundraising team understands the benefits and processes of blended giving.
Communicate Effectively:
Use various channels to reach your donors, including emails, newsletters, social media, and personal meetings.
Offer Resources:
Provide educational materials and tools to help donors understand their giving options.
Recognize and Thank Donors:
Show appreciation for all contributions, highlighting the impact of both major and planned gifts.
Statistics:
“Organizations that blend major and planned gifts see a 25% increase in donor engagement.” – Fundraising Today
“90% of donors are more likely to contribute when offered multiple giving options.” – Nonprofit Times
Conclusion
Blending major and planned gifts is a strategic approach that can significantly enhance your fundraising efforts. By understanding your donors, building strong relationships, and offering flexible giving options, you can create a robust and sustainable financial foundation for your organization.
Ready to take your fundraising to the next level? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you effectively blend major and planned gifts for maximum impact.
In the world of fundraising, innovative solutions are key to maximizing donor contributions and ensuring the sustainability of non-profit organizations. One powerful tool in the fundraiser’s arsenal is the Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). While many are familiar with funding CGAs through cash contributions, fewer realize the potential to fund them using non-cash assets. This approach can unlock untapped resources for charities while providing significant benefits to donors.
Understanding Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs)
A Charitable Gift Annuity is a contractual agreement between a donor and a non-profit organization. In return for a sizable donation, the non-profit agrees to pay the donor a fixed income for life. After the donor passes away, the remaining funds are retained by the organization, helping to further its mission.
Benefits for Donors:
Lifetime Income: Donors receive a steady income stream, which can be particularly valuable for retirees.
Tax Deductions: Donors can enjoy significant charitable tax deductions.
Legacy: Donors leave a lasting impact on a cause they care about deeply.
Benefits for Non-Profits:
Immediate Funding: Non-profits receive immediate funds, which can be used to support their operations and initiatives.
Long-Term Growth: The eventual retention of the gifted assets helps build the organization’s endowment.
The Potential of Non-Cash Assets
Non-cash assets represent a vast and often underutilized resource. These assets can include real estate, securities, art, collectibles, and even business interests. Each type of asset presents unique opportunities and challenges, but with proper management, they can significantly enhance the funding of CGAs.
Types of Non-Cash Assets:
Real Estate: Properties, both residential and commercial, can be donated. This option can provide substantial tax benefits and avoid capital gains taxes.
Securities: Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds can be used to fund CGAs, offering donors the ability to contribute appreciated assets without incurring capital gains tax.
Art and Collectibles: High-value items such as artwork, antiques, and rare collectibles can be liquidated to fund CGAs.
Business Interests: Shares in privately held companies or partnerships can be contributed, enabling business owners to leverage their investments for philanthropic purposes.
Steps to Fund a CGA with Non-Cash Assets
Identification and Valuation
The first step in the process is identifying suitable non-cash assets. This often involves working closely with donors to understand their portfolios and philanthropic goals. Accurate valuation of these assets is crucial, as it determines the annuity payments and tax deductions.
Professional Appraisal
For assets like real estate and collectibles, a professional appraisal may be necessary to establish fair market value. This step ensures that both the donor and the non-profit receive fair treatment in the transaction.
Legal and Financial Consultation
Involving legal and financial advisors is essential to navigating the complexities of non-cash asset contributions. Advisors can help structure the gift to maximize benefits for the donor while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Transfer and Liquidation
Once the asset has been valued and legal considerations addressed, the asset is transferred to the non-profit. For certain assets like stocks, this might involve a straightforward transfer of ownership. For others, such as real estate, the process might include selling the asset to convert it into cash.
Establishing the Annuity
With the proceeds from the non-cash asset, the non-profit establishes the CGA, setting up regular annuity payments for the donor. The terms of the annuity will depend on various factors, including the donor’s age and the value of the gift.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Hearing about real-world examples can provide inspiration and confidence for both fundraisers and potential donors. Consider sharing stories of successful CGA arrangements funded by non-cash assets. Testimonials from satisfied donors can be particularly persuasive.
Example 1:
Jane Doe donated a piece of commercial real estate to fund a CGA. By doing so, she avoided a large capital gains tax bill and secured a steady income stream for her retirement. “Knowing that my property is supporting a cause I care about, even after I’m gone, is incredibly rewarding,” Jane shares.
Example 2:
John Smith, a retired executive, used appreciated stock to fund his CGA. “The tax benefits were substantial, but the real value was in the peace of mind and the legacy I’m leaving,” John explains.
Conclusion
Charitable Gift Annuities funded by non-cash assets offer a win-win solution for donors and non-profits alike. By exploring these options, fundraisers can unlock new avenues of support, ensuring the continued growth and impact of their organizations.
Are you ready to leverage non-cash assets for your charitable gift annuities? Contact our team of experts today to learn more and get started on your philanthropic journey.
