Make A Plan For Planned Gifts
Did you know the majority of planned gifts are made through will or beneficiary designations? Take this opportunity to show donors how your endowment is the perfect vehicle to receive gifts from their estate plans so their legacy can continue in perpetuity.
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Lead By Example
Launch your planned giving campaign by starting with your Board of Directors. Many donors may consider planned gifts when they learn peers are giving. At the Community Foundation of Utah, we invite all members of our Board to consider including our organization in their estate planning. While the size of their gift may vary, Board participation can be key in any fundraising strategy.
Ask The Question
Incorporate planned giving into your marketing strategy so donors can easily include you in their letter of wishes or estate plan. Be specific and identify who in your organization’s donor network would be a good candidate to make a planned gift.
Create an annual campaign to present them with the topic directly. This could be included in an existing campaign by adding the question, “Have you considered including [organization name] as part of your estate plan?”
A letter of wishes is a simple, non-binding way of making charitable wishes known to the family, trustees, advisors, and executors of an estate. Your donors can create and modify a letter of wishes at any time, without needing to consult with an attorney. Click here for a customizable letter of wishes you can provide to your donors.
Encourage Communication
Once you have initiated your organization’s planned giving strategy, encourage donors to share whether they have included your organization in their estate planning. Although organizations often receive planned gifts without communication from a donor, it is helpful to know which donors have taken action to not only express your appreciation but also account for future funds.