| Planned gifts are the pinnacle of donations. They | | | | 2. Provide some sample text for a bequest in your |
| represent a donor's ultimate desire to support a | | | | newsletter or on your website. It will make planned |
| nonprofit organization. Essentially, a planned gift is any | | | | giving easier for some donors and at the very least, |
| donation that is planned in advance, including | | | | should help spark ideas for those who are interested |
| bequests, annuities, trusts, life insurance and more. | | | | in leaving your organization in their will. |
| Bequests are the most common planned gift. | | | | 3. Use prewritten materials. There are companies out |
| Typically, a bequest can be included in a will as a | | | | there that write, design, and publish planned giving |
| particular amount of money, a percent of the total | | | | materials that you can add your logo to and give to |
| estate, or a contingent gift that depends on certain | | | | your donors. The Stelter Company and The Sharpe |
| circumstances. | | | | Group are two great examples. You can get help |
| Here are three simple ways to promote planned | | | | with planning, internet-based solutions, and more, so |
| giving for your nonprofit organization. | | | | it's worth your time to check them out. |
| 1. Remember Us In Your Will. The easiest way to | | | | Have some professional volunteers at the ready to |
| solicit bequests is to include "Remember us in your | | | | help your donors make their planned gift happen. |
| will" in your newsletter. Don't be afraid or timid about | | | | While most donors have their own advisors, offering |
| including this information. Other organizations are | | | | your donors the names of financial, tax, and legal |
| doing it and if you don't, you are missing the boat. | | | | professionals who can help them can take you far. |