Tutorials

Powerpoint presentation.  Read more

What is a Planned Gift?

There are many technical definitions of planned gifts, including the obvious "any gift that needs planning," but a favorite is "any gift more complex than an outright gift of cash."

By this definition, a planned gift may be:

• A non-cash outright gift (such as real estate, stocks, or life insurance),
• A bequest (through will or by beneficiary designation in an IRA, a retirement plan or a life insurance policy), or
• A deferred gift (such as a charitable gift annuity, a charitable lead or remainder trust or a pooled income fund).

Each of these types of gifts offers unique opportunities for both the charity and the donor. However, they also hold pitfalls and have issues that must be carefully addressed. The sections that follow will provide general information about each type of gift.  Read more

The organization is ready to set up a Development Office. What next?

• Setting Realistic Goals
  
  First, establish goals for the office. The development office should establish financial and non-financial goals. Goals should be set in consultation with the CEO, the development committee and the board. Goals should be reflective of the organization's mission and vision. How much money is needed in order for the organization to provide programs that will fulfill its mission? When working with a consultant, he or she can provide input into the goals. The consultant will have a good handle on what other organizations are doing and how to set financial goals for an office that has no track record. Be sure the CEO and board do not have unrealistic expectations about what can be accomplished in the first year. Take into consideration the infrastructure that is in place, the willingness of the CEO and board to get involved with the fundraising program, and the number of donors and donor prospects available. Make sure the goals are measurable and realistic. Establish benchmarks to measure the success.
  Read more