donor-centered

Discover and develop satisfaction in passionate giving

Slide02When I interview candidates for advancement positions, there is one question I lean on that has frequently helped narrow the search. It is a thoughtful question someone once asked me: What has been your most satisfying work experience and why?

How would you answer this question? Perhaps your most satisfying experience is about accomplishments of a dream team you worked with or maybe about a small change you implemented that made a big difference. For me, a mission-focused priority that is connected to a donors passionate gift is among the most satisfying professional experiences I’ve ever had. Let me share an example: (more…)

Is your charitable pie missing a slice? Part three

DSC03115It is time to plant your planned giving seeds.

Take measures now to ensure your donors know that planned gifts are not only welcome but encouraged. In your verbal, print and digital communications with donors and prospective planned givers, it is important to strike the right balance between their needs and your organization’s needs. Organization’s tend to focus too heavily on themselves and their case for support. To be sure, this is important; but we must never forget one thing: the donor.

Successful planned giving programs can be simple, especially in the start-up phase. Concentrate your early planned giving efforts on these three areas:

  1. Donor-focused communications
  2. Encouraging bequest gifts
  3. Networking with professional advisors

Over time, as your planned giving program matures, fold in more planned giving best practices.  A great resource for planned giving best practices to help you strengthen your new or mature planned giving program is Michael Rosen’s book Donor –Centered Planned Gift Marketing.

Not all planned giving gardeners are nonprofit employees or volunteers. It is  great to read a thoughtful article like the one from journalist Rachel Emma Silverman of the Wall Street Journal: How to Leave Money to Charity. She is helping to plant a wonderful garden of planned giving seeds.

Now, go plant your own planned giving seeds, and watch them grow! Over time, your organization will have a bountiful harvest and a complete charitable pie.

This is the third and final post in this series. Click here for part one and part two in this series.

Thoughts from the author of “Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing”

Donor Centered Gift Planning BookThree things “Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing” author Michael Rosen would be pleased for your nonprofit organization to do, especially during an uncertain economy:

  • Spend time with Donors.
  • Have a Compelling Case for Support.
  • Keep Asking.

I couldn’t agree more! You can read his thoughtful post “3 Ways for Nonprofits to Crash & Burn in Current Economy” here.

His “Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing” book is an excellent resource to help you identify your best planned giving prospects and inspire them to give more to the causes they care about most. The book is available on Amazon.