Planned Giving Archives

Estate Planning

Lessons from an Early Bird (and Other Unwelcome Guests)

Life throws surprises when you least expect them—like a panicked bird flying into your car at 7 AM. One minute, you’re enjoying your coffee; the next, you’re negotiating real estate rights with an avian intruder. Estate planning works the same way. Most people ignore it, assuming they have time—until they don’t. A simple accident can erase your legacy faster than that bird escaped my car. The lesson? Don’t be a bird brain. Plan now, because fate (and the IRS) won’t wait for you to open the window.

Viken Mikaelian August 2, 2022 No Comments

Fundraising Strategy

Low Response to Planned Giving Newsletters? Here’s What You’re Doing Wrong

If you have been in the fundraising industry for a while, you probably remember a time when planned giving newsletters were a surefire way to connect with donors. While the majority of people still prefer direct mail as a form of communication over e-mail, the popularity of planned giving newsletters has dwindled. Planned giving newsletters still produce benefits and are an important tool in hitting donation targets, but they must be sent with a clear strategy and must target the correct people.

Viken Mikaelian June 24, 2022 No Comments

Major Gifts

Major Gifts vs Annual Gifts

If you are involved in the nonprofit world, you have probably heard a lot of the unique terminology that comes with the industry. While veteran executive directors and fundraisers are used to hearing the word “major gifts,” many people are confused when first introduced to the concept. And there’s even more to complicate the matter …

Viken Mikaelian December 17, 2021 No Comments

Bequest

Don’t Worry. You Don’t Need a Will.

Without a will your grieving loved ones will face the responsibility and expense of untangling your affairs while also speculating about your gift intentions.

Viken Mikaelian December 11, 2021 No Comments

Bequest

Q&A with Viken Mikaelian Re Online Will Planner

The number one reason some nonprofits do not want a will maker on their planned giving website is because they know “better.” Fundraisers are deeply rooted in their belief that a donor should use an attorney to draft a will. True. But it’s not our decision.

Gretel DeRuiter December 3, 2021 No Comments

Gold Key Depicting Great Wealth Transfer

Planned Giving

The Great Wealth Transfer: A Fundraising Gamechanger

In the coming years, it is expected that an economic phenomenon dubbed The Great Wealth Transfer will shake markets up as baby boomer parents begin to leave their wealth and estates to their millennial children

MGADMIN September 28, 2021 No Comments

Planned Giving