By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on October 14, 2015
Unlike all of the other planned giving mechanisms, a bequest program doesn’t require major technical expertise and specific financial instruments. It’s easy, it’s fast, it can pay off substantially, and the dollars from bequests comprise close to 90% of all planned gifts. Many non-profit organizations refuse to get into planned giving because of the perception […]
By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on March 18, 2015
Unlike all of the other planned giving mechanisms, a bequest program doesn’t require major technical expertise and specific financial instruments. It’s easy, it’s fast, it can pay off substantially, and the dollars from bequests comprise close to 90% of all planned gifts. Many non-profit organizations refuse to get into planned giving because of the perception […]
By John Elbare on November 5, 2014
Stocks and mutual funds make great charitable gifts, yet many non-profits overlook them; and, donors may not think to make those kinds of donations, unless you remind them. Once donors learn about the tax advantages of donating stock, they often become consistent stock donors. Stocks and mutual funds are securities that represent an ownership interest […]
By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on October 22, 2014
October 29: Six Goals For A Direct Mail Letter by Jonathan Howard …six key elements for every fundraising letter – standards to use to review and rewrite a draft appeal until it can’t be improved further. November 5: Remind Your Donors to Give Stocks and Mutual Funds by John Elbare Stocks and mutual funds make […]
By Two Blog Contributors on September 10, 2014
1. Your Bequest Program: It’s Easy Getting Started by John Elbare, CFP The simple bequest, which is a charitable gift in a donor’s will (or living trust), still accounts for most planned gifts. Bequest marketing should be a part of every fund raising program. Simple marketing messages can reap huge future revenues for your organization. […]
By Two Blog Contributors on July 2, 2014
1. April 27th was National Tell a Story Day by Jayme Sokolow What, you may ask, is the connection between National Tell a Story Day and grant proposals? A great deal, at least from my perspective. Stories are universal because we use stories to create meaning. When you cite a statistic or make an argument, […]
By Two Blog Contributors on June 25, 2014
1. Donor-Centered Planned Giving – Part I by John Elbare Planned gifts almost always result from strong donor relationships, yet many non-profits fail at this. When a donor feels a part of your charitable mission, planned giving become almost inevitable. But when donors feel neglected or ignored, planned giving is very difficult. Do you work […]
By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on June 11, 2014
June 18: Reason and Emotion in Grant Proposals – Part I: Reason by Lynn deLearie Successful grant proposals are often carefully crafted using both reason and emotion. On one hand, proposals must, logically, show how non-profits will use grant funds to effectively…. June 18: The U.S.-Style of Fundraising Can Work in Other Countries – […]
By Two Blog Contributors on May 28, 2014
1. Who Are Your Planned Gift Prospects? – II by John Elbare, CFP The one thing we know for sure about donor behavior is that most planned gifts come from loyal donors. By “loyal” we mean those donors who reliably donate every year. They are already sold on your mission, they believe in your cause, […]
By Two Blog Contributors on April 30, 2014
1. Who Are Your Planned Gift Prospects? – Part I by John Elbare, CFP Before you get started with planned giving, you need to identify your most likely planned gift prospects. Planned giving works best when you target your efforts toward a segment of donors who are most inclined to consider a planned gift. Avoid […]
Hank Lewis with Development Consultant Associates has over thirty years as a fundraising consultant and is a specialist in Board and Leadership Development, Capital Campaign, Bequest Program and Major Gifts. [Read more ...]