Viken Mikaelian, Author at Planned Giving Marketing Trusted Authority

Giving

Future of Planned Giving

Wondering What’s Ahead? Stop speculating and find out what the movement to merge planned giving with major gifts and principal gifts really means. Download our special report [PDF; instant free download]. Our panel of six industry experts covers topics including, “What are the pros and cons of a merge?” “What are the implications for planned giving as a specialty?” “When is it time to ‘outsource’ gift planning?” and “What can the car industry teach the philanthropy sector? Jeff Comfort

Viken Mikaelian January 22, 2018 No Comments

Philanthropy and Tax Reform

Will the new tax law doom your nonprofit? Or will it stimulate the economy and be a fundraising boon?

Viken Mikaelian January 17, 2018 No Comments

Planned Giving for Financial Advisors

Advisors and Philanthropy

The face of philanthropy is changing: Researchers found that many donors want to talk with an advisor before they’ll even approach a nonprofit to discuss their intentions.

Viken Mikaelian January 11, 2018 No Comments

Planned Giving Marketing

Don’t Look at the Wall

Two great quotes from Mario Andretti: “If everything seems under control you are not going fast enough.” and “Don’t look at the wall.”

Viken Mikaelian October 17, 2017 No Comments

Charitable Gift Annuity

Your “Sophisticated” Donor

“Dad, you are sitting on Apple stock. Why don’t you donate some, avoid capital gains tax, get a deduction, and receive guaranteed income for life—some of it tax-free?” “Is that legal?” he asked.

Viken Mikaelian July 17, 2017 No Comments

A picture of a bulldog, half asleep at a desk near pen and paper, to illustrate the concept that doing your own copywriting is likely going to bore your supporters and cost you money in the long run.

Effective fundraising

How to Bore Your Constituency by Doing Your Own Copywriting

Creating marketing content yourself is an excuse of not doing your job. You can easily upset donors, board members and lose opportunities.

Viken Mikaelian May 21, 2017 No Comments

Planned Giving Marketing

Let Testimonials Say What You Can’t

Testimonials by satisfied donors, or by recipients of your organization’s services, automatically carry more credibility than anything you could say about yourself. They are an important part of your planned giving marketing message because they tell a potential donor what you can’t.

Viken Mikaelian March 24, 2017 No Comments

Insights From 30+ Years in Planned Giving …

Planned Giving Marketing

Insights From 30+ Years in Planned Giving …

With 30+ years of planned giving successes in my history, I’m now considered a thought leader in the industry. That’s because I learned one crucial lesson: Planned giving is about people. Focus on the people and the rest is easy.

Viken Mikaelian March 10, 2017 No Comments

Planned Giving Marketing

Tell Your Heart Surgeon to Go Away

If your administration does not realize the importance of planned giving, your job is to explain it to them. The money is there — and it shows up when people understand the need. Would you ever tell your heart surgeon that his fee is not in your budget?

Viken Mikaelian November 10, 2016 No Comments

On Productivity, Planned Giving and Your Career

Planned Giving Marketing

On Productivity, Planned Giving and Your Career

Do you set daily goals? Do you think multitasking is helpful? Do you know the difference between motion and action? These 8 hacks will get your productivity — and your career — energized.

Viken Mikaelian November 7, 2016 No Comments