Category: Planned Giving Marketing

Political shifts spark fundraising panic, but it’s not the end of the world. Every politician exaggerates, and tax laws change—like the SECURE Act and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—but nonprofits with a strategic, balanced approach thrive regardless of who’s in office. Planned giving is the key to stability, shielding organizations from volatility and donor hesitation. Fear repels donors; confidence attracts them. History proves planned gifts endure economic downturns. Now is the time to act—secure commitments, diversify funding, and plan ahead. Stop worrying and start building a future that isn’t dictated by political tides.

Nonprofits often struggle to turn sporadic donors into committed major givers. Moves management offers a solution—a systematic approach that plans and tracks every interaction, or “move,” to guide donors from interest to transformational giving. By mapping out the donor journey, nonprofits can anticipate needs, personalize outreach, and build stronger, lasting relationships. This framework not only boosts gift amounts and retention but also ensures no opportunity is missed. Without it, you risk leaving transformational gifts and deeper donor connections on the table.

The next four years are yours to shape, no matter who’s in office. Success isn’t luck — it’s mindset, action, and personal growth. Staying in your comfort zone, no matter how hard you work, won’t get you ahead. Growth requires discomfort, risk, and learning new skills. Every top performer faces fear but uses it to grow stronger. Will you survive and hope someone else fixes your life or thrive by taking charge? Life isn’t a ballot box—no one else can vote for your success.

When most people think about philanthropy, they envision cash donations or planned giving from stocks. But what about real estate? For donors looking to make a lasting impact, Realty Gift Fund (RGF) is leading the way in transforming real estate assets into significant charitable contributions. Realty Gift Fund (RGF) is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning it is a charitable organization that is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations; its primary focus is facilitating the donation of real estate to other non-profit organizations. We sat down with Jay Grab, one of RGF’s experts, to discuss how the organization simplifies these complex transactions and amplifies donors’ legacies.

When I was a kid, I had to write prompt, heartfelt thank-you notes to anyone who sent me a gift—even when it was my aunt who just passed away, who always sent me the same thing: a pair of Argyle dress socks. As Mom used to say, “They took the time to think about you and send you a gift. You can take the time to say thank you.”

Owners of luxury motor coaches and RVs, such as Marathon Coaches and other high-end brands, can have the best of both worlds: a vacation with all the comforts of home, and an opportunity to shape their philanthropic legacy that also provides a current charitable tax deduction.

Several times a year, I get emails or phone calls from clients excited about the latest buzz in planned giving marketing. It usually starts with something like this: “Have you seen the new Widget that Company B just launched? It practically guarantees donors will be knocking down our door. My boss thinks we should buy it. Why don’t you offer something like this?” I’ve been in this industry long enough to know what’s coming next. The “Widget” is rarely—if ever—something revolutionary. It’s usually just a repackaging of an existing concept with a fresh coat of paint. A “New” Twist on Old Tools These so-called groundbreaking tools often fall into predictable categories: A “new” planned giving calculator that estimates annuity payments and tax benefits. (Didn’t we already have a dozen of those?) An app for making monthly recurring gifts—essentially a more streamlined version of existing donation platforms. A pre-designed eblast template that’s just a fancier version of what fundraisers have been using for years. The latest online will-maker, promising to revolutionize estate planning with artificial intelligence (but still lacking the personal touch that actually inspires donors to act). At the end of the day, these are just different ways to present the same old concepts. They might have minor tweaks or a sleek user interface, but they don’t change the fundamentals of planned giving. No Magic Bullet for Planned Giving Success Let’s get one thing straight: there is no single product, service, or strategy that will make your planned giving program an overnight success. No widget is going to flood your inbox with eager donors. No new software will miraculously build your endowment. And despite what the latest marketing emails might claim, there’s no “get-rich-quick” formula for growing legacy gifts. What does work? The same things that have always worked: 1. Patience Planned giving is a long game. Unlike major gifts, which often involve donors writing a check today, legacy gifts take years—sometimes decades—to mature. Success comes from planting seeds early and nurturing donor relationships over time. 2. Persistence Consistent messaging, education, and outreach are the real drivers of planned giving success. It’s about staying in front of your donors with thoughtful content and meaningful conversations—not chasing the latest flashy trend. 3. People Skills Donors don’t make legacy gifts because of a new widget. They give because they have a deep emotional connection to your mission. The most effective planned giving programs are built on authentic relationships, trust, and meaningful engagement. Stop Chasing Trends—Focus on What Works The next time you hear about the “latest and greatest” planned giving tool, take a step back. Ask yourself: Does this truly offer something new, or is it just a repackaged version of an old idea? Will it genuinely move the needle on donor engagement, or is it just another shiny object? Is it a tool that strengthens donor relationships, or is it just a gimmick? Planned giving success isn’t about jumping on every new trend. It’s about building a strong foundation through patience, persistence, and people skills. That’s what’s always worked—and it’s what will continue to work, no matter how many new widgets hit the market.

The nonprofit world needs more Debs—people who say it like it is, who recognize planned giving is for average ordinary people, who aren’t afraid to say the hard things when they need to be said.