It’s the Marketing, Stupid.
Most nonprofits have a reversed Darwinian approach to new idea generation. Instead of survival of the “fittest” they strive for survival of the “safest.”
Planned Giving: It’s About Legitimacy
Everyone focuses on the importance of planned giving from a financial perspective. When in fact, it’s about legitimacy and credibility. If you have both, the money will follow.
Is December a Time to Plan for Year-End Charitable Giving?
Year-end giving appeals are often poorly planned and executed. The best time to begin is between July and September, and making sure that you have a series of “touches” and not just one mailing planned.
CRATs, nOObs, and Other Acronyms
Like cell phones, social media and text messages, acronyms have taken over our lives. But we had planned giving acronyms long before the birth of texts. What else does a CRAT stand for? Read and find out.
A Definitive Guide to Planned Giving Newsletters
I am often asked, “Viken, do planned giving newsletters work?” Yes they do, but it is the wrong question to ask.
In Other Words…
Again and again, Dr. Russell James found that formal and technical terms reduce the chances that a prospective donor will be interested in making a planned gift. And we’ve been saying that since 1998. Yet, many nonprofits still do not take the advice.
The Planned Giving Productivity Quiz
Planned giving productivity. It’s not about learning calculators, CRUTs and CRATs. Here are 5, simple helpful tips for you career — and mental health.
Developing Your Own Planned Giving Website
Recently, an IT functionary at a large Midwestern institution convinced the Development team to produce their planned giving website in-house. It took them 8 months.
Planned Gifts Take Too Long!
Planned gifts are not always deferred. Some provide immediate cash, some come in sooner than you think, and here are a few tips to accelerate them.
How I Got into Planned Giving
People often ask me about my life. What’s my background? Where’s my accent from? Where did I grow up? Where did you meet your wife? One of these days I’ll get around to answering all that… But the most common question I get is, “Viken, how did you get into planned giving?” Answer: By Accident.
