The first step in launching a planned giving program is an intellectually honest consideration of whether such a program makes sense for a given organization. We can help you objectively evaluate your suitability for a planned giving program. We’ll work with you to help you understand where it fits in with your organization’s overall fundraising efforts, including considerations such as staffing requirements, budget parameters, management of funds, and working with your Board.  

Our deliverables in this particular area often include:  

• Evaluating donor potential
• Securing Board approval
• Educating staff

Evaluating donor potential
Organizations that have the potential to create a successful and sustainable planned giving program have a constituency of donors and potential donors who have demonstrated their loyalty to the organization’s goals and mission. There are a variety of ways to identify donors and prospects like these, and we can help.

Securing Board approval
Your Board is a critical stakeholder in your planned giving program. Only the Board can effectively declare that planned giving is strategically important to the long-term mission of your organization. Our ability to educate Boards on the power of planned gifts is unparalleled.  

Educating staff
We’ll take a close look at your infrastructure, beginning with identifying roles and responsibilities. These are likely to go beyond the development area. Planned giving is too complex and comprehensive to believe the development department can handle it alone. In addition to requiring active support from your Board, planned giving requires participation from your organization’s senior leadership and colleagues in your Finance department. There are various points of cross-functional interaction required to support an effective planned giving program.