Planned and legacy gifts are a way for your donor to make financial and estate decisions now and for the future. This type of giving allows your donor to address family needs first, if appropriate, and then make a gift to benefit your nonprofit in conjunction with the rest of their “life” plan.
People in a variety of life stages and circumstances can benefit from a planned gift. For example:
A person who is planning for retirement may need to secure additional income and can do so through a gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.
A couple who has their first child will likely then follow with setting up an estate plan that may or may not include your organization as a beneficiary.
Grandparents might want to consider a donor advised fund to help generate philanthropic discussions across multiple generations, much like a private family foundation.
Large financial transactions, such as the possible sale of a business or the downsizing of a home may also trigger some planning that charitable gifts can complement, reducing tax burdens and creating a legacy. All of these events and many more can provide wonderful opportunities for planned giving discussions…and viable solutions through philanthropy.
Sample questions to ask your donor:
- Have you ever considered putting the XXXX in your will?
- Are you interested in making a gift and receiving income for life?
- Do you pay high taxes?
- Have you designated your IRA to your children or charity/or both?
