“How can we find new sources of funding?” is one of the questions we get from our clients quite often. Across all types of not-for-profit organizations, most development teams are constantly plagued with this challenge.

When working with a new client, one of the first questions we ask them related to this subject is, “How is your Planned Giving program?” A robust Planned Giving program allows supporters to give to a charity of their choice, while also ensuring the donor’s current financial needs and obligations are met. While a planned gift requires foresight, these gifts, such as bequests or charitable trusts, can be an advantageous way to provide a future gift aimed at sustaining the charity of your choice. In many cases, a donor will feel more comfortable making a larger valued planned gift versus a present day gift or short term pledged gift and will enjoy the benefits of charitable income and/or gift or estate tax deductions. One of the other important aspects of making a planned gift is that is allows for an individual to leave a legacy for an organization near and dear to their heart.

As its name implies, Planned Giving requires planning. When an organization understands the value of planned gifts and is able to incorporate this method of philanthropy into it overall fundraising program, we see fantastic results. Please visit www.givingcollaborative.com for more details on how a Planned Giving program may benefit your organization.