Joyful Conversations

February 18th, 2011 by Michael Bussey

By Mike Bussey

As a non profit leader, you’re probably pretty comfortable asking for money.

Throughout your career, you’ve likely asked for small gifts of $10 here or a few hours of service there. If you’re a little farther along in your career, you might have had the opportunity to ask for gifts of thousands or even millions of dollars.

But there is one ask that seems to make a lot of non profit leaders a bit uncomfortable. That’s an ask for a planned gift. Perhaps it’s because the gift is so tied up with the giver’s mortality. Maybe it’s because these gifts often come from individuals who have been consistently generous, but aren’t used to thinking about giving in such large amounts. Perhaps it’s because we don’t feel like we understand tax law well enough to explain it to others.

We have good news for you. Most of the process of asking for a planned gift doesn’t involve asking at all.

It involves wonderful conversations. It involves afternoons spent learning about remarkable people and what’s important to them. You’ll find out why your organization has been important in their lives. You’ll listen to their vision of the future.

When you speak, you’ll simply be talking about the good work your organization does in the community and your organization’s vision for the future.

Let the estate planners and lawyers figure out the best charitable giving vehicles for the donor. Instead, just enjoy these joyful conversations with some of your most avid supporters. The rewards are immediate, even if the gift comes years from now.

For more information on how Donor By Design can help you start – or restart – a planned giving campaign, please contact Mike Bussey, Senior Consultant.