THE FIRST STEP

 

It’s nearing the end of the year and something is unfinished on your to-do list. It’s something you’ve been thinking about all year, perhaps even for the past several years, and yet you haven’t quite gotten to it.

The urgency of operations, annual fundraising, to say nothing of that upcoming capital campaign and on-going board work, staff supervision and community commitments have prevented you from even taking the first step in establishing a simple program that will eventually assure the long-term financial strength and mission viability of your organization.

What’s that unfinished project? Starting (or restarting) your endowment program.

Fortunately, it’s only mid-December. The year is not yet over and there is still time to take a critical first step. It takes only an hour and it will do much to help you achieve this goal in 2015.

Here is what you do:

Call and schedule a visit with one of your organization’s best friends, one who has likely already included a commitment in their estate plans for your organization, and listen to why they love your organization. You’ll no doubt be inspired by their passion for your mission and why they’ve chosen to include your organization in their estate plans – a commitment that is in their best interests as well!

The amazing thing about these types of visits is that your best friends often thank you for the privilege of supporting this critically important work in the community. But don’t let that distract you from saying ‘thank you” for the support they provide and for the encouragement they have just given you to move endowment to a high priority in 2015!

Along with your organization’s best friends, your friends at Donor By Design also want to encourage you get started with endowment development in 2015. Don’t hesitate to take this step to secure your organization’s future… or to contact us if we can be of assistance!

Posted by Mike Bussey
Mike Bussey

Written by Mike Bussey

Mike Bussey provides a comprehensive portfolio in fundraising and strategic management for YMCAs, churches and other faith-based organizations. Prior to joining the Donor By Design team, Mike served for eight years as YMCA of the USAs Financial Development consultant to 350 YMCAs in 14 Midwest states, as well as to the Jerusalem International YMCA.

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