What is Planned Giving?
Planned Giving = Major gifts of assets + Legacy gifts
Planned Giving is a tool in the toolbelt that all fundraisers should have, as it positively impacts annual giving and drives major gifts. It is a method of stewarding donors and helping them create a larger impact with gifts of assets, now or in the future, while receiving benefits for themselves.
Benefits for Donors can include:
- Create a Legacy
- Income to the Donor
- Income Tax Deduction
- Mitigation of Capital Gains Tax, Depreciation Recapture Tax and Net Income Tax
- Reduce Estate Taxes
- Minimize Income Tax to Heirs
- Support Asset Protection Planning
- Potentially lower tax bracket and save on Social Security Taxes
- Create a meaningful gift to a cause that inspires them
Gift planning conversations are about connecting with the donor, reigniting their passion for the mission, and helping them discover the best way to fulfill their personal objectives.
"The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."
Why Planned Giving???
Nonprofits with a Planned giving programs grow Six times faster!
Nonprofits that only accepted cash (first column) only grew at 11% over five years - that barley keeps up with inflation! Planned giving that benefits the donor builds trust and loyalty.
Asset Gifts provide more benefits to the Donor!
Why give cash when the donor can get the same tax deduction with stock or another asset and save on the capital gains taxes (and other taxes). If they love the stock, they can buy it back with the cash they were going to give!
Wealth is held in assets not cash
Most nonprofits ask for cash, but that is where the donor feels poor. Most people have a different relationship to assets versus cash. Assets are easier for the donor to part with and the donor can get great tax benefits from gifts of appreciated assets.
Annual gifts double after a donor creates a gift in their will
When a donor commits to supporting an organization in the future, they are more likely to support the organization now and the immediate future. Helping a donor with a tax advantaged asset gift create the same type of loyalty.