Sharpe Blog

Growing up, I watched my father (who just celebrated his 93rd birthday) give blood to the Red Cross, deliver food to the local food bank and take leadership roles in our church. Through his actions, I learned the importance of philanthropy, which led me to my career in fundraising. Another important lesson I learned from …Read More

I found my passion for working with nonprofits as a career later in life. Making the switch from the for-profit world, I had a desire to redirect my legacy and leave the world better than I found it. My newest client is a faith-based organization primarily located in the Middle East and Eastern Africa with …Read More

According to Forbes Health, in a survey conducted in October of 2023, 48% of Americans with a 2024 New Year’s resolution planned to improve their fitness. Most resolutions, unfortunately, last just two to three months. For those who know me best, a commitment to exercise has never been part of my identity. However, I can …Read More

When it comes to charitable gift annuity programs, the past several decades have been difficult ones. Like a perfect storm, lower interest rates combined with a smaller group of Silent Generation donors who had aged into the 75+ age range, causing the long-popular split-interest gift plan to lose some of its appeal. But now things …Read More

Getting organized. Planning for the first quarter of the year. Breathing a sigh of relief that year-end is behind you. These are typical first-of-the-year activities for fundraising. And there is one simple task that will yield returns for 2024: Identifying the donors in your data file who passed away in 2023 or before. Accomplishing this …Read More

As 2023 winds down and we look to what 2024 may bring, there are some certainties (along with a few more uncertainties) in the areas of tax and financial planning and, most importantly, in the gift planning community. Now is the time to think about what these will mean for your donors, their gift plans …Read More

Sharpe Group is pleased to share this CFRE International announcement detailing the recertification of Julie Schuldner as a Certified Fund Raising Executive. Julie joined Sharpe in 2022 as a senior consultant and has quickly gained a reputation as a trusted advisor dedicated to the success of nonprofit organizations of all sizes and missions. Her clients …Read More

By Barlow T. Mann Which day of the year records the highest volume of online charitable donations in the United States? If you answered #GivingTuesday, you are incorrect. November is certainly a very generous month with National Philanthropy Day, Thanksgiving and #GivingTuesday. Many experienced fundraisers, however, know while Thanksgiving traditionally kicks off the most generous …Read More

Question: For a donor 70½ or older, is a QCD the best way to fund a gift annuity?   Answer: In certain circumstances. Your donor may find, however, that it is more advantageous to use cash or appreciated securities because they: Will receive a charitable income tax deduction if they itemize. Avoid some capital gains, …Read More

Even though summer is officially underway, it’s not too early to begin making your plans for the busy year-end season. Thankfully, there are several national events that have been established to bring awareness to the importance of charitable giving and can provide your donors an opportunity to support your organization. For 2023, these are the …Read More