Sharpe Insights Articles

Being new to planned giving can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to get you started in your new role. 1. How will you measure your success? It’s important to establish realistic goals for yourself so you can communicate these to your leadership. For instance, goals could be increasing your legacy society membership or securing …Read More

All relationships take time to grow, especially between fundraisers and donors. The best way to forge strong relationships with your donors is to meet with them face to face. While it would be ideal to personally visit with all of your best donors, budget and time constraints can make doing so impossible. For those you …Read More

Insights recently sat down with Ron Schatz, a Sharpe Group client and director of mission advancement for Bismark Diocese in Bismark, North Dakota to discuss the secret to their success: consistent planned giving messaging. Sharpe Insights: How long have you worked for the Bismarck Diocese? What is your planned giving background and other work experience? …Read More

Though thanking your donors may not be as formal a process as it once was, that doesn’t mean it is any less important. Here are some things to remember for proper planned giving etiquette when you are saying “thank you”: Timing is everything. Make a habit of thanking your donors as soon as possible after …Read More

When it comes to planned giving, showing appreciation for your donors goes a long way. 1. Personal visits. There is no better way to express appreciation for a gift, especially a large one, than meeting face-to-face with your donor. 2. Notes and phone calls. In addition to sending the acknowledgement required for tax purposes, a …Read More

Once again, there have been dire predictions for charitable giving after Giving USA published their 2024 findings showing inflation-adjusted giving fell in 2023. The way charities fare in tough times depends on several things, particularly their reaction to the first signs of a recession. Inexperienced decision-makers may understandably err on the side of caution and …Read More

Who Said Numbers Have to Be Boring? Announcing the 2025 planned giving pocket guides available on demand. 2025 Federal Tax Pocket Guide Features relevant financial and tax information, including current charts and other figures, and can serve as a quick reference for advisors and donors when preparing taxes or planning gifts. It’s an ideal planning …Read More

There is an old saying that “the more things change, the more they remain the same.” After several years of surprises and unexpected (and tragic) events, it appears that 2025 will have its own share of uncertainty: terror attacks, volatile weather conditions and political, tax and economic changes. It may be worthwhile to consider another …Read More

Have you ever been told that marketing planned giving will negatively impact current giving? The academic research by Dr. Russell James and others indicates the opposite is true and that planned giving donors continue to make and even increase their current giving. History also indicates that planned gifts are especially important during times of economic …Read More

With the state of the economy, recent tax law and other legislative changes, ongoing conflicts overseas, the outcome of local and national elections and other factors, Americans will likely be reevaluating where they will focus their charitable giving in the future. In some cases, donors may be newly drawn to your organization’s mission—or they may …Read More