In this special edition of Sharpe Insights, we bring you some essential tips for a successful fundraising strategy. Read the full issue here.
Even though many organizations and institutions follow a fiscal year for budgeting purposes, your donors are looking at the calendar when they are considering their charitable giving. Here are some “best practices” from successful year-end fundraisers.
1. You’ve got to know your donors. Consider targeting certain groups based on age, wealth and gift history who can make gifts such as:
- QCDs or gifts from DAFs.
- Stocks, cryptocurrency or other valuable property.
- Life income arrangements.
2. Encourage gifts of securities. Remind donors looking for the best ways to give that gifts of appreciated securities and other assets can yield special tax benefits whether or not donors itemize their tax deductions. Inform those who have appreciated securities that it may be best to make gifts using those assets and use their cash to diversify their investments or rebalance their portfolios.
3. Encourage repeat gifts and additional contributions. Keep in contact with those who have already completed gift annuities, trusts and other irrevocable deferred gifts. They can be among your best candidates for new gifts. Also keep in mind that some donors may no longer need the income that attracted them to a particular gift plan in the past and could in some cases redirect a portion of income being produced or partially or fully terminate the gift plan before the end of their lifetime.
4. Treat yourself. Plan now for any training or development you or your staff may need in the coming year. Conversational knowledge about gift plans is an integral component to a successful planned giving program. The Sharpe Charitable Giving SUMMIT is a top-rated training opportunity for gift planners who take an integrated, donor-centered approach to fund development. There are options to attend in January, both in person in Orlando and virtually. ■
Sharpe Group has tools to help you encourage year-end gifts. Click here to learn more.
