Sharpe Blog

I am often asked, “What is the secret to planned giving success?” My answer is always this (and it’s not a secret): “Targeted and consistent print communications.” Fundraisers have never been—nor will they ever be—able to control their donor’s timing. Globally, we can stay abreast of economic and social changes—tax laws, stock market rallies and …Read More

In the three decades I’ve spent as a marketing professional, I’ve seen many changes in how we communicate and consume information. Years ago, I worked for a local public broadcasting station during the time analog television was transitioning to digital. As P.R. director, I spent a lot of time on the phone helping viewers install …Read More

The landscape of planned giving is always changing, requiring a depth of knowledge, expertise and adaptability. In addition to being excellent relationship managers, gift planners must have knowledge of:   shifting demographics. changing tax laws. economic conditions. technological advancements. best practices, and more. When it comes to budgeting and a desire for a favorable return …Read More

Barlow’s blog is a continuation of his article “U.S. Giving Trends and Year-End” from Sharpe Insights, 2024, Issue 3. With November promising to be a busy month, it will be important to get your year-end message out early before your donors are inundated with communications about the election. Time now spent planning, cultivating, soliciting and …Read More

Over our 60+ year history, Sharpe Group has worked with thousands of nonprofit organizations of all sizes and across a multitude of missions. One thing is constant: The Sharpe team is committed to making our world a better place through our work. It is often said there is strength in numbers, and we’ve found that …Read More

In the last few years, Americans’ household wealth has continued to grow, reaching record highs driven primarily by increases in the value of corporate stock. According to Federal Reserve reports, the majority of American families have stock holdings directly or indirectly in individual stock shares or other arrangements like IRAs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Between 2010 …Read More

The numbers give us some direction: Nearly one out of every six Americans is over age 65, compared with one out of 20 in the previous century. Experts predict that in 2035 those over 65 will outnumber those under 18 for the first time in U.S. history. Every day, there are 10,000 people turning 60, …Read More

While the final months of the year are often the busiest for charities from a fundraising perspective, this year there’s going to be another focus (a presidential election) that will at best fill up your donors’ voicemail, inbox and mailbox with campaign messages and at worst distract them from making their gifts. With 2024 well …Read More

As a consultant, I am sometimes asked for assistance that requires a creative approach. Recently, a client asked me to prepare an elevator pitch for their board members. Some of their board had indicated it would be helpful to have some talking points when they were in social situations. My client and I shared a …Read More

SmartAsset’s ad reads, “We’re 62 years old with $950K in IRAs. Is it too late to convert to a Roth IRA?”  The debate relates to the individual’s income tax liability when converted and whether there is enough time to grow the account prior to potential income needs arising. How many of your donors may be …Read More