By Barlow T. Mann Throughout history, fundraisers have struggled to raise gifts in challenging and uncertain times, particularly in times of economic recession (see Sharpe Insights article, “The Sky Is Falling … Again! The Economics of Giving”). For those who recall the iconic hard rock band “Spinal Tap,” it is as though the amplifier has …Read More
3 Things to Include in Your Planned Giving Newsletter
By Ashley McHugh While the times have certainly changed, the approach has stayed the same. Having created content since I began at Sharpe Group in the late ’90s, there are some items I always include in a printed or digital planned giving newsletter: Keep it real with stories Including donor stories can accomplish several things: they honor …Read More
Gift Planning for Your Fiscal Year-End
By Joe Chickey For the thousands of charities that operate on fiscal rather than calendar year-ends (most commonly June 30/July 1 end and start dates), actions taken in the spring may be especially important to help ensure a strong finish. Here are some stewardship ideas for fiscal year-end gifts from both current givers and planned …Read More
The Big Engine That Could—How Philanthropy Drives Success
At a recent Environmental Roundtable meeting of CFOs, chief development officers and chief people officers, I was privileged to moderate an important discussion on the current granting environment. The group consisted of large and mid-sized nonprofits along with Lee Klumpp, national assurance director—Nonprofit and Education Practice, BDO USA LLP, who offered his expertise. Not surprisingly, one …Read More
Women and Charitable Giving
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University’s Lily School of Philanthropy has released a new report analyzing how women’s charitable giving has changed over the past two decades. The report concluded that women’s donor participation declined during the pandemic, but their average gifts increased, which could have lasting implications for charitable giving should this trend …Read More
QCDs: A Need-to-Know Basis
More and more donors are learning that using their IRAs to give to their favorite charities with a QCD is beneficial because they are making meaningful contributions while avoiding paying taxes on their IRA distributions. As your charity receives more of these types of gifts, there are some key challenges and rules to be aware …Read More
Three Truths and One Lie: Up-to-Date Data and Your ROI
Truth #1: Postage costs have increased every year. Who could have predicted a roll of Forever stamps would be equivalent to a Warren Buffet-type investment? Truth #2: Older donors with the capacity and desire to learn about a planned gift, such as a QCD or noncash gift, a charitable gift annuity or a bequest, are …Read More
What’s Good for Charities Is Good for Donors—Health Benefits of Giving
According to several studies, it appears the adage “’tis better to give than to receive” is a scientific fact. Here’s to your health In 2013, Emma Seppälä, PhD and Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE), published the article “The Compassionate Mind,” where she reported that for people who are ill, showing …Read More
You Asked for a Million Dollars … Now What?—Asking for the Major Gift
While most fundraisers are comfortable asking for the major gift, few truly have a plan for how to move forward to ensure the gift will be realized. The reality is you must sell the idea twice—first to your donor and then to their advisor, because the larger the gift, the more likely it will be …Read More
Counting Our Blessings—Sharpe Team’s Gratitude List
As Thanksgiving approaches, we asked some of the Sharpe Group team what they are thankful for. Here are some things from our gratitude list. “I am thankful for the most beautiful October weather and enduring friendships.”—Kristin Croone, Senior Consultant “I am truly grateful that our home and family are safe after Hurricane Helene! I’m also …Read More