Sharpe Blog

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

We would all agree that marketing is critical to planned giving. In the for-profit realm, marketing is the outbound reach to promote and sell. However, this is only 25% of the “marketing mix.” Philip Kotler, known as the “Father of Modern Marketing,” is the author of the widely accepted practice of the “4 P’s of …Read More

How many times have you left your donors a voicemail with no callback or sent an email with no response? As we seemingly become more connected through technology, are we becoming more disconnected on a personal level? Whatever the reason, it is certainly harder for fundraisers to connect with donors these days. Consider this: Just …Read More

Senior VP and Senior Consultant Joe Chickey, draws on interactions with his own parents, who are in their 90s, turning these experiences into teachable planned giving moments. Here, he explores lessons in appreciated stock. After much heartfelt discussion and thoughtful debate, my parents recently decided it was time to leave their home of 32 years …Read More

Read Part 4, “The Role of the Professional Fiduciary,” here. When I am asked if Sharpe has marketing materials designed for professional advisors, I respond with this question: “What is your goal in marketing to professional advisors?” Here’s why. If your goal in marketing to advisors is to have them suggest your organization as a …Read More

Read part three, “The Role of the Attorney,” here. The last advisor I will cover is the professional fiduciary, such as a trust officer or a financial advisor. A professional fiduciary is an individual or entity whose role it is to act in the best interests of another party, the beneficiary or client. Corporate (entity) …Read More

Read part two, “The Role of The Accountant,” here. Attorneys play a crucial role in charitable giving by providing legal guidance and expertise to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations involved in philanthropy. Though their role encompasses various aspects of charitable giving, here we will discuss their role as the donor’s advisor. Attorneys assist in developing …Read More