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While Giving USA’s Annual Report on Philanthropy is the oldest and most followed report on the nation’s philanthropic activities, it has been joined by several other fundraising reports in recent years, including the Fundraising Effectiveness Project report, sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Foundation for Philanthropy and GivingTuesday, and the Trends in Giving …Read More
Welcome to the Sharpe Book Club!! Mindfulness and meditation have become popular over the last decade or so, with classes available online. Apps and products to help focus the mind and calm the spirit are being introduced seemingly daily. However, I hadn’t connected the practice of meditation to gift planning until I read Alexandra Brovey’s …Read More
As America’s population ages, it’s important to understand who is—and will be—driving philanthropy. Each generational cohort brings different capacities, motivations and timelines for giving, making strategic segmentation essential for long‑term fundraising success. A closer look at the generations Greatest Generation (or GI Generation)—Born before 1928 and now in their late 90s and older, this group …Read More
Some things never change. Just like cookouts, pool time and fireworks on the 4th of July, planning your year-end marketing strategy is a summer tradition. The two publications mentioned above aren’t available anymore, but we’ve got seven new year-end titles to choose from, and all have special pricing until Aug. 31. We’ve even added some …Read More
[ ] Do you have a plan for adequate staff coverage through the end of the business day on Dec. 31, which is a Thursday this year? [ ] Do you have clear and easy-to-follow internal procedures for last-minute gifts? [ ] Do you have language for acknowledgment letters and thank-you notes? [ ] For …Read More
The last quarter of the year doesn’t have to become a choice between encouraging year-end gifts and promoting planned gifts. In fact, the two concepts can co-exist. Use planned giving inserts in year-end gift receipts and donor acknowledgments. A “thank you” rather than an “ask” offers an excellent opportunity to suggest ways to make planned …Read More
2026 could turn out to be another banner year for gifts of stocks and other appreciated securities. Many of these gifts will be received in the closing weeks or days of the year and must be completed for tax purposes, so it pays to be prepared to handle these transactions. Here are some things to …Read More
Whether or not you follow a fiscal year for budgeting purposes, your donors are looking at the traditional calendar when they are considering their charitable giving. It’s the last three months of the year when the majority of gifts are made. Considerations for successful year-end fundraisers: Know who you are communicating with. Plan strategies to …Read More
As a gift planning officer, it’s important to understand the basic tax and financial benefits from well-planned gifts so you can help motivated donors make the most of their charitable gifts at year-end. Keep in mind: The availability of the universal deduction. As a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, there is a …Read More
The generation following the Baby Boomers, Generation X, is poised to be an important fundraising prospect. They were born between 1965 and 1980. Because both parents worked and they came home to empty houses after school, Gen X is frequently called the “latchkey generation.” There are around 65 million Gen Xers in the U.S. They …Read More