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If there’s one thing that’s certain about the future, it’s that we simply don’t know how the economy will perform in 2024. While some experts suggest we are headed for a recession, others are predicting resilience in the short term. At this point, the smartest approach to take may be “plan for the worst and …Read More
In 2024, I would like to see every small development department initiate a strategy to solicit planned gifts from their donors. In the era of the intergenerational wealth transfer, a planned giving program must be given urgent priority status! If you are not marketing planned giving to your donors, you can count on the fact …Read More
Over the last 12 months, my clients have shared concerns about continued economic challenges. Current giving has declined as the stock market struggles and inflation has increased. Higher education especially faces the unique challenge of how to provide the best education in the decades ahead at an affordable price for all students. More hospitals have …Read More
Why do people give? When do people give? We can talk about the stock market, tax rates, various giving vehicles, but the answer is … People give because they are asked. Relationship building is one of the best aspects of a fundraiser’s job. Keeping up with your donors and their passions is at the heart …Read More
Just like Indiana Jones was advised, it’s important to “choose wisely” when it comes to making professional resolutions for the New Year. Many factors can play a role in determining how to best allocate time and resources. To make the most of 2024, here are a few suggestions that should be part of your checklist …Read More
Origin Story The original use of the term “blended gifts” can be found in a presentation Robert Sharpe Jr. made at the Partners in Philanthropic Giving national conference in Anaheim in 1995. As the focal point of the presentation entitled “How Will the Baby Boomers Boom?”, he noted that the first baby boomers were approaching …Read More
As reported in Giving USA, the Fundraising Effectiveness Project and other studies, total charitable giving in America was down in 2022. The most recent Fundraising Effectiveness Project report for the first quarter of 2023 indicates that many of the conditions impacting charitable giving last year continued into 2023. As fundraisers, this news is probably not …Read More
In a perfect world, every piece of snail mail and email you send would be going to your most committed and receptive prospects. While this may seem impossible to achieve, there are some tried-and-true steps you can take to ensure you are making the most of every marketing dollar. Step 1: Know Your Donors. …Read More
A few weeks ago, I had a very interesting interaction outside of work that reinforces Sharpe Group’s philosophy of the importance of relationship building with long-term donors. After learning how we work closely with nonprofit organizations, my new acquaintance explained that she recently had an unpleasant experience with one of her favorite charities. She was …Read More
Planned Gift Defined: planned gift /’plænd gift/ n. A planned gift is any gift of any kind for any amount given for any purpose—operations, capital expansion or endowment—whether given currently or deferred, if the assistance of a professional staff person, qualified volunteer or the donor’s advisors is necessary to complete the gift. In addition, it …Read More