Sharpe Insights Articles

In the years since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 doubled the standard deduction, only a small percentage of taxpayers continue to itemize. What hasn’t diminished is Americans’ desire to support the causes and charities they believe in and that hold a special place in their hearts. As you are discussing gift options …Read More

Helping your donors create their legacies is an honor that goes beyond a dollar amount. Creating and developing strong relationships with planned giving donors requires a different mindset; gift planning often involves an older, less technologically savvy age group and may require sensitive financial discussions. Here are a few tips to help build and maintain …Read More

Though the current environment is rife with uncertainty, history reveals that Americans’ desire to give will continue for the most part unchanged, even in tough times.  Retaining existing donors may be even more important—and cost-effective—than acquiring new ones. Current donors, especially those with a long history of support, should be treated with the respect and …Read More

When I first joined Sharpe Group, I was hired primarily because of my background in creative writing. At the time, the world of planned giving was as familiar to me as brain surgery. I quickly found my footing in managing client projects and content creation, and the most rewarding part of my work was connecting …Read More

The most successful planned giving programs understand how important it is to treat their donors like family. While building meaningful relationships with planned giving donors is critical, so is careful stewardship of your nonprofit’s resources. What are some ways to treat your donors like family without breaking the bank?   1. Multi-task your travel Coordinate …Read More

Being new to planned giving can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to get you started in your new role. 1. How will you measure your success? It’s important to establish realistic goals for yourself so you can communicate these to your leadership. For instance, goals could be increasing your legacy society membership or securing …Read More

All relationships take time to grow, especially between fundraisers and donors. The best way to forge strong relationships with your donors is to meet with them face to face. While it would be ideal to personally visit with all of your best donors, budget and time constraints can make doing so impossible. For those you …Read More

Insights recently sat down with Ron Schatz, a Sharpe Group client and director of mission advancement for Bismark Diocese in Bismark, North Dakota to discuss the secret to their success: consistent planned giving messaging. Sharpe Insights: How long have you worked for the Bismarck Diocese? What is your planned giving background and other work experience? …Read More

Though thanking your donors may not be as formal a process as it once was, that doesn’t mean it is any less important. Here are some things to remember for proper planned giving etiquette when you are saying “thank you”: Timing is everything. Make a habit of thanking your donors as soon as possible after …Read More

When it comes to planned giving, showing appreciation for your donors goes a long way. 1. Personal visits. There is no better way to express appreciation for a gift, especially a large one, than meeting face-to-face with your donor. 2. Notes and phone calls. In addition to sending the acknowledgement required for tax purposes, a …Read More