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Though planned giving professionals don’t need to be tax experts, it is important to be conversational in some of the financial and estate planning terminology and gift planning concepts. Find out how much you know and maybe learn something new! 1. Administration expenses are costs necessarily incurred in which of the following? Commissions. Attorney’s fees….
Effective Dec. 24, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) clarified that a postmark generally reflects when mail is processed at a USPS facility, not when it is dropped off or accepted. This change may affect whether mailed tax documents are considered timely filed. The IRS applies a strict mailbox rule, relying on the postmark date…
The oldest Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) are celebrating their 80th birthdays this year! What is the best way to communicate planned giving information with this “graying” group? Print! Look to the Sharpe Gift Planning Matrix® when you plan your target marketing. For the wealthy boomers: Noncash gifts (appreciated securities, collections and real estate), QCDs, DAFs,…
By Bob Mims, CPA, CGMA One of my favorite scenes from Schitt’s Creek is when Moira Rose is trying to teach her son, David, to cook a family favorite. When the recipe called for “folding in the cheese,” David was baffled and inquired what that meant. Moira, who has no idea, continues to say, “You…
And now, for something fun. March has a lot to celebrate. Did you know these March facts? The Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, was signed on March 1, 1872, making it the first national park in the U.S. National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day is celebrated on March 1. Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the…
Donor advised funds are the fastest growing form of philanthropy in the US. While there are still a relatively small number of DAFs—fewer than 2 million accounts—they can make a significant impact with nearly $250 billion in assets. According to the Annual DAF Report 2025 published by the DAF Research Collaborative (DAFRC): Baby Boomers…
On Sunday, March 8, we woke up to the start of Daylight Savings Time, bringing us much-needed additional hour of sunlight and longer days. Now that we all have extra “time,” it’s the perfect opportunity to review to evaluate planned giving program and determine the effectiveness of your processes. How would you answer these questions?…
In applying the concept of generation-based marketing to the world of planned giving, some lessons can be borrowed from Madison Avenue. A good place to start is to try to understand the events that helped shape and define a particular generation. Acknowledging or referencing a former mission while connecting your current mission can be an…
In late 2025, Bradley Heppner, former CEO and board chairman of GWG Holdings, Inc., was indicted on multiple federal counts, including securities fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy. The Government alleged a massive scheme wherein Heppner defrauded investors of over $150 million through complex, undisclosed and self-serving transactions involving entities under his control. Following the indictment,…
Black cats crossing your path, not walking under ladders, avoiding the number 13 … these are some of the most common “bad luck” superstitions. Here are a few more you may not have heard of: Don’t let your purse touch the ground. Avoid the number four—it’s unlucky. Don’t step on a manhole cover. Don’t…