Searching for a specific article? Access every article since 1997 to find what you’re looking for.
You may have a list of your personal New Year’s resolutions—eat better, exercise, find joy. We have some resolutions for your planned giving program. 1. More for you? Those of us who work in fundraising generally consider ourselves and our compensation middle class. The tax legislation passed last year not only avoided tax increases for…
On January 1, 2026, most of the provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act took effect. This legislation that was passed last summer extended the prior tax laws that were scheduled to “sunset” at the end of 2025 and added and modified additional provisions to benefit millions of seniors, children, working families and those…
Print marketing can be a significant investment. Here are some important tips to make sure your printed communications make an impact. Maximize your budget dollars by updating your donor data (age, wealth, marital status, deceased append, etc.). This will save you money on both printing and postage while allowing you to focus your time on…
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces changes related to charitable giving that take effect for the 2026 tax year: A Universal Deduction for Non-Itemizers. Tax filers taking the standard deduction will enjoy a universal deduction of $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers). Contributions must be made in cash. Contributions to donor advised funds are…
Many of America’s leading charitable organizations were created and funded because of generous outright gifts, bequests and life income gifts, long before the modern federal income tax was created in 1913, the estate tax in 1917 and the federal gift tax in 1935. While our tax system continues to include incentives to encourage philanthropy, we…
When it comes to planned giving marketing, there needs to be a combination of art and science in your approach. The art relies on your ability to “tell your story” (i.e., convey your mission needs) and build/sustain donor relationships. The science depends on knowing the makeup of your donor and prospect files, which can determine…
The last five years have been full of uncertainty for nonprofits, to say the least. The pandemic caused most activities to grind to a halt, particularly affecting in-person fundraising events and the arts. Some organizations shut down permanently. Just as things were settling into a new normal, 2025 brought new challenges for many organizations with…
As you are having those last-minute conversations with donors for December giving, here are a few ideas to help them make the most of their 2025 charitable gifts. Gifts of cash are convenient and easy to complete, whether made by mailing a check or giving online using a credit card or electronic transfer. With the…
Sharpe Group has published many articles and blog posts over the years expressing the importance of and offering tips for thanking donors. It’s that important. Here are some do’s and don’ts that may help you in sharing your appreciation. Do acknowledge all gifts promptly. While gifts of larger amounts usually require a personal visit in addition…
In this digital age, email communication is convenient, quick and efficient. However, for most planned and major gift donors, there’s still something special about receiving a well-thought-out card, note or letter in the mail. Here are some tips for crafting the perfect correspondence. What’s in a name The appropriate salutation depends on how well you…