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 planned gift donor relationships through a continuous stewardship program.

• Know as much about these donors as you can and keep good records.
• Discover and use the communication channels they prefer.
• Regularly remind them how their gifts will help further your mission and thank them often.
• Include personal visits and phone calls when appropriate.
• Help them clarify their gift objectives by listening for clues. ■