Favorite Resources for Planned Giving
You can find lots of planned giving resources online.
My Favorite Planned Giving Resources
One of the most asked questions we get is “where can we find out more information about planned giving?” The answer is – just about anywhere! Thanks to all the content creation and webinars available there are several sources to check out depending on your level of interest, particular topic, and budget. Here are a few selected places to start your search [*this list does not constitute a recommendation of the mentioned services or content; when embarking on planned giving please do your own due diligence):
Nonprofit websites
A good place to start are other nonprofits’ websites. All you need to do is search the internet using the terms that interest you, such as “planned giving programs” or “legacy giving society” and you’ll come up with many choices to look at – here are a few to get you started: Humanity and Inclusion, God’s Love We Deliver, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. You can also go straight to other organizations that you admire to see what they have on their websites, as well as see how they are marketing planned giving to their audience.
Marketing Companies
Another free source for information is the blogs and webinars given by marketing companies that work with nonprofits. Many provide free resources in exchange for your email address. They will offer an array of topics including legacy giving or planned giving given by experts. Tip: Don’t wait for upcoming ones; you can usually access previously recorded sessions at your convenience. Some companies to check out are Bloomerang, MarketSmart and Network For Good [I have provided many over the years – you can find them a few HERE and HERE].
Community Foundations
You can likely find planned giving resources in your own backyard. Contact your local community foundation and see what planned giving resources they provide. It is their mission to support local organizations, including legacy giving efforts. They may have printed materials, live presentations or even offer 1:1 consultation to help you build your program.
Podcasts, Blogs and Books (oh my!)
You can find a lot of content to help you grow your program through podcasts, books and blogs (just like this one). While there is a lot of great content out there, be aware not every source is from an expert in planned giving and legacy giving. You want to make sure you receive information from trusted sources. Besides my blog and podcast, I also like Crescendo, and Julia Campbell.
Financial Institutions
When you need more technical information about planned giving, such as tax benefits, you can look to resources offered by financial institutions, wealth planners and CPA firms. Again, make sure you are reviewing materials from experts in their field. Some examples are HERE and HERE.
Bootcamps and Cohort Programs
Probably the best way to learn about planned giving is to join a group program. Click here for information about our signature legacy program. A program would allow you to learn the curriculum at an easily digestible pace, with support from the instructors and peer group to implement what you have learned. Longer programs (12+ months) are very effective, but if time and resources are a concern, seminar and boot camps provide a limited time and the content can tackle smaller issues and support around limited concepts of legacy giving.
Learning about planned giving is the first place to begin your journey to building out a successful program. No matter where you are in your journey there are resources for you every step of the way. If you are interested in support to build your program, contact us here for a conversation about your goals.