Planned Giving Tools and Resources

Access essential tools and resources to streamline your planned giving efforts and support your organization’s long-term success.

Image of money jars with plants growing out of them

Equipping your organization with the right tools and resources is essential for successfully managing and promoting your planned giving program. These tools can streamline your processes, enhance communication with donors, and provide valuable insights that drive better outcomes. This page will explore the essential tools and resources that can support your planned giving efforts and help you achieve your goals.

Donor Management Software

A robust donor management system (DMS) is crucial for tracking interactions with your supporters, managing donor data, and analyzing giving patterns. Look for a DMS that offers features specifically designed for planned giving, such as tracking bequest intentions, managing complex gift agreements, and generating reports on planned giving metrics. This will help you stay organized and make informed decisions about your program.

Planned Giving Calculators

Planned giving calculators are powerful tools that allow donors to explore the financial benefits of different types of planned gifts. These calculators can show potential tax savings, income projections, and the impact of their gift on your organization. Providing access to these tools on your website or through personalized donor consultations can help donors make informed decisions and increase their confidence in making a planned gift.

Educational Materials, Sample Documents & Templates

Buried in Work offers a range of customizable educational materials and sample documents to support your planned giving program. These resources not only inform and educate your donors but also simplify the process of formalizing their intentions. Our offerings include:

  • Planned Giving Brochures and Guides: Professionally designed brochures and guides that explain the benefits of planned giving, the types of gifts available, and how they support your organization’s mission.
  • Outreach Templates: Ready-to-use email templates, letters, and social media posts to help you effectively communicate with your donors about planned giving opportunities.
  • Explainer Videos: Engaging videos that break down complex planned giving concepts into easy-to-understand content, perfect for sharing with potential donors.
  • CLEAR Kits: An all-in-one toolkit designed to help donors organize and document their estate information, making it easier for their loved ones and ensuring that their legacy is preserved. The CLEAR Kit includes binders, instructional guides, and key documents to streamline the estate planning process.
  • Estate Summary Worksheet: A comprehensive worksheet that helps donors organize their estate information, ensuring all key details are documented and easily accessible.
  • Final Resting Place Worksheet: A guide to help donors plan their final arrangements, offering peace of mind and clarity for their loved ones.
  • Ask Three Questions: A resource that prompts critical conversations about what happens to accounts and policies after someone passes away, who is authorized to manage them, and what benefits are available to beneficiaries.
  • End-of-Life Checklist: A step-by-step checklist to help donors and their families navigate end-of-life planning with confidence and clarity.
  • Advanced Directives: Templates and guides to assist donors in documenting their healthcare wishes and appointing a healthcare proxy.
  • One More Story Card Game: An innovative card game designed to spark meaningful conversations about life, legacy, and end-of-life wishes among families and loved ones.

These resources are designed to make planned giving more accessible and less daunting for your donors, ultimately helping you secure more commitments and deepen relationships.

Training and Professional Development

Investing in training for your staff is essential to building a successful planned giving program. Look for opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on planned giving, estate planning, and fundraising strategies. Providing ongoing professional development ensures that your team stays current with industry trends and best practices, enabling them to better serve your donors and manage your program.

Planned Giving Marketing Resources

Effectively promoting your planned giving program requires a strategic marketing approach. Utilize marketing resources such as email templates, social media graphics, and website banners to raise awareness about planned giving opportunities. Additionally, consider creating a dedicated section on your website that highlights planned giving options, donor stories, and ways to get involved. These resources can help you reach a wider audience and inspire more supporters to consider planned giving.

Legal and Financial Resources

Navigating the legal and financial aspects of planned giving can be complex, but having access to the right resources can make it easier. Develop relationships with legal and financial advisors who can provide guidance on gift agreements, tax implications, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Additionally, consider offering your donors referrals to trusted professionals who can assist them with their estate planning needs.

Impact Reporting Tools

Demonstrating the impact of planned gifts is important for maintaining donor trust and encouraging future giving. Utilize impact reporting tools to track and communicate the outcomes of planned gifts, such as funding specific projects, building endowments, or supporting ongoing programs. Sharing these results with donors and their families can reinforce the value of their contributions and strengthen their connection to your organization.

Get Started Today

Ready to take the next step? Let us help you create a tailored planned giving strategy that aligns with your organization’s mission and goals.

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