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A few ideas for year-end planned gifts

By October 21, 2014July 6th, 2022Steier Tips

It’s time. As we enter the homestretch of the year, charitable organizations are turning their focus to year-end giving strategies. Often overlooked during this time are opportunities to present specific (sometimes creative) charitable gift planning ideas. Your donors are making plans to review their estates with accountants, attorneys and financial advisors – now is the season to educate them and present opportunities for gifts in wills, charitable trusts, life insurance policies or other deferred giving methods. Here are some ideas to enhance the marketing of planned gifts as the year comes to a close:

  • Send a Thanksgiving Day note of appreciation to all the members of your legacy society. If you don’t have a legacy society, start one.
  • Host an estate planning and charitable giving dinner and seminar.
  • Send a postcard or letter reminding your most engaged donors about the advantages of giving appreciated securities.
  • Invite your strongest supporters and friends to an end-of-year lunch and highlight your organization’s accomplishments. Distribute gift planning brochures and have a donor provide a testimonial explaining why they chose to remember you in their will.

In addition to these strategies, it is important to stay alert for a possible opportunity to market IRA rollover gifts to your donors age 70½ and older. Currently, the IRA rollover is not available. But there is a possibility that Congress will pass legislation and allow donors age 70½ and older to make a tax-free donation from their IRAs. Position yourself so that you are ready to market this attractive gift planning opportunity. Take the time to draft a letter or brochure so that if legislation changes, you’re ready to inform your donors and help them make this important planned giving decision.

If you have any questions regarding the best practices when it comes to thanking those who make a difference in your organization’s mission or the professional services provided by the Steier Group, I encourage you to contact me at any time.