Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

April 18, 2006

Part Two: To Whom Much is Given

While the April 4 issue of Strategies for Success explored the changing forecasts of inheritances and the impact assisted living, rising healthcare costs and longer life expectancies will have on the amount of wealth passing from one generation to the next, today's issue will delve into the practical application of this information.

As you visit with current or prospective donors regarding an estate gift to your organization, consider these tips:

• Be sensitive to the donor's personal situation. This demonstrates that you not only have your organization's best interest at heart, but also those who give to it. Remember that a family's needs always come before any request your organization might submit to the donor.
  
  
• Welcome every opportunity to involve the donor's children - invite them to participate in your visit. Embrace this opportunity to get to know the children and to educate them on your organization's mission.
  
  
• If a donor has verbalized plans to include your organization in their estate plans, encourage children to ask questions and make sure they are aware of the impact their parents have had as donors to your organization.
  
  
• Listen respectfully if a donor expresses concerns regarding how his/her children will manage the wealth they will receive upon the donor's death. You may reflect upon your own views, but it may be best to simply lend a listening ear.

The more informed and comfortable you become about this sensitive topic, the better ambassador you will be for your organization while visiting with prospective estate donors.

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Every year or so we have luncheons for the major attorneys, trust officers and accountants in town - a separate function for each firm. Our President and Foundation Executive Director update them on college and foundation happenings. One person in each firm is our contact person to help set up the event. That person is the contact when we follow up and deliver our College/Foundation Annual Reports. We ask these contacts to place the annual reports in the reception areas for their clients in hopes that discussions about tax savings, estate planning and charitable gifts include us." - Harry I. Harelik ,The McLennan Community College Foundation (Waco, Texas)

If you're interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link: http://www.asrpublishing.com
• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union
• "Another Two Dozen Best Practices and Great Ideas^SM," a special edition which features suggestions from 24 Hartsook Companies consultants
• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.