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

July 11, 2006

What nonprofit organization wouldn't appreciate receiving an unexpected bequest? Estate gifts often enable organizations to expand programs, build a new facility and/or strengthen an endowment.

An organization can significantly influence the frequency and size of these gifts by developing a planned giving program. But how do you know if your organization is ready for planned giving? Here is a three-step test:

1. Does your organization's leadership have a vision for the future?
2. Do you have committed donors who believe in your mission?
3. Can you communicate your vision for the future to those donors?

If you answered "yes" to these three questions, you should incorporate planned giving in your development program.

The amount of time devoted to developing and implementing your plan will, in large part, determine the success - or lack thereof - of your planned giving program. Before casting your net for planned gifts through wills, trusts and other means, consider these tips:

1. Your planned giving program should reflect your organization's goals, mission and personality.
2. Do not feel obligated to market every type of planned gift to your donors.
3. Establish sound policies and procedures and develop a marketing plan that is unique and beneficial to your organization.

The investment of time and resources you make in developing a well thought-out planned giving program can produce dividends for your organization far into the future. You do not want to find yourself explaining to your Board that your single largest donor just left his estate to another cause because he wasn't aware you had a planned giving program - and that you had never asked him for a planned gift.

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

"Pay attention to your planned giving donors, and don't ignore them once they have pledged their gift. The relationship begins - not ends - when they make the gift. They expect a lifetime partnership. Make them a part of all you are doing. Get them involved and build a sense of ownership. They've already bought in. Keep them informed. They are partners. Don't forget them." - Rebecca Zimmer, CFRE, National Benevolent Association (St. Louis, Mo.)

If you are 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

• "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

The Hartsook School of Consulting

Bob Hartsook, an icon and expert in the fundraising profession, has been dedicated to the education and advancement of fundraising for decades. He has offered seminars in more than 30 cities across the country, been a guest speaker for countless conferences, symposiums and classrooms, and authored six books and mountains of articles.

In November, Bob is taking training to a new level - The Hartsook School of Consulting, a fundraising executive boot camp.

Keep watching various industry publications for more information. Or, if you want to be one of the first to hear more, send an email to hsc@hartsookcompanies.com with your contact information.


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.