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Planned Giving

 NEW! Tutoring

We now offer private tutoring providing one-on-one instruction to teach you what you need to know about Planned Giving. If you are considering starting a planned giving program or need to educate fundraising staff members, this is "must have" information. Sessions cover:
  • An in-depth look at the various types of planned giving vehicles
  • Identifying your best planned giving donor prospects
  • A review of the legal and regulatory issues related to planned gifts
  • Resources required for starting a planned giving program
  • Policies and Procedures
  • How to promote planned gifts

Planned Giving Consulting Services


Customized planned giving programs and services are designed to meet the needs of each individual organization. Fees are determined by the time required and the complexity of the services requested.
Customized programs might include all or only selected services listed under "New Planned Giving Program Design" or may include other specialized services identified by the organization.

Assessment of Planned Giving Program Readiness

As a first step, many nonprofits will need an assessment of whether or not they are ready to start a new planned giving program. We can make that assessment with regard to the resources, staff, donors and Board support needed for a success program.

New Planned Giving Program Design

Organizations starting a new planned giving program or restructuring an existing program can select from a broad list of services. New planned giving program design could include all or most of the following:
  • Create or revise gift policies to incorporate planned gifts.
  • Train staff on planned giving techniques and the identification of potential planned giving donors.
  • Develop and implement a marketing program to promote planned gifts to prospective donors.
  • Write planned giving articles and donor profiles for your newsletter and other publications.
  • Prepare written proposals for prospective donors; meet with donors to explain tax and income benefits of planned gift arrangements.
  • Meet with donors' professional advisors to complete gift arrangements.
  • Establish a bequest or legacy society for planned giving donors.
  • Establish a charitable gift annuity program.
  • Meet with the Board and staff to explain how planned giving can benefit the charity's long- range fundraising plans.
  • Provide periodic Board or donor presentations to explain planned giving concepts.
  • Oversee special marketing or special event project related to planned giving donors.
  • Other agreed upon specific services.

Bequest and Legacy Society Programs

For most nonprofits, a well designed and executed bequest program provides an easy way to start a Planned Giving Program. Since bequests make up the majority of planned gifts made to charities, initiating a bequest program is also a logical way to begin. A bequest marketing program can be designed that promotes these gifts to your donors. The fee charged will be determined by the size and complexity of the program needed for the charity.

Operating an Existing Planned Giving Program

If you have an existing planned giving program, we can give you continuing operations and management support. Are you temporarily without an experienced development or planned giving officer? We can provide temporary assistance by serving as your "planned giving department." Do you have limited resources in your development department and need ongoing support for your planned giving program? We can provide extremely cost-effective expertise and offer the resources you need to staff and grow your planned giving program.

Strategies for Promoting Planned Gifts to Donors

Many organizations find that an ongoing direct mail program, providing prospective donors with information about estate and gift planning, can help educate the donor about gift alternatives. We can help your nonprofit evaluate the various types of programs and, depending on your needs, estimate the costs of an ongoing program. We can provide complete management of this program and an estimate of costs.

Planned Gift Designs, Calculations and Illustrations for Donors

Face to face meetings with donors are often necessary in order to complete a gift. When appropriate, we will meet with you and your donor and his/her advisors to help explain and illustrate the income and tax ramifications of any planned gift technique being considered.

Charitable Gift Annuity Program

When low interest rates impact the income of seniors, charitable gift annuities become very attractive because of their higher payouts. For charities with well-developed fundraising programs and in secure financial positions, charitable gift annuities may be another planned gift option to consider offering to donors. Working with the charity's legal counsel, program can be designed that includes all necessary contract, disclosure, and state requirements. If you prefer to outsource this option, we can help you find an appropriate provider for these services.

Seminars and Presentations for Boards, Staff, and Donors

We can help prepare your Board and staff for a new planned giving program by presenting the case and explaining how this new program will fit into your overall fundraising plans. We can also help educate your donors about the benefits of planned giving arrangements through personal meetings or seminars.

Capital Campaigns

Downey Associates can work with your campaign advisors to devise strategies for including planned gifts into capital campaign plan. Incorporating planned gifts into the campaign is an excellent way to allow more donors to participate in your campaign, especially if the campaign has an endowment component

Resource Development

Helping your nonprofit find the resources to continue and grow its vital programs, enhance client services, and expand when opportunities arise by attracting funding from donors and grant makers.
We understand and value the exceptional services provided by the nonprofit community. We will work in partnership with you to build capacity while honoring and supporting your unique mission.


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