How to Start a Planned Giving Program Without a Dedicated Officer?

Many nonprofits hesitate to start a planned giving program.  It can seem overwhelming, often due to concerns about limited funds, insufficient personnel, and lack of expertise. These challenges, while common, can be addressed with strategic planning and accessible resources. By breaking the process into manageable steps and leveraging tools like online will programs, nonprofits can overcome these barriers. Approaching planned giving incrementally ensures progress without needing significant upfront investment or dedicated staff, allowing organizations of all sizes to build a sustainable program.

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What is Planned Giving and Why Does It Matter?

Planned giving involves future donations through bequests, life insurance, or retirement plans. These gifts provide long-term financial stability for your nonprofit. Therefore, understanding the different types of planned gifts will help you better communicate their value to donors. As a result, this understanding can lead to more effective donor engagement and greater success.

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Simple Strategies To Start a Planned Giving Program Without a Full-Time Officer

1. Showcase Existing Legacy Gifts

A great way to get started is by spotlighting any existing planned gifts. Additionally, share the impact these gifts have made on your organization and highlight them in your newsletters and on your website. This helps build trust and credibility. Furthermore, it gives potential donors a tangible example of the difference their gift could make.

2. Form a Legacy Society to Recognize Donors

Create a Legacy Society to honor those who have committed to leaving a bequest to your nonprofit. In addition, publicly acknowledging these gifts will inspire others to consider similar contributions. Thus, recognition creates a positive feedback loop, encouraging more individuals to pledge their support.

3. Promote Your Program Consistently

For your planned giving program to succeed, visibility is crucial. Thus, regularly promote planned giving through your website, emails, and events. Furthermore, use clear, easy-to-understand language to explain how people can leave a gift in their will. This consistent communication will ensure the program stays top of mind for donors.

4. Provide Easy-to-Use Resources

Develop simple printed materials that explain the steps for including your organization in a will. These materials should be concise, giving potential donors everything they need to get started. In addition, ensure these resources are easily accessible on your website and at events.

5. Build Relationships with Estate Attorneys

While you don’t need to be an expert in estate planning, it’s helpful to have an estate attorney on hand for guidance. In fact, this professional can assist when a donor is ready to make a planned gift. Moreover, estate attorneys can offer advice on making the process as smooth as possible for your donors.

6. Stay Engaged and Consistent

Building a successful planned giving program requires long-term commitment. Therefore, keep engaging with potential donors through regular updates, highlighting new gifts, and ensuring your planned giving materials are up to date. As a result, this ongoing engagement will help maintain donor interest and participation.

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Enhance Your Planned Giving Program with The U.S. Will Registry’s Planned Legacy Program

Integrating The U.S. Will Registry’s Planned Legacy Program into your planned giving strategy is a game-changer. This secure, centralized platform helps you track planned gifts and honor the wishes of donors who have included your organization in their will.

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Benefits of Offering Free Online Wills

Providing donors with a free will through your nonprofit does more than meet a practical need; it strengthens their connection to your mission. Furthermore, this approach engages donors in a way that shows your commitment to their personal and family well-being. This gesture fosters goodwill and strengthens emotional ties, making donors feel like valued partners in your organization’s mission.

In addition, our platform gently encourages donors to consider leaving a legacy gift to your nonprofit during the will-making process. Studies show that 34% of donors who create a will through a nonprofit include a charitable bequest. As a result, these gifts are often transformational, with an average bequest of $41,000.

Moreover, offering a free online will leads to higher donor retention and increased contributions. Research indicates that donors who create a will with a nonprofit are 75% more likely to increase their future contributions, both in frequency and amount.

In addition, the Planned Legacy Program allows you to customize the will-making page to reflect your nonprofit’s branding. This ensures a seamless experience for donors, keeping your mission at the forefront of their decision-making.

Finally, this solution is accessible and cost-effective. It eliminates the traditional barriers of high costs and legal complexity, making it available to nonprofits of all sizes.

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How It Works

Customized Online Will Pages

First, nonprofits receive a personalized landing page to host the will-making tool, ensuring a professional and trustworthy presentation.

Legacy Giving Integration

Next, during the process, donors are encouraged to consider leaving a legacy gift to your organization, which ensures that your mission remains top of mind.

Secure and User-Friendly Platform

Finally, donors can create legally binding wills in minutes using an intuitive, secure platform designed for ease and clarity.

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Transform Your Fundraising Potential

The U.S. Will Registry’s Planned Legacy Program equips nonprofits with the tools needed to inspire lasting support. By leveraging this platform, you can build enduring relationships, secure transformational gifts, and ensure the longevity of your mission.

Start your journey toward sustainable legacy giving today. Let’s work together to empower your donors and create a brighter future for your nonprofit.

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Why Your Nonprofit Should Invest to Start a Planned Giving Program Now

Starting a planned giving program today can provide financial benefits for years to come. As a result, it strengthens your organization’s future and ensures that you have the resources necessary to continue your mission. By leveraging tools like The U.S. Will Registry’s Planned Giving Program, you can streamline the process and reduce the challenges associated with planned giving.

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Conclusion: The Importance of a Thoughtful and Proactive Planned Giving Strategy

Incorporating planned giving into your nonprofit’s strategy doesn’t require a full-time officer. With clear messaging, consistent communication, and resources like The U.S. Will Registry’s Planned Legacy program, you can successfully launch and manage a planned giving program. Start today and ensure a brighter future for your organization, all while honoring the legacy of your donors.

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