Planned Giving & Legacy

The most meaningful gifts aren’t given out of impulse—they’re reserved for those who’ve earned lasting trust. If your organization hasn’t shown it’s built for the long term, don’t expect to be remembered when it matters most. Donors don’t leave legacies to nonprofits scrambling to survive. They choose the ones that act like they belong in the future. If your message ends with “we need help,” you’ve already lost. The real question is: Are you worthy?

Most will tools are built for transactions, not legacies. LegacyPlanner™ redefines estate planning by integrating it into the donor journey—educating, inspiring, and deepening engagement along the way. It’s not just about creating documents; it’s about creating impact. As philanthropy evolves, so must our tools. LegacyPlanner™ offers a glimpse into how estate planning can become a central part of donor-centric fundraising strategies.

The planned giving community has lost two giants—Roger Schoenhals and Lindsay Lapole—whose contributions shaped the profession for generations. Roger, founder of Planned Giving Today, provided invaluable insights into the practice of planned giving, while Lindsay’s leadership at the ACGA strengthened governance and education in charitable gift annuities. Their legacies live on through the professionals they mentored and the programs they established. In recent years, we also lost Deb Ashton and Robert Sharpe—both dear to my heart and pillars of our field.

You do not have much time. Over the next fifteen years, Baby Boomers will pass along a staggering $84 trillion to their heirs and to the causes they care about—an incredible $12 trillion of which could land in nonprofit coffers. Is your organization ready to claim its share of this once-in-a-generation opportunity? Setting up a planned giving program doesn’t just secure your mission’s future; it also boosts your nonprofit career. Keep reading to find out why planned giving is the key to unlocking lasting financial stability, deeper donor connections, and valuable leadership opportunities in the sector.

Did you know giving to charity can save you money on taxes while making a real difference? Surprisingly, fewer than 40% of wealthy retirees know about tools like Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) that help them give smarter. If you’re 70½ or older, QCDs let you donate directly from your IRA, lowering your taxable income and helping you meet Required Minimum Distributions to avoid penalties. DAFs, on the other hand, offer flexibility to donate now, decide later, and even grow your contributions tax-free. Learn how these strategies can work together to maximize your impact and align your giving with your goals.

Thirty years ago, I said goodbye to Thora, my loyal Norwegian Elkhound, as she gave me one last, loving lick—a silent goodbye that still lingers in my heart. Pets teach us unconditional love, but their time with us is far too short, leaving behind lessons in loyalty and the need to plan ahead. From my Yorkie Chloe’s antics to my sister’s legacy fund for UC Davis Veterinary School, I’ve seen how planning can turn love into lasting impact. Pets enrich our lives, but their care—and the inevitable heartbreak—require foresight. Let’s honor their love by preparing for both their joy and their loss.

Rather than fixating on the ultra-wealthy, whose financial maneuvers dominate headlines but offer limited societal impact, we should shift focus to wealthy retirees—a much larger, reachable group navigating real financial challenges. These individuals, who have diligently saved through 401(k)s and IRAs, face issues like managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and effective estate planning. Tools such as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) provide retirees with opportunities to reduce taxes, secure their legacies, and amplify their philanthropic impact. By engaging this demographic with proven strategies, fundraisers can foster meaningful giving that benefits both families and communities, driving scalable and lasting change.