Why a planned giving program

David Heetland, author of the book Creating Generous Congregations, says churches would more commonly receive sizable bequests if they put in place well-defined planned giving programs. He outlines six ways that planned giving can benefit a congregation and its members. Of those who do have wills, around 95 percent are not including charitable bequests. Why is this such a neglected area in church giving programs?

Church leaders are terribly shortsighted not to have a planned giving program in place and to promote it regularly. The benefits of such a program are many. Many churches find they have to focus so much time and attention on meeting the annual budget and conducting occasional capital campaigns that little enthusiasm is shown for considering a planned giving program.

Also, many churches do not engage in long-range planning but focus instead on the immediate future. Planned giving is not seen as a viable solution to short-term needs. Because planned gift income seems like such a distant possibility, it rarely receives priority attention. Some church leaders regard planned giving as an option only for the wealthy.

These leaders think that a planned giving program would have little appeal in their congregation; therefore, they see no need to promote it. Some church leaders simply feel embarrassed or uncomfortable in suggesting that the church should encourage planned gifts. The fact of the matter, however, is that none of these are legitimate reasons for neglecting a planned giving program. Those who have been faithful in their giving throughout their lifetime can continue to make a witness at the time of death.

And according to Blackbaud, which makes software for nonprofits, Baby Boomers are responsible for And if that funding basket gets dropped, it will be hard — perhaps impossible — to recover from the mess. Consider this: After the Great Recession, the number of charities seeking bankruptcy protection rose considerably.

Such a move was once rare for nonprofits; they were far more likely to just fade into obscurity when faced with financial hardship. Today, though, bankruptcy protection is an accepted practice for charities. A comprehensive, planned giving strategy can guide your nonprofit through the rough waters.

It can be a life preserver for times when sources of one-time charitable gifts are sinking. Planned giving can ensure a consistent, long-term source of funding, and maintaining focus on that revenue stream can help smooth the waves in the future. Importance of Planned Giving. Planned Giving Websites. Planned Giving Postcards. Planned Giving Brochures. Planned Giving in a Box. Then read these 10 reasons you need to pursue planned gifts and why you need to stop deferring the deferred :.

Viken is available for speaking engagements on planned giving marketing, personal development and time management at viken. Learn how Viken got into planned giving. Connect with Viken on LinkedIn. Your email address will not be published. Because planned gifts are gifts from the heart. Donors making gifts through their wills typically increase their annual support.