Planned Giving Team Annual Check List

Your organization’s mission is more than a statement. In fact, stop calling it a statement. Your mission should not describe the organization, rather it defines the results the organization seeks to achieve.

How you operationalize your gift processing will depend on your staff and database system. There are best practices around separation of duties when documenting money and how quickly you send out a formal acknowledgment letter. The document above will outline all these considerations.

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights

The core values of your organization are the boundaries in which must exist. These are the beliefs you hold most dear. The absolute truths for your organization.

Example Mission Statements

Relationships are key to fundraising, but how can you know everyone in your database?  A wealth screen is a tool that provides far more than just capacity information.  At it's core a wealth screen allows those responsible for development to deepen their relationships with donors.

Board members and employees are prohibited from receiving gifts, fees, loans, or favors from suppliers, contractors, consultants, or financial agencies, which obligate or induce the board member or employee to compromise responsibilities to negotiate, inspect or audit, purchase, or award contracts with the best interest of __[org]__ in mind.

I particularly recognize the sensitivity of information regarding capital decisions, real estate purchases, decisions regarding closures, mergers, personnel issues, and other strategic plans that may have an impact on __[org]__'s competitive position relative to other organizations.

This is a great evaluation tool to use with your staff, key volunteers, and board members. Have each of them, or a select group of them complete the evaluation and then discuss the results together. You will each see things a little differently and that knowledge will be helpful in making real changes and improve in giving to your organization.

Using a gift intent card or form, especially for legacy gifts, can help provide clarity from the donor about their wishes. Because the donor will not be alive to speak about their wishes when the gift is realized, an intent form can help ensure you honor them. It can help the organization plan its budget, and it helps maintain institutional knowledge. Here is a sample you can download and adapt for your own organization.

Keeping your Board of Directors healthy and engaged begins with clear expectations. As a rule, board members want to do well and contribute to the mission of the organization. Offering a comprehensive orientation that sets clear expectations and then an annual follow up to allow for accountability can help move board members toward giving their very best. Use the attached document as is or adapt it for your purposes.

The letter below is an actual acknowledgment from a client that is story based. When you use a story in your appeal letter, you can match the acknowledgment letter to reflect that and reinforce that their gift transforms lives.

As we continue to navigate the realities of the pandemic, 90%??? of our revenue now comes from the generosity of camp friends like you. You have been a generous supporter of the ministry in the past, and your gift of $200, $100 or even $500 during this time will serve to create that sense of safety and belonging that campers so desperately need right now after all the isolation. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Fundraising, as congregations currently do it, is labor intensive and does not bring joy. In fact, a major reason for staff burnout is that congregations don’t adequately fund its ministry with young people, and they have to rely on special fundraising with high investment and low return. There is a better way. Fundraising can align with our ministry goals and can return significant resources, strengthening our ministry.

The 10 commandments of church councils.

Few congregations have up-to-date written job descriptions for paid staff members let alone volunteer leadership board members. Without clear expectations, board members can easily fail to live up to expectations. Anxiety rises with uncertainty and the board does not function well.

Having a code of ethics can help inform board members of expectations and give you the grounding to accountability. This is a great sample to get you started in shaping your own code of ethics for your organization. Have members sign this at the start of their term and review it on an annual or quarterly basis when you gather.

Helping guide our youth in our congregations to raise money to attend a national youth gathering can teach them valuable skills and help the congregation participate in their growth and faith formation. In this post, you will find a growing collection of resources to support their efforts.

The Governing Board is a single body that only has authority as a whole. No individual member, regardless of position or title, has individual authority outside of the Governing Board meetings. After decisions are made, the Governing Board speaks as one body, not as individuals.