Asking for donations is intimidating on its own. Doubling it with wills and bequest letters? Cringe-worthy. But in this 20th episode of the Nonprofit Hubcast, guest Tony Martignetti tells us it doesn’t have to be. With the right tips and a solid plan, you can set up a planned giving program today.

Martignetti talks about planned giving being a scary topic. Nonprofits tend to put off planned giving because it seems complicated. When we think of planned giving, so often we think of lawyers, accountants, legal documents, research and all of the things that sound time consuming and expensive. But setting up your first planned giving effort can be relatively smooth and painless with the right direction.

Three Steps of Planned Giving

The first step is research. You need to be informed. Do some basic research on what planned giving is (look at you, you’re already completing step one!)

The second step is writing.Writing never goes out of style. So it's important to get to it. Draft a little blurb explaining why people should remember your organization. We’re talking 4-5 sentences with your name, tax ID and address. Now that your planned giving program is off the ground and running, it's time to get it out there.

The third step is to publish. Create a page on your website for planned giving or make a flyer or a colorful brochure with all the information about just how easy it is for donors to get involved. Anything that gets the word out.

Planned giving is not as scary as it may seem, and it doesn't have to be hard. A lot of people think that you're talking about death when it comes to planned giving but the truth is that it's about leaving a legacy and being part of something bigger.

In this episode of the Hubcast, we sat down with Community Relations Director for the Philadelphia Eagles, Julie Hirshey.

We covered everything from philanthropy in sports to corporate philanthropy and the implications corporations have on smaller nonprofits.

Learn more about Julie and Eagles Care at http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/community/

Randy sat down with Kishshana Palmer, nonprofit consultant extraordinaire out of New York to discuss what you should consider before starting a nonprofit.

From the alternative options available to you, to determining your why and your what, Randy and Kishshana dug deep to help people solve problems in their community, whether it’s via a nonprofit organization or for-profit entity.

Nobody wants to be the person that can’t do something. But sometimes, that’s what is necessary to ensure that you’ll keep your sanity. There’s only so much time in the day, and you’re only one person. Our panelists talked about the importance of saying “no,” and the best ways to do that. They also shared their thought on taking personal time away from the office, and when you should just ignore that email in your work account.

Featured music from Hear Nebraska — a Nebraska nonprofit dedicated to meaningfully connecting and engaging fans, artists and communities through music journalism, education and events.

If you missed Cause Camp, then here's a chance to get a glimpse at what you missed. Hosted by the Fundraising Coach Marc A. Pitman, this panel includes Tom Ahern, John Haydon, John Rood & Steven Stattuck.

Hop into this great panel discussion ranging from nonprofit marketing, donor relations and much more.

Thanks to our sponsors Reward Volunteers. Visit rewardvolunteers.coop for more.

Check out more Bernardus at bernardusmusic.com

Sheena Greer likes words. She likes them so much, she won't mince them when it comes to communicating with donors.

....and neither should you.

Hop in with the conversation and see why it pays to be direct with donors.

Just like Seal, we've been touched by a Rose, Robert Rose that is.

Robert Rose is the Chief Strategy Officer for the Content Marketing Institute and a senior contributing consultant for Digital Clarity Group. So he knows his stuff.

Listen in on an amazing conversation of developing and feeding the content marketing machine for your nonprofit.

Intro music: Bernardus - "Made Up Your Mind" (bernardusmusic.com)

Featured artist: AZP - "Maria" (goazp.bandcamp)

For more, visit Hear Nebraska (hearnebraska.org)

Susan Boyle isn't the only one to dream a dream.

We got the chance to talk to the all-around amazing Dan Pallotta in this week's Hubcast. Dan chats with us about his TED talk "The Dream We Haven't Dared to Dream" and how nonprofits should perform to meet their potential.

It's an inspirational discussion that will invigorate and inspire to do more.

Check out hearnebraska.org for more local artists.

Intro - Bernardus "Made Up Your Mind" (bernardusmusic.com)

Outro - A Ferocious Jungle Cat "C-Monster" (aferociousjunglecat.bandcamp.com)

Special thanks to our sponsor DipJar. Check out more at nphub.org/dipjar

Check out Cause Camp at www.cause.camp

Just like Kelly Clarkson, Lori Jacobwith is on the search for a 'moment like this'...a mission moment that is. Jump into our conversation with Lori as we discover what is a mission moment, engaging board and staff and just being passionate about what you're doing.

Like the unwavering courage of Jon Snow, Vu Le stands up for what he believes is right. And makes fun of nonprofits while teaching them how to be better.

Join our conversation with Vu as we sift through earned revenue, growing your audience and creativity in the sector.

Intro by Bernardus "Made Up Your Mind"

Outro by Kait Berreckmann "Night Owl"

For more Nebraska artists, check out HearNebraska.org.