In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes Christopher Beck, CAP, Principal Gift Advisor at ALSAC/St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, to demystify the complexities of planned gift fundraising. Often seen as daunting and overly technical, planned giving involves helping donors consider their legacy while navigating tax and estate planning strategies. Christopher shares insights on how fundraisers can overcome these challenges by focusing on relationships, listening for donor cues, and fostering meaningful conversations about long-term philanthropic impact.

A central theme of the discussion is the collaborative nature of planned giving. Christopher emphasizes that success in planned gift fundraising is a team effort. Donors typically involve family members, CPAs, and attorneys in their decisions, and fundraisers must also rely on colleagues and external experts to address technical complexities. While planned giving can be a lengthy process, its foundation lies in the trust built with donors, many of whom are long-time supporters already engaged in annual and major giving campaigns.

The conversation also explores diversifying planned giving efforts. Christopher highlights the importance of reaching younger donors, like Millennials, who are increasingly engaged in philanthropy, as well as donors from diverse racial backgrounds. He shares strategies for building trust, breaking down financial jargon, and tailoring approaches to different demographics. For example, engaging younger donors might involve discussing their legacy early, particularly during life milestones like starting a family or buying a home.

The episode concludes with a reminder that planned giving is an investment in the future of nonprofit organizations. Bill encourages listeners to explore The Fund raising School’s Planned Gift Management Certificate, a comprehensive resource designed to equip fundraisers with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field. This program offers tools to help nonprofits unlock the transformative potential of planned gifts, all while centering the donor’s vision and legacy.

Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ses4sTA93mE