Economic downturns test every fundraiser’s patience and creativity—but Joe Bull has seen enough recessions to know that generosity doesn’t disappear, it just shifts form. In this conversation, Joe and Tom Dauber unpack how planned giving holds steady when annual and major gifts tighten, and what leaders can do now to build resilience before the next market slide.

In this episode, Joe shares:

• Why donor motivation doesn’t vanish in bad economies—it only changes timing and form
• How planned giving bridges short-term uncertainty with long-term commitment
• Data from researcher Russell James showing why nonprofits that accept non-cash assets raise significantly more
• Lessons from Joe’s own Carnegie Mellon analysis revealing estate gifts often triple lifetime giving
• Practical ways to start a planned giving program with almost no new budget
• The myth that “planned giving is only for the wealthy” and what every fundraiser should actually know
• Why patience, stewardship, and curiosity build the kind of donor relationships that survive any recession

If you’ve ever wondered how to stabilize fundraising when the markets stumble, this episode will leave you with perspective, proof, and a few next steps you can take tomorrow.

Website: philanthropyadvisorycouncil.com • Email: [email protected]
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