Leimberg's Charitable Financial Planner
Suggestions: The easy part is the keystrokes. Knowing what tools to use with what assets, for which donors, and all the related pitfalls is harder. Then you also have to get the gift opportunity administered. Those new to the field might want to work with another institution, a parent organization, or a for-profit organization with experience not only illustrating but also implementing the tools.
Cultivate a network of experts. With their help, think through the process from gift solicitation, to illustration, to acceptance, to administration before spending money on software.
Recognize that a single planned gift is just one of many tools that wealthy donors may use within their overall estate or financial plan. The "ideal" is to do the gift within such an overall plan, so the donor's many needs are responsibilities are balanced. If you encourage that, the experts will not be gatekeepers but facilitators. Attempt gifts out of context, or in a vacuum, and the advisors, when they finally get involved will -- and should -- suggest alternatives, including non-charitable ones. Do what's right for the donor by getting the advisors on your side from the beginning, and helping the donor articulate and achieve her charitable goals within her overall plan.
So you hear it from a friend first: Large gifts out of context are hit and run planning. Charities do it all the time, and frankly, that is why you never see them at the table when the big estate plans are done behind closed doors. They are perceived by advisors as importunate, as advocates rather than fellow professionals. By getting in touch with donor-objectives, you can play a major professional role on the planning team, do what's right for the donor, and advance the cause you and the donor both love.
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