The Great Wealth Transfer predicted for more than two decades is real and underway. But the most often-quoted number, $124 trillion, is unrealistic, and the charity share attached to it is far too large. The figure has become the default headline not just in board meetings and planned giving conferences, but in the New York […]
Several years ago, I sat in the well-appointed home of a wealthy donor to a large nonprofit institution. The donor was giving at the principal gift level to a Heaton Smith client, exhibited high affinity for the institution, and had been a consistent partner for more than a decade. However, during the discovery phase […]
Read More… from The Quiet Shift: How Donor Advised Funds May Rewrite the Bequest Pipeline
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on 4 July 2025, introduced significant changes to charitable deductions for donors and is primarily effective beginning in the 2026 tax year. Below is a summary of the key provisions affecting charitable giving: Above-the-Line Deduction for Non-Itemizers Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who do not itemize deductions […]
Read More… from How the One Big Beautiful Bill Impacts Philanthropy
While the 1% has captured the public’s imagination, there is a broader narrative about wealth and affluence in America that many overlook. For 2024 and beyond, let’s shift the spotlight to realize the significant gift planning opportunities that exist with donors in the top 5% and 10% wealth households. The data are eye-popping! Why Nonprofits […]
Read More… from Beyond the 1%: Wealth in the Top 10% of American Households
Planned Giving and Gift Planning are often used interchangeably by nonprofit gift officers, but they have distinct applications in philanthropy. A comprehensive understanding of these differences is imperative for nonprofit organizations, as it influences donor outreach, engagement, gift design, and the structure of a nonprofit’s program. Definitions and Principal Distinctions Planned Giving refers to a […]
Read More… from Planned Giving vs. Gift Planning: What Nonprofits Need to Know
A well-structured and robust gift planning program can benefit both donors and nonprofit organizations. Importantly, the characteristics and motivations of ideal gift planning prospects may vary based on their marital status. Many gift planning presentations that I have attended over the past twenty years included the following question: Who are the best planned giving prospects? The […]
Read More… from Ideal Gift Planning Prospects: Married Couples Versus Single, Never Married Donors
Gift planning plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of nonprofit organizations. While securing planned gifts is essential, proper donor stewardship is equally important. However, inadequate stewardship is a top-three finding in our gift planning program practice area. Effective gift planning stewardship practices are key to cultivating lasting relationships, honoring donor intentions, and […]
Read More… from Gift Planning Stewardship Best Practices: Cultivating Lasting Donor Relationships