If you’re arranging a planned gift for a nonprofit close to your heart, there’s one important step you shouldn’t overlook:
Letting the organization know about your plans.
It might seem unnecessary—after all, your gift will eventually speak for itself—but notifying the charity of your intentions is a crucial part of the process. Unfortunately, it’s a step many donors miss.
A report from Giving USA revealed that only 4% of donors always report their planned gifts, and just under 40% occasionally inform the organizations they’re supporting.
Why the gap? Perhaps it’s because planned giving is often a “set it and forget it” decision, or maybe donors want to avoid any recognition or fuss. Most likely, it’s because many individuals aren’t informed on the importance of letting their nonprofits of choice know about their planned gifts.
Regardless, communicating your gift intentions is essential. Whether you’re leaving a simple bequest, a charitable gift annuity, or another type of planned gift, taking this step ensures your wishes are honored.
5 Key Reasons to Notify Nonprofits About Planned Gifts
Sharing your planned gift intentions benefits both you and the organization in several ways:
It ensures your gift reaches its destination. Nonprofits may not receive your donation if they’re unaware of it. Legal challenges, delays from financial institutions, or missing documentation can complicate the process. Reporting your planned gift helps ensure your generosity isn’t lost in administrative limbo.
It helps the nonprofit plan for the future. Whether your gift will support scholarships, research, outreach, or infrastructure projects, knowing about planned gifts enables nonprofits to budget effectively and allocate resources in alignment with your wishes.
It ensures compatibility with the nonprofit’s policies. Some donors may include restrictions or directives for how their gift is used. Not all nonprofits are equipped to honor specific types of gifts or stipulations. Sharing your intentions allows the organization to provide guidance, ensuring your donation has maximum impact.
It may help you access tax benefits. Reporting your gift allows the nonprofit to provide you with proper documentation for tax purposes, potentially reducing your financial burden and maximizing the impact of your generosity.
Your organization will want to thank you. While you may be the modest type who doesn’t feel the need to be thanked for their gift, your donor will want the opportunity to engage with you. Whether it might look like a simple thank you note or being invited to donor events, knowing about your planned gift is important for your recipient.
How Trust & Will Simplifies Planned Giving
At Trust & Will, we make it easy to include planned gifts as part of your estate plan. Our platform streamlines the process, guiding you step by step to ensure your charitable intentions are clear and legally documented. Once your gift is arranged, we recommend notifying the nonprofit directly—this simple step can make all the difference in ensuring your wishes are carried out.
How to Share Your Planned Gift
Letting a nonprofit know about your planned gift is simple:
Provide the organization with key details, such as the amount, type of gift, account it’s coming from, and any restrictions.
Share your contact information in case they need clarification or wish to thank you.
If you prefer anonymity, most nonprofits will respect your privacy while still ensuring your gift is properly documented.
Why Nonprofits Appreciate Planned Gift Reporting
Nonprofits benefit tremendously when donors share their intentions. Some organizations include gentle reminders in donor communications, such as:
A checkbox on donor reply cards: “I’ve included your organization in my estate plan.”
A call-to-action in emails or newsletters: “Have you made a planned gift? Let us know so we can honor your wishes and plan for the future.”
Creative campaigns, like postcards or personal notes, that invite donors to share their plans in a warm, engaging way.
Your Legacy, Secured
Planned gifts have the power to create a lasting legacy. By documenting your intentions with a nonprofit and using tools like Trust & Will, you can feel confident knowing your gift will make the impact you’ve envisioned.
Ready to get started? At Trust & Will, we’re here to help keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Our users have left over one billion dollars (and counting) to nonprofit organizations through estate plans created on the Trust & Will platform. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement options today!
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