Planned Giving 101: A Modern Guide for Nonprofits

Planned giving is one of the most powerful tools available to nonprofit organizations, yet many teams either overlook it or struggle to get a program off the ground. Whether you're part of a large development team or a one-person shop, understanding the fundamentals of planned giving can help you unlock meaningful, lasting support for your mission.

This guide is built for planned giving professionals who want a clear, modern overview of what planned giving is, why it matters, and how to start building stronger legacy relationships without adding unnecessary complexity.

What Is Planned Giving, Really?

At its core, planned giving refers to the process of donors making charitable gifts through their estate plan. These are often called legacy gifts, and they’re typically arranged during a donor’s lifetime to be distributed after their passing.

Unlike annual donations or campaign appeals, planned gifts reflect a donor’s long-term values. They’re often the largest gifts someone will ever make, and they require deep trust between donor and organization.

Planned gifts can take many forms, but they all share one thing in common: they represent a donor’s decision to leave a lasting legacy through your nonprofit.

Why Planned Giving Matters More Than Ever

We’re living through the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in modern history. Over the next two decades, trillions of dollars will pass from Baby Boomers to the next generation.

Nonprofits that engage in planned giving today are positioning themselves to receive transformational support tomorrow.

But the opportunity is about more than funding. Planned giving builds:

• Stronger donor relationships built on trust and shared values

• Long-term stability that supports your mission beyond short-term fundraising cycles

• Deeper impact as donors align their legacy with causes they care deeply about

If your organization isn’t talking about legacy giving, there’s a good chance you’re missing out on intentional, mission-aligned support from people who already believe in your work.

Common Types of Planned Gifts (And What They Mean)

Planned gifts come in many forms. Here are a few of the most common types, explained in plain terms:

• Bequests: Gifts made through a will or trust. A donor designates your organization to receive a specific amount, asset, or percentage of their estate.

• Beneficiary Designations: Donors name your nonprofit as a beneficiary of life insurance, retirement accounts (like IRAs), or investment accounts.

• Charitable Trusts: Donors can set up a trust that provides income to themselves or others during their lifetime, with the remainder going to your nonprofit.

• Gifts of Real Estate or Personal Property: Some donors choose to leave property, artwork, or other non-cash assets.

These gifts can be simple or complex. The most common—and most accessible—are bequests and beneficiary designations, which don’t require major legal or financial restructuring.

What Donors Need and Expect From You

Today’s donors are more informed and more intentional. Many are actively thinking about their legacy, but they may not know how to start the conversation with your organization.

To build a strong planned giving program, your team needs to:

• Normalize the conversation around legacy giving

• Offer clear, respectful education about how gifts can be made

• Honor donor intent with transparent processes and thoughtful stewardship

Donors want to support organizations that are proactive, values-driven, and easy to engage with. When you provide clarity and empathy, donors are more likely to act.

Laying the Groundwork for a Successful Program

Whether you're building a new program or updating your approach, these foundational steps can help you grow planned giving in a sustainable way:

1. Start with your closest supporters
   Identify longtime donors, board members, and volunteers. They already believe in your mission and may be open to a legacy conversation.

2. Create basic educational materials
   A simple one-pager or website section explaining how to leave a bequest can go a long way.

3. Train your team to spot opportunities
   Not everyone needs to be an expert, but everyone should know how to listen for legacy intent or life milestones.

4. Make stewardship personal
   Legacy donors should be celebrated, not forgotten. A thoughtful thank-you or annual check-in can help deepen the relationship over time.

You don’t need a full-time planned giving officer to get started. What matters most is consistency, clarity, and care.

How Tech Can Help You Scale Legacy Giving

As planned giving grows, so does the complexity of managing it. That’s where technology like EstateOS for Nonprofits can help.

Trust & Will’s EstateOS platform gives nonprofit teams real-time visibility into:

• Bequests and donor intent across your community

• Life events that signal readiness to give, such as retirement or the passing of a loved one

• Plan health and documentation gaps that may affect gift completion

It also provides tools to engage donors at the right time and steward gifts with confidence. No spreadsheets. No guesswork. Just smarter, simpler legacy giving.

Ready to Grow Your Impact?

Planned giving doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right knowledge, tools, and approach, your organization can build meaningful legacy relationships that support your mission for generations.

Explore how Trust & Will can help your nonprofit unlock the power of planned giving.
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