Decoding Donor-Advised Funds: From Data to Practical

Posted , by Keith Curtis, Founder, President. Topic: Donor Communication, Funds and Funders, Gift Solicitation, High-Net-Worth Individuals, Major Gifts Programs, Philanthropy Research & Events, Year-End Giving.

Donor-advised funds began in the 1930s, but in recent years these funds have become the fastest growing vehicle in philanthropy. Contributions to donor-advised funds grew at three times the rate of total charitable giving in 2016 according to the National Philanthropic Trust. Donor-advised funds defined: Donor-advised funds (DAF) are donor-established philanthropic funds that are maintained, operated… Read more »

Study Says In-Person Asks Get Bigger Gifts

Posted , by Keith Curtis. Topic: Major Gifts Programs, Making the Ask, Philanthropy Research & Events.

You know how we’re always saying you need to ask for major gifts in person? A new study by Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy and Campbell & Company, “Significant Gifts: Where Donors Direct Their Largest Gifts and Why” proves us right. The study reports that donors who were asked to give in person (to secular… Read more »

Get the Right People at the Table

Posted , by Wendy McGrady. Topic: Making the Ask.

Today I attended a successful call for one of our clients that resulted in a major gift from a local bank. The experience was a good reminder about the value of patience and the importance of having the right people at the table. First, in looking back, I realized that setting up this meeting took… Read more »