John Marshall
Senior Vice President
The time is now for nonprofits to utilize planned giving vehicles to augment their fundraising efforts. During 2012 in the United States, the transfer of wealth from one generation to the next exceeded $20 trillion. It is estimated that between 2007 and 2055, American households will transfer $59 trillion in assets, and that people between the ages of 65 and 79 will transfer 17% of their wealth while living. Experts also predict that $26.91 trillion of this wealth transfer will go to charity.
Locally, the Kansas Association of Community Foundations Transfer of Wealth research estimated $79 billion will be transferred from one generation to the next in the State of Kansas by 2020. The Alliance of Missouri Community Foundations Transfer of Wealth study estimates $134.97 billion will transfer between generations in Missouri households by 2020.
Giving USA 2013, the annual report on charitable giving in America, indicated that giving by bequest totaled $23.41 billion in 2012. This represents 7% of all contributions in 2012. Americans donated an estimated $316.23 billion to charitable causes in 2012, a modest overall gain in total contributions over 2011, which mirrored the nation’s recent economic trends. As the economic recovery continues, Americans are beginning to return to charitable giving habits in place prior to the devastating crash of just a few years ago.
Yet 59% of Americans do not have estate plans. There are tremendous opportunities for people to give to charitable causes without shortchanging their heirs – opportunities to plan estates and write wills with personal values and charities in mind. It is incumbent upon nonprofits to provide sophisticated and solid cases for support for charitable giving to donors, and that includes sharing the benefits of planned giving.
Jeffrey Byrne + Associates is now offering a new service specifically designed to help nonprofits leverage the benefits of planned giving and incorporate those giving vehicles into their fundraising plans: the Futures Program. The Futures Program can enhance your fundraising strategy to create a “win-win” situation for both your organization and your donors. In many instances, a planned gift can result in attractive tax benefits for a donor as well as potentially enhancing retirement income.
Now is the time to develop strong bonds with donors, utilize effective fundraising techniques and strategically lead your nonprofit in generating the enormous future benefits of planned giving.
There are more than one million tax exempt organizations in America. Is your nonprofit poised to take advantage of this anticipated transfer of wealth and continuing growth in charitable giving? Do you have the tools necessary to implement an effective planned giving program?
I encourage you to take a look at our Futures Program by clicking here. It is a powerful resource to strengthen the financial security of your organization while simultaneously benefitting donors during their lifetimes. Contact me personally to further discuss the powerful and positive impact the Futures Program can have on your fundraising, your organization and most importantly – those you serve.