Planned Giving

Charitable gifts arranged during a donor's lifetime but typically fulfilled later, often through an estate or will.

Planned giving (sometimes called legacy or deferred giving) refers to charitable contributions that a donor commits to as part of their overall financial or estate planning. Unlike a one-time online gift, a planned gift is usually arranged in advance and realized in the future, frequently after the donor's lifetime.

Common vehicles include bequests in a will, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance policies. Because these gifts are often substantial, planned giving is a cornerstone of long-term fundraising strategy for many nonprofits.

Cultivating planned gifts requires deep donor stewardship and trust built over years. The specific tax treatment of any planned gift depends on its structure and the donor's circumstances, so donors should consult their own legal and tax advisors.

Put This Into Practice With Kindly

Manage donors, volunteers, members, and events together in one nonprofit platform, for one predictable subscription with no cut taken from donations.