When charities decide to start accepting non-cash gifts they usually start with stock and mutual funds, because it’s the easiest to accept and liquidate. So, that’s where we will start.  First, let’s make sure we all understand the difference between public and private stock. When you buy stock you’re buying…

Hello and Happy 2021! It’s been quite a while since I’ve written to you. So many times I sat down to write, but ultimately decided not to crowd the already crowded airwaves with another message. If you’re like me, you received more blog posts in 2020 than you could read. …

With year-end getting closer and closer, we don’t have a great deal of time to plan complicated gift strategies, but there are three simple ways that we can give big and give strategically before the end of 2019. #1: Appreciated Securities Appreciated securities can be one of the quickest and…

Did you know that entrepreneurs are the most generous segment of American society? According to a study by Fidelity Charitable, entrepreneurs are leading the way in virtually every area of generosity. From giving, to innovating, to volunteering – they’re doing more. If you’ve ever worked with a business owner, you…

Program Related Investing (PRI) is the Next Big Thing in Philanthropy. The potential is completely untapped. Let’s break it down. About 10 years ago I heard about PRI for the first time. The Community Foundation for which I worked  dipped it’s toe into the PRI world when it began making below-market…

Most of the small to mid-size nonprofits I coach ask me the exact same question: “How can we start or up-level our gift planning program without a huge investment?”  My advice is always the same. You can raise big planned gifts with little or no additional investment. You should focus…

The word cryptocurrency strikes fear and confusion in the hearts of most people these days. We ask things like: Is it real? If so, WHAT is it? Is it risky? Why is this even a thing? I felt the same way for a long time – until I had to…

Gorillas are Bigger Than They Appear. Earlier this year I wrote an article entitled “Donor Advised Funds: Your $85 Billion Dollar Best Friend”. It reviewed the data behind the multi-billion dollar donor-advised fund business. Well, it’s a new year and, frankly, Donor Advised Funds are bigger now than I think…

Originally posted November 1, 2018 | Updated October 10, 2022 ‘Tis The Season Over the past few years, donors have gotten the hang of using the Qualified Charitable Distribution to their great advantage. Charities are starting to promote it and Advisors are realizing the incredible tax benefits for their clients.…