Blended gifts, which combine a current gift with a planned commitment, are gaining ground—and for good reason. They help donors think bigger, turning “maybe someday” generosity into something they can act on now.
I may be showing my age, but whenever I think about blended giving, the taffy candy from childhood, Now and Later, pops into my mind. Blended giving is simply a mix of giving, now and later.
The appeal? Donors can make an impact right away and, in the future, often in a tax-smart way that benefits everyone.
Cues That a Donor Might Be Open to a Blended Gift
- They’re loyal, long-time supporters who already give consistently.
- They say things like “I wish I could do more.”
- They’re 55+ and thinking more about retirement and legacy planning.
- They hold appreciated assets (like stock, real estate or retirement accounts).
- They’re interested in making an immediate difference and planning ahead.
- They’re open to tax-smart giving strategies or financial planning conversations.
The simplest blended gift combines a current donation, such as cash or appreciated stock, with a gift in the donor’s will. Considering the new tax laws, Stelter Senior Gift Planning Consultant Lynn Gaumer, J.D., CAP® adds these blended gift options:
| Current Gift | Paired With→ | Future Gift |
|---|---|---|
| Qualified Charitable Distribution | IRA Beneficiary Designation | |
| Gift from Donor Advised Fund | DAF Beneficiary Designation | |
| Universal Charitable Deduction (UCD) | Gift in Will or Beneficiary Designation |
Consider This Strategy: More than a tax incentive, the new UCD, which allows a tax deduction of up to $1,000 (single filers) and $2,000 (married couples filing jointly) for cash gifts, creates a pathway for future planned gifts.
In their report (pdf), The Lily School of Philanthropy estimates that this could bring in an estimated 6 to 8.7 million new donor households. It’s a strong blended giving option that can open the door to early engagement and build long-term philanthropic relationships.
Whether you’re just getting started with blended gifts or already talking to donors about it, there’s room to grow. Smart, intentional growth comes down to two simple words: collaboration and continuum.
Collaboration, Not Competition
Separate fundraising teams that don’t communicate can hold back blended gift opportunities. If your major gift officer isn’t familiar with tools like gift annuities, and your planned giving team isn’t talking with donors about current giving, you’re likely both missing out on amazing conversations with donors about a blended gift.
All too often, fundraising teams still operate in silos: major gift officers focus on immediate goals, while planned giving staff concentrate on future expectancies. The result? Missed opportunities to build meaningful relationships with donors who are ready to give both now and later.
Blended gifts only work long-term if your tracking systems reward the behavior you want: shared ownership and coordinated strategy.
The solution:
1. Start by counting both parts of the gift. Track the current gift (cash, stock, CGA, etc.) in your regular revenue and record the future component (gift in will, beneficiary designation) as an expectancy. Both matter, and both should be visible.
2. Use shared or split credit. (Thinking “ours,” not “mine.”) Both major gift and planned giving teams should get recognition for their part in the outcome. That might mean shared credit for the whole gift or dual credit in the way of current dollars for one, future value for the other. What matters is that involving a colleague helps, not hurts.
3. Create joint metrics. Track things like:
- Number of blended gift conversations
- Number of blended gifts closed
- Total blended gift value (current + future)
The Continuum of a Donor’s Commitment
The second takeaway is more of a mind shift.
Simply put, a donor doesn’t care about your internal fundraising departments. They don’t see themselves as an “annual gift donor” or a “planned gift prospect.” They want one organic, authentic relationship with your organization, and they’re in it for life.
Blended giving works best when the organization mirrors that reality with a more coordinated approach, so staff can seamlessly connect current gifts with future commitments.
Instead of thinking of donors as “annual donor,” “major donor,” or “planned giving prospects,” a continuum of commitment views them as supporters who can move fluidly between different types of charitable support. Your collaborative internal fundraising structure should reflect that.
Simple Steps Forward
If you’re exploring blended giving, start small but intentionally. Identify a few loyal donors who fit the cues and begin simple, integrated conversations that connect today’s giving with long-term impact.
At the same time, look for ways your teams can collaborate by clarifying how blended gifts are tracked and credited and making space for shared strategy.
Above all, remember, you don’t need a full overhaul, just a shift in mindset. When you consistently connect “now” and “later,” blended giving will grow naturally.
Join Us for a Deeper Dive
Want to learn more about blended giving? Sign up for our webinar on May 20, Blending Gifts for Fundraising Success!, presented by Phil Purcell, Central Territory Director of Planned Giving, The Salvation Army.
We’d love to hear how your teams collaborate to support blended gifts and honor the donor continuum of commitment. Share your thoughts in the comments below.