Here are 10 of our go-to blogs and podcasts that churn the gears, give a boost or help gain clarity. Hope they work the same magic for you. Continue reading 10 Blogs & Podcasts That Will Inspire Your Fundraising
5 Gifts That Will Have the Greatest Appeal in 2021 & Why
Wondering where asset-based philanthropy is headed in 2021? We’d all surely love a clear, concrete path. While that probably won’t happen (sorry, everyone), we can look ahead to what types of gifts will be most appealing to donors this year, so we can better prepare our messaging and communicate more effectively. Here they are, the 5 gifts that will have the greatest appeal to donors in 2021 and why. Continue reading 5 Gifts That Will Have the Greatest Appeal in 2021 & Why
Navigating Uncharted Waters With New Administration
Planned giving professionals need to keep informed of what is happening in Washington, D.C., and know how federal laws might change if President Biden and Congress come together to pass tax reform. Stelter is here to help. We put together a summary of some of the proposals being discussed—particularly as they relate to your organization and your donors. Your donors may look to you for insights on how tax reform affects their philanthropic goals. Here are 4 key takeaways and 2 next steps. Continue reading Navigating Uncharted Waters With New Administration
How to Thrive: 15 Habits of Successful Planned Giving Pros
In this first month of the year, successful habits are top of mind for many of us. Here are 15 habits—in life, in work and in planned giving—of successful planned giving pros. Continue reading How to Thrive: 15 Habits of Successful Planned Giving Pros
How to Convert Donors When the Going Gets Tough
Looking for ways to continue donor conversion during these challenging times? Here are 7 tips to help your nonprofit convert donors when the going gets tough. Continue reading How to Convert Donors When the Going Gets Tough
Count Down to the New Year With These Top 5 Webinars From 2020
They say hindsight is 20/20, so let’s take a look at the top 5 webinars from 2020 for a clearer vision in the new year. Continue reading Count Down to the New Year With These Top 5 Webinars From 2020
Special Update: CARES Act Tax Incentives Extended—With a Small Boost
The nonprofit community has been given a year-end gift: A couple of key provisions of the CARES Act were just extended into the new year (and, in one case, increased). Let’s take a look at what the new stimulus package means for the nonprofit community and turn that calendar page to 2021. Continue reading Special Update: CARES Act Tax Incentives Extended—With a Small Boost
Gear Up for the New Year With the Best Blogs of 2020
To help you prepare for 2021, we put together a time capsule of sorts, highlighting key topics and blogs from this year. Get ready for the new year with these pivotal blogs from 2020. Continue reading Gear Up for the New Year With the Best Blogs of 2020
How to (Re)Launch Your Planned Giving Program
Start with these 4 crucial steps to launch or relaunch your planned giving program in 2021. Continue reading How to (Re)Launch Your Planned Giving Program
How to Make the Case for Planned Giving: 3 Fundraising Truths
Planned giving is top of mind for many nonprofits this year, and for good reason. Take a look at these three fundraising facts that help make the case for planned giving. Continue reading How to Make the Case for Planned Giving: 3 Fundraising Truths
Why I Care About Estate Planning (and Why You Should, Too)
During National Estate Planning Awareness Week—in the midst of a year like no other—it’s important to remember the people behind the plans (or lack thereof). Donors are on a journey, and when we do our job well, we meet them where they are and help equip them for the road ahead. Thanks for the important work you do—for families, philanthropy and our shared future. Continue reading Why I Care About Estate Planning (and Why You Should, Too)
Advice From 2 Nonprofits: How to Maximize 2020 Year-end Giving
While most year-end giving campaigns are in place already, 2020 has felt like a year of firsts and flexibility. That’s why we’re checking in with other planned giving professionals about their year-end giving plans and perspectives—what’s different, what’s new and how they’re moving ahead. Thanks to Cris Lutz, Senior Director of Gift Planning at The Huntington, and Debra Kathman, Director, Gift Planning, at World Wildlife Fund, for sharing their thoughts with us today. Continue reading Advice From 2 Nonprofits: How to Maximize 2020 Year-end Giving
Donor Advised Funds: Time to Promote Those Rainy-Day Funds
Across the country, donor advised fund administrators are seeing unprecedented levels of grant recommendations. If you haven’t started asking for gifts from donor advised funds, you need to implement a marketing strategy ASAP. Not sure where to start? Here are five next steps. Continue reading Donor Advised Funds: Time to Promote Those Rainy-Day Funds
3 Free Fundraising Webinars You Need to Watch
No matter what school looks like this year, the end of summer break means a renewed focus on learning—not only for the kiddos in our lives, but for us too. Continued learning helps us all develop new skills and stay at the top of our game. Whether these webinars are new to you or you just need a refresher, check them out as you’re designing your own never-stop-improving e-learning curriculum. Continue reading 3 Free Fundraising Webinars You Need to Watch
How to Design the Perfect Marketing Strategy
Kathryn W. Miree, President of Kathryn W. Miree & Associates, Inc., recently presented “Designing the Perfect Marketing Strategy for Your Planned Giving Program” as part of Stelter’s monthly webinar series. It’s a timely webinar, filled with practical tips for refining or creating your planned giving marketing plans. Kathryn covers audience segmentation and messaging, as well as the importance of integrating planned giving into an overall development communications plan. The webinar has many valuable takeaways, and today I’m excited to share a few of my favorites. Continue reading How to Design the Perfect Marketing Strategy
3 Critical Factors Impacting Donor Mindset Today
The only constant is change. -Heraclitus I think we can all agree that this sentiment has never rung more true than it does today. Whether it’s change we plan for or change we don’t plan for, change is the only constant. The COVID-19 pandemic, corresponding economic impact and the sweeping national reflection on racial inequality haveContinue reading 3 Critical Factors Impacting Donor Mindset Today
[FREE DOWNLOAD] Planned Giving Terms Your Team Should Know…Plus a Little Alphabet Soup
We get back to the fundamentals today. A special thanks to Stelter’s Senior Gift Planning Consultant, Lynn M. Gaumer, J.D., for offering her insights about planned giving terms every development professional should know. Continue reading [FREE DOWNLOAD] Planned Giving Terms Your Team Should Know…Plus a Little Alphabet Soup
How to Have the Best Video Meetings + Free Zoom Backgrounds
How can we make the most—and get the most—from our video meetings? Run your video meetings like a pro with these best practices. Plus, free zoom backgrounds you can use for your next meeting! Continue reading How to Have the Best Video Meetings + Free Zoom Backgrounds
CGA Program Best Practices You Need to Know: A Review of the ACGA/CGP CGA Survey
A new survey shares best practices that all charities can follow for charitable gift annuity programs. This survey—the first of its kind—was conducted jointly by the American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA) and the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP). Here to breakdown three main takeaways from the survey is Lynn Gaumer, J.D., Stelter’s Sr. Gift Planning Consultant. Continue reading CGA Program Best Practices You Need to Know: A Review of the ACGA/CGP CGA Survey
Key Takeaways From the First-Ever Virtual ACGA Conference
Last week, many fundraisers from across the country gathered in the comfort of their own homes and logged in to the first virtual ACGA Conference. The COVID-19 pandemic was top of mind and a common thread in many presentations. Speakers looked to past pandemics and economic downturns for guidance on what charitable giving will look like this year, addressed current concerns and looked to the future. Here are a few key takeaways from Stelter’s Executive Vice President Jeremy Stelter and Senior Gift Planning Consultant Lynn Gaumer, J.D. Continue reading Key Takeaways From the First-Ever Virtual ACGA Conference
Tips on Isolation From Someone Who Couldn’t Go Outside
When you were younger, did you ever dream of becoming an astronaut? Perhaps you wanted to boldly go where no person had gone before, which makes sense as you eventually landed on fundraising. But did you ever give any thought to the fact that astronauts spend extraordinary amounts of time inside? A situation many of us are finding ourselves in right now. Here are my three key takeaways from an astronaut and isolation expert:Continue reading Tips on Isolation From Someone Who Couldn’t Go Outside
3 Themes From the First-Ever AFP ICON VIRTUAL Conference
With our world upside down and events all around us being canceled, new opportunities to share and connect are emerging. Earlier this week, nearly 1,000 fundraisers gathered around their own respective viewing devices for the first-ever AFP ICON VIRTUAL Conference—including Danny Herzberg, Stelter Regional Account Representative. I sat down with Danny to hear his biggest takeaways from the conference. Continue reading 3 Themes From the First-Ever AFP ICON VIRTUAL Conference
We Love These 10 Easy Hacks From People Who Work From Home | Part 2 of 2
Back to explore 5 clever ways you can bring an extra layer of joy and professionalism to your home office is Stelter CEO Bev Hutney. Picking up where we left off … Continue reading We Love These 10 Easy Hacks From People Who Work From Home | Part 2 of 2
We Love These 10 Easy Hacks From People Who Work From Home | Part 1 of 2
Working from home? Whether you’re new to working remotely or a seasoned pro, this one is for you! In her first installment of a two-part series, Stelter CEO Bev Hutney shares 5 easy hacks from the bosses of home offices. Continue reading We Love These 10 Easy Hacks From People Who Work From Home | Part 1 of 2
5 Themes From the ANA DC Nonprofit Conference
Last week in D.C., nonprofit fundraisers came together to discuss the latest trends, explore issues and share insights at the ANA DC Nonprofit Conference. Here are 5 key themes to help you get caught up. Continue reading 5 Themes From the ANA DC Nonprofit Conference
Hiring Fundraisers Is Easy. Keeping Them Is Harder.
Find out why fundraisers leave and how to combat turnover.Continue reading Hiring Fundraisers Is Easy. Keeping Them Is Harder.
The 8 Essential Elements of a Gift Acceptance Policy
Gifts of complex or high-risk assets can be difficult for both the donor and the nonprofit to navigate—especially without any guidance. A solid gift acceptance policy can help. Continue reading The 8 Essential Elements of a Gift Acceptance Policy
[FREE DOWNLOADS] The SECURE Act: How Did It Change Charitable Giving?
We’ve received a lot of questions on the new SECURE Act. Here’s a summary of what changed, what stayed the same, what it means and what you can offer your donors. Continue reading [FREE DOWNLOADS] The SECURE Act: How Did It Change Charitable Giving?
Top 3 Webinars of 2019… and an Exclusive Look at Our 2020 Lineup!
While we’ve already rung in the new year, let’s countdown one more time. Here are our most popular webinars of 2019 AND an exclusive sneak peek of our 2020 Webinar Series. Continue reading Top 3 Webinars of 2019… and an Exclusive Look at Our 2020 Lineup!
Best of 2019
For me, the year 2020 represents clear vision. In that spirit, I’ve compiled a list of the blogs you all loved most in 2019. Perhaps these ideas can help inform your 2020 marketing plans, and make it the best year yet. Continue reading Best of 2019
What to Do When a Donor Wants to Give Real Estate
Do you want to master the art of accepting real estate gifts? Discover the two Ps of real estate donations and unlock your nonprofit’s full fundraising potential. Continue reading What to Do When a Donor Wants to Give Real Estate
[FREE DOWNLOAD] How to Let Your Donors Know About the New Charitable Gift Annuity Rates
The American Council on Gift Annuities recently revealed a new schedule of suggested maximum gift annuity rates for gifts established on or after Jan. 1, 2020. Score your free donor letter and customize it for your nonprofit’s CGA communications. Continue reading [FREE DOWNLOAD] How to Let Your Donors Know About the New Charitable Gift Annuity Rates
Special Update: 4 Newsworthy Items in Charitable Giving Right Now
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Catch up on the latest charitable giving news here.Continue reading Special Update: 4 Newsworthy Items in Charitable Giving Right Now
4 Key Takeaways from CGP 2019–In a Nutshell: Planned Giving Is Alive and Well!
Another amazing national conference has come and gone, but the connections and learnings will impact gift planners and their work long after the last person left New Orleans. Continue reading 4 Key Takeaways from CGP 2019–In a Nutshell: Planned Giving Is Alive and Well!
How To Get Your Board on Board With Fundraising
Talking with board members about fundraising can be a tricky proposition. Come in heavy-handed and they might run for the exit; don’t give enough of a push and they could lose accountability.
But board participation in fundraising is more than an extra “nice” that they can do. It’s imperative.
Continue reading How To Get Your Board on Board With Fundraising
7 Ideas Nabbed from the Bridge Conference
Fundraisers, marketers and nonprofit professionals converged in Washington, D.C. last week…and for once it wasn’t to lobby. The Bridge Conference was an educational gathering with tracks on content marketing, peer-to-peer fundraising, stewardship, acquisition and more. Today I’m here to share the ideas that sparked for me. Continue reading 7 Ideas Nabbed from the Bridge Conference
Even If You Hate Golf, Pay Attention to This One Important Lesson
How do you measure the success of your planned giving marketing efforts? Stelter Chief Client Strategy Officer Michael Hutney shares how to determine your program’s ROI. Continue reading Even If You Hate Golf, Pay Attention to This One Important Lesson
5 Leadership Lessons You Need for Your Team
Spending a year training next to local leaders in finance, marketing, innovation and economic growth (among other disciplines) is a humbling experience. Here are 5 takeaways from these strategists that I’m stealing for myself. Continue reading 5 Leadership Lessons You Need for Your Team
DIY Online Wills: Technology Is Putting Estate Planning Tools in the Hands of Your Donors
We all know that a longstanding challenge for planned giving professionals has been to inspire donors to take action—but could estate planning tools help? Continue reading DIY Online Wills: Technology Is Putting Estate Planning Tools in the Hands of Your Donors
How to Plant the Seed to Create a Legacy
Today we welcome a special guest author to the blog: Cathy R. Sheffield, CAP®, CFRE, CSPG, FCEP, ThinkGiving President and Thompson & Associates Vice President. Cathy is here to share 10 things that you can do right now to start creating your legacy. Cathy is a fundraising executive with 25-years experience, specializing in major gifts and giftContinue reading How to Plant the Seed to Create a Legacy
10 Fundraising Blogs (And a Few Podcasts) You’ll Love
“A rising tide lifts all boats.” -John F. Kennedy Historically, this phrase was used referring to the economy. Today, I can’t help but apply it to our fundraising world, in that a good outcome—and good information—benefits us all. (This logic is a large part of why we’ve provided our research and webinars free of chargeContinue reading 10 Fundraising Blogs (And a Few Podcasts) You’ll Love
Top 3 Webinars of 2018
We are back. After a long holiday weekend, recharging with family and friends, I hope you are feeling ready to take on 2019.
Now, I could talk about how yet another year has come and gone all too quickly. I could talk about how much we’ve learned and how our industry has changed over the course of 2018, which is all important. But today, I’d rather show you […] Continue reading Top 3 Webinars of 2018
What You Need to Know About IRAs Right Now
Today we welcome back a special guest on the blog: Stelter’s Senior Technical Consultant, Lynn Gaumer, J.D. Lynn returns to share a special IRA update. When it comes to marketing the IRA charitable rollover, is January the new December? Christopher Hoyt, Professor of Law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, seems toContinue reading What You Need to Know About IRAs Right Now
Minimize Risk to Your CGA Program
Today we welcome back a special guest to the blog: Stelter’s Senior Technical Consultant Lynn Gaumer, J.D. Lynn returns to share 6 tips to minimize risk to your charitable gift annuity program. The recent increase in the suggested maximum CGA rates is a win for donors and nonprofits. Annuitants will receive a higher percentage ofContinue reading Minimize Risk to Your CGA Program
17 PLANNED GIVING TERMS YOUR TEAM SHOULD KNOW
Recently, I was talking with someone who’s been in planned giving for nearly 20 years. She definitely talks the talk and walks the walk, able to expertly adjust her approach and vocabulary to meet any situation—donor appreciation luncheons to industry Q&A panels. She was describing a meeting with a potential donor in which a teamContinue reading 17 PLANNED GIVING TERMS YOUR TEAM SHOULD KNOW
9 tips for writing successful nonprofit grants
Whether you’re just off the blocks with your fundraising plan or plotting next year’s move, at some point you’ll come up against the question, “Should grants be part of our plan?” The short answer: Yes, but with a caveat and some consideration. Here’s why it’s at least worth starting the conversation: $60 Million: The amountContinue reading 9 tips for writing successful nonprofit grants
New Tax Law: FAQ
Stelter’s Senior Technical Consultant, Lynn Gaumer, J.D., is back with another blog on tax law. This time, she is here to answer all of your burning questions regarding the new tax law. (If you missed it, here is her initial blog on the charitable giving implications of the new tax law.) In her six yearsContinue reading New Tax Law: FAQ
NCPP 2017: Top 3 Things You Need to Know
Another NCPP has came and went; and it did not disappoint. As always, it was the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues from around the country and to recharge the ‘planned giving’ batteries before the year-end madness begins. Some of my personal highlights included, but were not limited to, the terrific conversations IContinue reading NCPP 2017: Top 3 Things You Need to Know
3 Ways to Make Your Nonprofit’s Presentations Better
It was an early Tuesday morning when a group of us bright-eyed development folks arrived at our “Mobilizing Board Members to Raise Money” workshop. Only we found ourselves with cold cups of coffee listening to a l-o-o-o-o-n-g morning presentation of chart and stats from someone whose delivery was eerily similar to this fictitious teacher fromContinue reading 3 Ways to Make Your Nonprofit’s Presentations Better
How to Plan for Your Nonprofit’s Growth
Every year, our Stelter Wellness Committee plants a small (but mighty) garden behind our Des Moines office. They tend to it, chase away critters and share the herbs and vegetables with the rest of the Stelter crew. Between this little garden and the corn fields that line the back roads in Iowa, summertime always bringsContinue reading How to Plan for Your Nonprofit’s Growth
Why You Shouldn’t Try to Be Perfect at Work
It’s no surprise that your work in the nonprofit world demands that you wear many hats, and all with expertise and poise. A phone call from a donor might put your afternoon in a whole different direction, while a last-minute presentation may have you running out the door. More and more development departments are beingContinue reading Why You Shouldn’t Try to Be Perfect at Work
Is Your Nonprofit on the Right Track?
“Does this make sense, and does it get us to the right place?” I hope you’ve asked yourself this more than once at work. (Some days, minute to minute?) It’s smart to engage the brakes from time to time, to pause to ensure that organizationally speaking, you’re headed in the right direction, with common causeContinue reading Is Your Nonprofit on the Right Track?
Hiring Smart: Strategies for a Better Interview Process
Been there, done that, right? We’ve all marched through the interview process at one time or another, sitting at the table, suited up or asking the questions, gathering war stories to share. When you’re the one making the hire, what you ask is more important than what you say. Today, we offer a few keyContinue reading Hiring Smart: Strategies for a Better Interview Process
Making the Most of Your 1,440 Minutes
Early on in my career I overheard a well-respected co-worker saying that he considered his day to be productive when he got one big thing accomplished, start to finish. “Just one thing? Easy stuff,” I remember thinking. Then I looked down at my to-do’s and realized that was easier said than done. Turns out heContinue reading Making the Most of Your 1,440 Minutes
3 Nonprofit Lessons from The Masters
For golf nuts, life begins in April, the month of arguably the most prestigious golf tournament in the world: The Masters…Congrats to El Niño Sergio García! If you’re even a casual golf observer (or a self-proclaimed ‘social golfer’ like me), you probably know of some of the traditions of The Masters. The azaleas. Amen Corner. TheContinue reading 3 Nonprofit Lessons from The Masters
Being Literate with Money…and Giving
How many of you had parents like mine? Beginning around age 10, for any money they gave me or that I made mowing lawns, my mom and dad made me save some, allowed me to spend some and made sure I gave some to the church offering. I was able to see how savings—even aContinue reading Being Literate with Money…and Giving
SPECIAL UPDATE: 100 Years of Giving!! And Working Towards the Next 100 Years!
Last week…February 16th to be exact…marked an important day for fundraisers and nonprofits everywhere! On this day, hundreds of nonprofit fundraisers, administrators and advocates from around the country went to Capitol Hill for the ‘100 Years of Giving DC Fly-In’! Why is this important to you? 2017 marks the 100-year anniversary of the income taxContinue reading SPECIAL UPDATE: 100 Years of Giving!! And Working Towards the Next 100 Years!
Think big. Invest big. Be big.
It’s no secret that I’m on the road a lot. Most recently I’ve been up in the Northeast, down South and I even got to spend some time bouncing around the Midwest. When I get some extra time on the plane or in the hotel room to just sit back and relax away from theContinue reading Think big. Invest big. Be big.
Listen and Learn: Using the ‘Tuesday Call’
I was talking with a friend the other day who’s in a typical nonprofit situation—a one-person planned giving shop. He’s tasked with not only the important job of traveling and meeting with planned giving prospects and donors to close gifts for his great organization, but also managing the marketing efforts and trying to sort outContinue reading Listen and Learn: Using the ‘Tuesday Call’
3 Reasons to Think Instead of Making New Year’s Resolutions
As I sat down to think about what I want to accomplish in the upcoming year and what I want my New Year’s resolution to be, I stopped to think…how many people actually achieve their resolutions? With a little help from the ‘Google machine,’ I found that while more than 40% of Americans make resolutions,Continue reading 3 Reasons to Think Instead of Making New Year’s Resolutions
Want to Improve Your Nonprofit? Look for Passion.
As we approach the end of the year, I always find it a great time for reflection and renewal. But one thing I’m not doing in preparation for 2017 is updating my resume. I’ve been at my job here 16 years. I am passionate about my company, our great employees and this dynamic field ofContinue reading Want to Improve Your Nonprofit? Look for Passion.
Stuck in the Mud or Teaming Up to Win?
This fall I went to Plymouth, Wisconsin with a group of friends to take part in the 2016 Wisconsin Mud Run & Obstacle Race. It’s also known as Tough Mudder. My mission: complete a run through 11 miles of mud with 20+ obstacles unlike anything I’ve encountered; jumping into a dumpster of ice, running throughContinue reading Stuck in the Mud or Teaming Up to Win?
What Can Nonprofits Learn from the Chicago Cubs?
For decades I’ve been among the hoards of die-hard Chicago Cubs fans. My family and I are now reveling in the glory of a shiny World Series trophy firmly in place in Wrigleyville. I still can’t believe I’m able to write that. And the tales I’ve heard of people crying (myself included…see above!)—tearing up becauseContinue reading What Can Nonprofits Learn from the Chicago Cubs?
Three of My Favorite “Aha” Takeaways from NCPP 2016
NACPG stands for the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners — a smart rebranding of the former Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, which has represented the charitable gift planning industry for nearly 30 years. Last week, I met up with hundreds of gift planners from across the country at the group’s national conference in Dallas. HereContinue reading Three of My Favorite “Aha” Takeaways from NCPP 2016