One of the great advantages of having been on many solicitation calls is the experience you get. You learn how to listen to the donor, how to handle objections and how to help them accomplish their philanthropic goals. Depending where people are in life can affect how they give. Your knowledge of different funding mechanisms can make the difference in achieving your goals and the goals of your organization.
In a recent board meeting of one of our clients, we were asked if the organization would take a stock gift. Surely, you would think that all board members would be informed of all of the options to give. We then explained the many options including being able to give from your IRA at 70 1/2 years old up to $100,000 without a tax consequence. One member in the room said, “that’s great—in two years I will start directing my IRA withdrawals to this charity.” The client has now prepared a one page document that lists the different types of gifts and giving options to be shared with the current and potential donors.
Be prepared!
