Planned-Giving Basics
Here’s a collection of fundraising advice aimed at helping donors build a legacy — and organizations secure their future.
October 30, 2025 | Read Time: 3 minutes
With up to $18 trillion at stake in the Great Wealth Transfer over the next several years, charities are in a prime position to receive an influx of bequests and other planned gifts from loyal, longtime donors — but only if they know how to ask.
Nonprofits without legacy-giving programs could miss out on this major moment, says Chris Needles, chief development officer at the Wounded Warrior Project.
“Do what you can to capitalize on the transfer of wealth,” he says. “Every nonprofit, no matter what their size, will have a base of donors they can market to for legacy giving. Understanding that, that’s the tremendous opportunity that exists.”
This collection of fundraising advice aims to help you talk to donors about building a legacy, market the option to make planned gifts, and inspire larger gifts — so you can help secure your charity’s future.
Editor’s note: Chronicle playbooks are updated on an ongoing basis as new advice becomes available.
STORIES
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Planned Giving
Beyond the Bequest: How Legacy Societies Deepen Donor Ties
Want to keep legacy donors engaged — and giving? Here’s how to stay close to supporters who’ve included your charity in their estate plans. -
Special Report
Planned Giving Offers Steady Support for America’s Favorite Charities
With the great wealth transfer coming, now is a great time for nonprofits of all sizes to start a deferred-giving program. -
Fundraising
How to Talk About Bequests Without Being Morbid? A Legacy Challenge
Matching campaigns for planned gifts are raising significant sums. Fundraisers share their best tips for a successful drive. -
Planned Giving
How to Position Your Nonprofit for the Wealth Transfer
Fundraisers have a lot to consider as they seek estate gifts — including whom to target and how to work with advisers. Here are some tips to make sure your charity is prepared. -
Fundraising
How to Boost Planned Giving — and Build a Healthy Future for Your Nonprofit
Bequests and other legacy gifts are “the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,” one expert says. Here are six ways to create a thriving planned-giving program or bolster your existing strategy. -
Planned Giving Tool
7 Rules for Marketing Planned Gifts to Donors
Bequests and other planned gifts provide a significant source of revenue for nonprofits. Yet many donors don’t include charities in their will simply because they were never asked, says Lisa Sargent, founder of an eponymous fundraising consultancy.
Templates and Resources
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Advice
Explaining Planned-Giving Options to Donors
The Ocean Conservancy uses this booklet to explain donors’ options when making a gift from their estates. -
Advice
A Step-by-Step Guide for Donors Setting Up a Planned Gift
The Ocean Conservancy uses this informational packet to help donors make decisions—and commitments—about planned gifts. -
Advice
A Statement of Commitment to the Georgia Institute of Technology
The university asks donors who commit to planned gifts to complete this form. -
Advice
A Template for a Planned-Gift Letter of Intent
A sample form to collect information from donors about their estate gifts. -
Advice
The Ocean Conservancy’s Planned-Gift Confirmation Form
The nonprofit asks donors to let them know when they’ve made a planned gift—but the organization doesn’t ask about the dollar value first.
