Every organization dreams of that game-changing, multi-million-dollar bequest that seems to come completely out of the blue. We’ve all heard stories about a nonprofit learning that a longtime supporter has left a major endowment gift through a will, trust, IRA beneficiary designation, or other legacy planning arrangement. “When is our big gift coming?” you wonder.
IRAs may not be the very first thing that comes to mind when you and your colleagues implement fundraising strategies. But they probably rank in the top three! That’s because Americans who have spent decades in the workforce have watched their 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement accounts grow, making retirement accounts a significant part of many donors’ wealth and, in turn, their charitable plans.
You’re making a list! Maybe even more than one! The final months of the year are critical for fundraising, but year-end success involves more than sending an appeal in December and crossing your fingers that donors respond. Now is the time to engage the full spectrum of your supporters: longtime donors, occasional donors, first-time givers, and loyal supporters who may be ready to think beyond annual giving toward an endowment or legacy gift.
You’ve no doubt seen the report that in 2025, Americans contributed an estimated $617 billion to support nonprofits. Philanthropy is going strong! It’s also likely not a surprise that donor-advised funds continue to play a growing role in charitable giving. Across the country, more donors are using donor-advised funds to organize their philanthropy, make grants to favorite nonprofit organizations, and involve family members in giving decisions.
At Whidbey Community Foundation, we regularly hear from nonprofit leaders that getting your board engaged in the right ways can be a challenge. And that’s on top of the already high bar to recruit board members in the first place! Finding—and motivating—qualified people who are passionate about your mission, willing to volunteer their time, and prepared to serve as ambassadors for the organization can feel harder than ever.
