Embrace small gifts to boost your endowment's future

Every organization dreams of that game-changing, multi-million dollar endowment bequest that comes as a complete surprise. Often it can seem totally random when we hear about a donor who leaves a major gift to a charity in a will, trust, or beneficiary designation. And sometimes it is unexpected. But in many cases, the "surprise" should not have come as a surprise because it was the result of years of careful seed-planting and intentional relationship-building.

Of course, nonprofit fundraising professionals are well aware that cultivating small gifts can lead to large bequests. The question is, though, how can you give your organization the very best chance of receiving a gift like this? Not surprisingly, it all starts with small steps that add up to big steps. Intellectually, we understand this. Never give up on letting your donors know that any size gift makes a difference. 

Here are suggested messages you can use to encourage donors to consider making small gifts to your endowment fund:

We want to help you support our organization's endowment fund at a financial level that meets your charitable giving budget. At every level of giving, your endowment support is a catalyst for improving quality of life. Whether your gift to our endowment fund is a $250 credit card donation, a $2,500 check, $25,000 worth of appreciated stock, or much more through a bequest or IRA beneficiary designation, you're making a difference. We're grateful for your support because it helps ensure that our organization's mission stays strong for years to come. 

As you look ahead toward your year-end giving, you might be considering transferring highly-appreciated stock to your donor-advised fund at the community foundation. Remember that our organization's endowment fund is held at the community foundation, too, making it very easy for you to use your donor-advised fund to support our endowment through year-end gifts of any amount. 

Consider that small donations from a large number of people can make a huge difference. Please help us spread the word! Forward our emails, share our posts on social media, and tell your family and friends that every dollar given to our organization's endowment fund paves the way for a brighter future in our community. 

In so many ways, whether gifts are large or small or somewhere in between, philanthropy creates the margin of excellence that helps communities, families, and individuals thrive. The team at the community foundation is here to help you inspire your donors to support your endowment fund at every level. 

This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. 

To learn more about endowment funds, contact Brian Reitz at 330-436-5628 or breitz@akroncf.org.