In the planned giving development arena, the focus is on bequests. With the average size bequest being quite substantial - $78,630 - it is easy to understand why. With gifts of that magnitude, getting to the finish line is very important.

The consequences of a donor faltering and not finalizing a bequest are financially significant.

There are time-tested strategies Catholic nonprofits can use to be successful in completing bequests. During my 25 year professional career in estate planning, I have realized that it helps to make faith-based estate planning tools available to your donors. Catholic legacy wills and Catholic medical treatment documents are unique and valued and can incentivize Catholics to keep moving forward to complete their bequest-including estate plans.

It is also beneficial to get the donor's written permission to allow their estate planning attorney to provide a copy of the legal document containing the charitable bequest to the nonprofit. That way, you have proof that the bequest was finalized. Stay posted for other tips on closing bequests.

© Mark Henry, JD