How to Run a Church Planned Giving Program
Planned giving programs provide an opportunity for church members to make a significant gift at the right time. Successful planned giving programs should maintain a diverse funding base, including annual campaigns, capital, and planned giving programs. Churches, like other organizations, need a steady flow of financial support to provide funding for programs, salaries and operating expenses. Knowing how to run a church planned giving program can help expand your base of funding and provide financial stability for your church.
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Instructions
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Develop a plan for giving opportunities, including the goals and objectives, organizational structure, needs for staffing, budget, and a timetable to reach your goals. This may be added into your church's strategic plan or business plan to focus its efforts.
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Promote your church in your community by letting potential donors know about your planned giving program and your specific needs. This may involve preparing articles for the local newspaper, advertisements, or a planned giving newsletter. Your church also may consider hosting an annual church reception to enhance the visibility of your planned giving program. One of the most effective methods for increasing program awareness is for a donor to tell their own story and thereby promote your church's programs.
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Determine what planned giving software your church wants to use. Software can help you prepare calculations of specific donors and track donations. This makes sending out thank you letters and following up much more simple.
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Define what constitutes planned giving. Most churches rely heavily on the tithing (giving of 10 percent of income) of parishioners to sustain its activities. Determine what amount of money constitutes a significant gift. Many organizations focus on prospects capable of donating more than $1,000. The planned giving program also should focus on how to help a potential donor choose how to make their gift.
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Outline how you will find and identify potential prospects. This is a crucial aspect of the planned giving process. Make a list of parishioners who may have the ability to donate funds. You may also make a list of potential contributors in your community based on denomination or potential interest in a specific program.
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Determine how you will involve potential donors in your mission. Prospects will want to see that you know the best way to accomplish your goals. Make sure that the donor has a thorough understanding of what programs your church offers and how you stand out in your community. This is a significant part of cultivating a relationship with a donor.
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Discuss their options for making a gift and how they may donate their money. This often involves a significant amount of tact with potential donors as you may need to sit down with them and discuss assets and their investments. You may need to discuss cash donations, real estate, trusts, annuities, life insurance, revocable trust, and the donation of wills.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that you find ways to differentiate your church from other churches in your area through its programs. Find out what makes your church unique before you develop your planned giving strategy.
Avoid badgering potential donors to donate to your church by making sure that they are removed from your mailing list if they ask to be taken off.
