Predicting the future for legacy giving is impossible. Somebody called Nick Cannon (no idea who is was) said
“Nobody can predict the future. You just have to give your all to the relationship you’re in and do your best to take care of your partner, communicate and give them every last drop of love you have. I think one of the most important things in a relationship is caring for your significant other through good times and bad”
2015 was bad for charities due to media attacks being largely unfair and untruthful
2015 was bad because the focus was on fundraisers and not donors
2015 was bad thanks to Sir Stuart Etherington’s report recommending both the Fundraising Preference Service and Commission on Donor Experience.
2016 could be great – if we stop asking for legacies and focus on showing how they make a difference
2016 could be great if we stop thanking supporters and start by sowing impact
2016 could be great if we start thinking of the most important FACTS to give prospects which dirve trust and confidence in our charity
2016 could be great if we start thinking about who inspires prospects to trust us and invest in a legacy in the future
2016 could be great if we strive to show an ambitious future
2016 could be great if we show honesty and transparency in the performance of our charities
2016 could be great if we admit mistakes and show we are not perfect.
2016 could be great if we invest more in caring for our partners (supporters) and less in acquiring new donors
Benjamin Disraeli said “there is no happiness without action. But without action there is no happiness.” We must make is easy to get prospects to put a gift in their Will
I hope, as agents for change, those you serve have a happy 2016 thanks to your own personal long term vision.
Richard