Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who can I ask for a legacy gift?

A: Anyone who cares about your organization–longtime donors, volunteers, board members, participants–everyone can have an impact. People who make a legacy commitment can be any age.

Q: My donor base isn’t wealthy and can’t make huge gifts! I am sure many don’t have wills or estates.

A: Every legacy gift matters, whether larger or smaller. Legacy giving may be largely about bringing resources; it’s also about building community.

In fact, the best prospects for legacy giving are your most loyal supporters—those who care the most about your mission. While some people may not be able to make large donations today or simply donate their time as volunteers, people have a variety of options to commit to your organization. There are numerous ways to leave a donation upon passing, including through retirement funds, life insurance policies, and traditional wills or trusts.

Additionally, the data shows that annual gifts from supporters increase after making a legacy commitment.

Q: We are always chasing money for this year or sometimes this month! We don’t have time to focus on legacy gifts.

A: If you already have regular donors, you’re already spending time protecting the future of your organization. Decades ago, it was unclear if the organizations our elders created would last–or even be needed. Yet, time and experience has proven not only that our LGBTQ+ organizations are here to stay, but that they’re as vital as ever. We need organizations who provide life-saving resources, advocacy, and connection to our community. Your organization is the future. The time to build sustainable resources is now.

Q: How do we staff a program like this? We have no dedicated legacy giving staff and no financial advisors.

A. All members of your staff and board can ask for potential legacy gifts by having mission-based conversations that will have a real impact with your donors. The most successful organizations integrate legacy giving into all their fundraising efforts, whether or not they have staff solely dedicated to this area. It is also best to provide just the basic information about the opportunity while leaving technical details to estate-planning professionals. Your team is just opening the conversation; you can direct individuals to a professional to do the rest.

Q: Someone emailed us and said they want to leave a legacy gift to us! What do I do next?

A. Congratulations—you have inspired this person to invest in your future! Be sure to:

Thank them immediately.
Ensure they have your organization’s basic information (EIN, mailing address, and full legal name).
Check if they want to be acknowledged on any public lists.
Oh yes, thank them again!

Be sure to retain their information in your records and provide periodic updates on your organization. PS: Did we mention a thank you?

Looking for more information and resources? Visit our Resource Library for templates and models to help!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Sign Up for Updates