Please feel free to check out this webinar we just gave last week looking at updated data sources like Giving USA 2015 and the VSE for planned giving purposes.
The big question we address is whether we are starting to see the impact of the baby boomers on global planned giving numbers. But, you will have to watch the video to get the answer!
Enjoy and feel free to comment!
Anyone who has been in or around planned giving for some time knows that most charitable bequests come from typical direct mail-type donors – $50 a year for many years – maybe your secret millionaires next door but certainly not your “leadership” donors.
But, take a look at Giving USA 2015. The general rate of charitable estates in America is still about 5% of all decedents. Now, take a look again at our chart above. Notice that the actual rate of inclusion of charitable bequests climbs from 15.7% for estates under $5 million all the way up to over 50% for mega wealthy Americans (over $50 million estates).
In other words, take a look around at your next board meeting. Ask yourself: How many individuals around the table fall into these potential estate levels? Then, ask yourself: How many of these board members have we had any discussion about their legacy with our institution?
If your board has individuals with these wealth levels, easily 1/3 or more of them will include some charitable gift in their estates. Will it be yours?