Asking by Caveat
Recently a client shared with me one of her favorite methods of broaching the subject of a gift commitment with a donor. She always starts with “I wouldn’t be doing my job if . . . I didn’t ask whether you would consider including XYZ Organization in your will.” According to Charles H. Green, author [...]
About the Author
I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.
- Lily Tomlin
That’s why I’m writing this blog. Because in the world of planned giving I have always wondered why we do certain things certain ways. More importantly, I’ve often wondered why we don’t do certain things. This blog is about planned giving marketing and is for people who are working to change the world by encouraging legacy gifts.
My blog posts are based on my experience as a development professional planned giving marketing consultant to nonprofit organizations through my company, SmartGiving (www.smart-giving.com).
Prior to launching SmartGiving, I was Managing Director of Epsilon’s nonprofit group. In the early years of my career, I served as Director of Development and subsequently Associate Executive Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America and as Vice President, Marketing & Development for Special Olympics International.
When I’m not working, I’m a volunteer docent giving tours of special exhibitions at the National Building Museum in Washington. I also do pro bono consulting for both Food & Friends (Washington, DC) and Triad Health Project (Greensboro, NC), two AIDS-service organizations. I also love to cook and to travel to exotic destinations.
I welcome your comments and input. Feel free to e-mail me at pfreedman@smart-giving.com or call me at (202)265-1910.
Phyllis Freedman is an independent fundraising consultant specializing in gift planning marketing and the intersection of gift planning and direct marketing. During her 30-year career in nonprofit fundraising, Phyllis has consulted on gift planning, direct marketing and strategic fundraising for organizations large and small, national and local. She has also held key positions in nonprofit management and fundraising, helping organizations operate and raise money more effectively and efficiently.
