Five Ways to Promote Bequest Gifts at (Almost) No Cost

1. Write a simple sentence asking donors to include you in their wills -- perhaps something just this basic: "Please ensure that your help continues by including ________________ in your will." Put it on your letterhead, service brochures, annual reports, and anywhere and everywhere you can.

2. Include a planned-gifts committee on your board. It can be comprised of as few as three people whom you choose, but who are appointed by the board chair. Ask these people to meet quarterly to assist you and to be a sounding board and support group. Ask other charities how they involve such committees. They often review and approve gift policies and open doors to others. They can also be a very powerful advocacy group.