Planned Giving: ‘How Old Are You and Did 
You Know You Could … ?’

First, if you are in a campaign, age might well be a factor in counting revocable gifts or in determining the net present value of a future interest. Second, to prepare accurate calculations of tax deductions and income interests for life income gifts (charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts and pooled income funds), you will need the prospect’s date of birth — and perhaps also a spouse/significant other’s date of birth. Third, during the cultivation period (and beyond), birthday cards are excellent tools to maintain contact, especially for those prospects and donors who do not have any family members and who live at a distance from your organization. Finally, to ensure that limited marketing dollars are well-spent and marketing pieces are directed to the most appropriate audiences, you will want to be able to segment your database on the basis of age.