Myths About Planned Giving and Endowment
by Jennifer Meckling, Charitable Organization Endowment Program Director
Donors who leave legacy gifts use assets amassed over decades and sometimes generations. They know the value of planning and saving for the future. Our endowed organizations also know – or should know – the importance of long-term planning. So why is it more than 75 percent of our charitably-endowed organizations did not receive any kind of charitable contribution to support their fund last year? Unfortunately, there are many false conceptions held about planned giving and endowment, but we’re here to separate fact from fiction. 
Myth: Gift planning is only for the wealthy.
Fact: Just because a donor doesn’t have cash doesn’t mean they don’t have assets that could be turned into a significant charitable contribution. 
Myth: Endowment gifts take away from our operational fundraising. 
Fact: Planned giving can complement existing fundraising and sometimes even serve as a catalyst for greater giving. Once you start engaging in donor-centered development, you’ll find many donors will elect to support your cause any way they can. 
Myth: Planned giving is difficult.
Fact: Not every planned gift involves an attorney, and those that do can be as simple as naming a beneficiary. Sometimes the ability to make these changes are available online. Helping donors see the ease in making a planned gift is a great way to connect with them and help them meet their own giving goals.
Myth: A planned giving campaign is a lot of work.
Fact: A planned giving campaign can be started with a simple conversation. Ask your donor(s) why they choose to give at all and learn about their goals for their philanthropy!
Do you want to learn more about how to open the channels of communication with your donors? Join us for our charitable organization training sessions . See below for upcoming dates!

We can help simplify planned giving for your donors!  

Our How & What to Give page explains in detail the options available to donors to support your organization. Options for Giving Now and Giving Later can help you and them understand the possibilities available. We will even take care of the administrative details for the planned gift, and meet with you and your donors to discuss how to maximize the benefit of their gift for all parties involved. 
Remember: You can share about your endowment and legacy society on Give Smart OKC ! Include details about your legacy society and how supporters can fund your endowment on the "Needs" sub tab on your profile.

For assistance contact Rachel Mouton at 405/606-2918.
At the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, we are fortunate to witness the people, places, activities, events and organizations that work together to make our city a great place every day, but we want others to see it, too. Wherever you see the good in our community, share it by using  #OKC4Good  and join the movement!

Learn more at OCCF.org/OKC4Good.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 22
Join us at 1 p.m . to learn more about the new grant guidelines.
RSVP to  Rachel Mouton  at 405/606-2918. 
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Join us at 3 p.m. to learn more about the new grant guidelines.
RSVP to  Rachel Mouton  at 405/606-2918. 
Mar. 7
Join us at 11:30 a.m. for a Crescendo Planned Giving Marketing Seminar.
Register here .
Mar. 27
Join us at 11:30 a.m. to review endowment case studies & success stories.
Register here .
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Contacts:
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Charitable Organization Endowment Program Director
405/606-2951
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Manager, iFunds & Give Smart OKC
405/606-2918