Connecting the Dots for Donors
by Jennifer Meckling, Charitable Organization Endowment Program Director
One of the ways charitable organizations can foster support from their donors is to help them understand how being strategic about their giving can help them make a greater impact. Frequently, donor support mirrors how an organization asks to be supported. If you don’t ask donors to support your long-term sustainability, they are unlikely to suggest it themselves. But, that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be interested
Here's a great example:
If a donor gave an annual $1,000 gift for 20 years, the total impact of the gifts after 20 years would be $20,000.

But, if a donor gave a one-time gift of $20,000 to an endowment, the total impact of the gift after 20 years would be greater than $54,000. That includes more than $24,000 in annual distributions back to the organization and a fund value in excess of $30,000 (assumes an average investment performance of 8%. OCCF general pool investment performance for 10 years ending June 30, 2019, is 9.3%).

In both cases the initial gift was $20,000, but giving to endowment more than doubles the impact! What donor would say no to that?
Giving donors the opportunity to support your organization in this way makes good sense. It can attract new donors, or it can strengthen an existing relationship with a key supporter. I recommend starting with your board, the very heart of your organization’s support, for these types of conversations. Help your board members understand the ways your mission can be supported in perpetuity. And, once you have an endowment gift, you can share the story as a model, connecting the dots for other charitable-minded supporters.

You can explore the many ways to give strategically through our Legacy Giving pages, including How to Give and What to Give .
 
Save the Dates!
Save these dates on your calendar for next year’s slate of workshops. Stay tuned for details of each session! 
Give Smart OKC Updates
Giving Tuesday is around the corner, and NOW is the perfect opportunity to make sure your Give Smart OKC profile is up to date! Bring your laptop and join us at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 6 to receive one-on-one support from Rachel while making updates to your profile.
If you can’t make the luncheon, contact Rachel Mouton at 405/606-2918 for assistance.
Thanks to those who joined us to celebrate our 50 th birthday and to pick up your endowment distribution check. If you did not attend and have not yet arranged to pick up your check, contact Jennifer Meckling at 405/606-2951.
Nonprofit Resources
View the balance of your endowment fund and gifts from donors.
Tools to help you promote your endowment.
Guidance, compliance and requirements to help you in your nonprofit journey.
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