Do you care more about your legacy society than the donors in it?

Some nonprofits seem to care about ‘having’ a legacy society far more than they care about the donors in them. 
There’s lots of evidence supporting my claim. For instance:

• Way less than half of the people who make planned gifts notify the nonprofits in advance and many of those that do, ask to be anonymous.
• Look online and try to determine the benefits of joining any legacy society and you’ll see that too many provide very little real, meaningful value to the donors.
• Some just give donors a pin and a newsletter.
• Others don’t do anything for the donors except put them on a list in the annual report (sometimes without their permission). Yipes!

I think the organizations maintaining these weak societies created them primarily for two reasons:

1. They believe they have to create a legacy society in order to have a robust legacy giving program but they don’t understand their true purpose.
2. They think the opportunity to join the legacy society is a major motivator. But think about it, would you change your will just to get into the legacy society or to get on a list in the annual report or on the website?  I didn’t think so.

Some do it right.

They recognize that a legacy society can be a powerful marketing tool for:

• Encouraging supporters to disclose their legacy gift intentions.
• Ensuring that gifts remain in the supporters’ plans.
• Generating leads for additional legacy gifts.
• Gaining referrals.

How do they do it?

• They show that they sincerely care about and appreciate each donor — not just about the existence of the society.
• They provide them with massive value.
• They create offers for engagement and involvement.
• They offer opportunities for them to do even more in ways they never imagined.
• They help the donors show their friends, colleagues and peers that they are helping your organization by making the ultimate gift.
• They make sure they feel good!

Related Posts:

>>The easiest way to grow your Legacy Society (5 super-simple steps)
>>NEWS FLASH: Most of your supporters don’t really want to be in your legacy society

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