TEST Board Meeting Webinar-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar, “Beyond the Gift,” focused on expanding legacy giving beyond traditional one-to-one planned giving relationships. Presenters Lynn Boardman and David Kravenchuk argued that legacy fundraising is already working well, but not for enough people, and that organizations should “democratize” it by reaching broader groups of donors.<br /><br />They emphasized that legacy gifts are deeply emotional, not just financial. Donors often see bequests as a way to express meaning, identity, and gratitude for the role a charity has played in their lives. The presenters encouraged fundraisers to shift from thinking of themselves only as gift planners to becoming “stewards of meaning,” helping donors reflect on their lives and share stories, memories, and motivations.<br /><br />A key message was that legacy giving should be treated as an inclusive, ongoing system rather than a single campaign. Organizations can embed legacy messaging into existing channels such as donor newsletters, thank-you letters, direct mail, surveys, and websites. They also urged close collaboration between annual giving and gift planning teams, since small changes in common materials can have major revenue impacts.<br /><br />The speakers highlighted that legacy donors are often already in an organization’s database—long-time donors, monthly donors, volunteers, and people who engage consistently. They also addressed stewardship, anonymous donors, and the importance of honoring families and loved ones when legacy gifts are realized.<br /><br />Overall, the webinar called for broader, more thoughtful legacy fundraising that values every donor’s potential to leave a meaningful gift.

Keywords

legacy giving

planned giving

legacy fundraising

donor stewardship

bequests

donor engagement

gift planning

annual giving

donor communications

charitable bequests