Count Your Expectancies

I encourage clients to list their “expectations” for bequests on the development department’s financial statements that are shown to the board.

Don’t write me that they don’t meet accounting standards. I know they don’t!

Don’t let the finance office tell you what is best and most effective for the development office. Or might be helpful (and encouraging) information for board members.

You likely know of some who have left gifts in their estate plans. You have already enrolled them in your Legacy Society. We encourage you to ask them what they have given. Most will tell you.

List the amount actuarially so that board members can tell when an organization might expect certain amounts in the years ahead. It provides comfort for the future. More than that, it’s a reminder of how very important estate planning is to the organization.