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Have You Thought Through Some Critical Questions?
for A Planned Giving Program:
The following are preliminary topics to prepare for a launch or re-launch of a planned giving program. Many of these topics will be covered in greater depth throughout this series.
1. ENDOWMENT
Endowment: Is there or will there be an endowment? Some churches may wish to have planned gifts be available for immediate spending needs. While this may be necessary in certain situations, this is generally not a best practice.
Be certain to categorize the funds properly. Are the funds really intended to be?:

Presentation: Stewardship at Darnestown Presbyterian Church. Spectacular story: Elder Dave Durham and Reverend David McNeilly share how they are reversing stewardship trends using four primary principals to better serve the church and the giver:"Joy of giving" message instead of need-based. Commitment by leadership to change outlook. Resources and support materials presented early and often. Combined with Church transformation. A fulfilling effort produced dramatic results:

• Up 25% - Pledge units
• Up 46% - Dollars pledged

Heritage Sunday 2010 booklet/brochure. 4 page brochure.

Recurring publication. Attractive cover, fund description(s) with great news about what it did last year, testimonials/stories from donors, recommendations on how readers can make gifts, and a list of heritage partners.

Planned Giving for Presbyterians Presentation. Presented at Buffalo, NY in June 2011