Frequently Asked Questions for Non Profits

1. What is LEAVE A LEGACY^®?

Leave A Legacy is a volunteer initiative of the Planned Giving Council of Greater Philadelphia to promote public awareness and interest in charitable giving through a donor's estate plans and to assist nonprofit organizations to develop this type of support.

2. Is LEAVE A LEGACY^® unique to our region?

No. LEAVE A LEGACY^® is a national program, sponsored by local Planned Giving Councils that has been implemented in over 150 communities throughout the United States and Canada.

3. Which nonprofit organizations can participate in the LEAVE A LEGACY^® program?

Any not-for-profit can participate, including: Churches, Synagogues & Mosques; Colleges, Universities & Private Schools; Social Service and Community Improvement Agencies; etc ...

4. How does LEAVE A LEGACY^® assist nonprofit organizations?

• Conducts a community-wide public awareness program designed to stimulate donor interest in including charities in their will.
• Provides a variety of support services to Partner organizations.

5. What support services does a Partner organization receive?

• Participation in ongoing regional training programs focusing on how to implement a bequest program.
• Use of the LEAVE A LEGACY^® logo and collateral materials that can help your organization promote bequests.
• Access to experienced planned giving experts and speakers who help inspire your constituencies-board, staff, volunteers, and donors-to include your organization in their wills.
• Access to all resources on the LEAVE A LEGACY^® of Greater Philadelphia's web site.
• Inclusion of information about your organization on the LEAVE A LEGACY^® web site as well as a link to your own organization's web site.
• Inclusion in regional media campaigns highlighting inspiring stories about local individual donors' generosity to charities designed to encourage more donors to make charitable bequests.

6. How can my organization become a Partner organization?

E-mail us at AssociationMgr@comcast.net or call us toll free
at 1-866-LAL-9901.

7. Why should my organization participate in LEAVE A LEGACY^®?

There is an unprecedented opportunity to develop bequests and other deferred gifts from your donors and prospects now:

• Approximately 1 in 5 decedents left charitable bequests in 1998.
• Charitable bequests grew at twice the rate of total individual giving from 1995 through 1998. This trend is expected to continue.
• Charitable bequests are estimated to grow at a staggering rate over the next 50 years reaching between $6 trillion and $25 trillion.

8. How do I know my organization can succeed in developing charitable bequests?

Organizations with enduring missions and a history of charitable support from individuals can successfully develop bequests.