Flexible Fundraising: Gift Agreements in an Uncertain EconomyWhether your campaign goal is $1 million or $1 billion, in this economy, all donors are less secure about pledging stretch gifts these days. As a fundraiser, what can you do? The organizations we work with are making the choice to offer pledge agreements that provide reassurance for their donors, and an income stream for their cause. Writing gift arrangements with wiggle room, their donors are able to reach their philanthropic goals, without worry. Here, we offer sample language you can use to reassure your donors that their involvement is important to you, even when their assets are uncertain. Pledge Agreement to Stretch an Outright Gift: I pledge to commit a value of $___________ payable in assets that fit my needs and are acceptable to the President and Board of Trustees of ___________ for the purpose of ___________________.
Pledge Agreement to Match Challenge Gifts: <<start with traditional pledge language>> It is my understanding that in making a commitment at this level (in excess of $XX), I am eligible to allocate an additional $XX in matching resources provided by _________. Ms. X established this challenge in order to encourage others to increase their philanthropic commitments to XYZ Charity. It is my intention and desire to allocate the total sum of $XX resulting from my commitment and Ms. X’s matching grant as outlined. I understand that in the event that I am able to accelerate my payment schedule, Ms. X’s will be allocated up to the maximum $XX at such time as I have fulfilled that amount of my pledge. Enforceable Pledge Agreement with Wiggle Room: Recognizing that the XYZ Charity will rely upon my pledge herein contained when making expenditures, entering into contracts and engaging in other activities for the benefit of the XYZ Charity, and recognizing further that others have made and will make contributions to the XYZ Charity, I hereby irrevocably pledge, in consideration thereof, to give written amount ($XXXXXXX), during my lifetime or at my death. Payments made during my lifetime will offset this pledge if designated by me in writing as in satisfaction of the pledge. In order to ensure that this pledge is fulfilled, I covenant and promise to provide, by an effective testamentary disposition, for the transfer to the XYZ Charity the balance of the said written amount ($XX), that remains unpaid at the time of death. Attached is a copy of the relevant provision of my will or trust which makes provision for payment of this pledge. If for any reason this testamentary disposition is not made, or is not effective, said balance shall be an obligation due from me and transferable by my estate at the time of my death. |
December 2009:Archived Newsletters |
