Checklist

  Credible external research on demographic and philanthropic trends informs the business case

  The organization has data to support its average estate gift size and known to unknown gifts ratio

  The organization measures its cost to raise a dollar and return on investment for planned gift fundraising over a 10-year period

  The internal case is available for review and is presented periodically, especially at times of organizational change or leadership transition

Tools

  FREE Planned Giving in the Big Picture: Talking About Your Numbers to the People Who Count (Steven Meyers and Bill Samers)

  FREE Building Organizational Passion and Commitment for Gift Planning (Elaine Eberhart)

 CGP Link Resource Collection—Research filter

  "Counting, Numbers, Value and the Big Picture," (Steven Meyers--excerpt from Personalized Philanthropy: Crash the Fundraising Matrix)

  Winning Hearts and Minds INSIDE Your Organization: Becoming Your Best Planned Giving Program Advocate (Cathy Sheffield and Patrick Schmitt)

  The Case for Gift Planning: Analyzing the Cost to Raise a Planned Gift Dollar (Kristen Dugdale)

  Planned Giving: Getting Everyone on Board (or at least not jumping ship) (Aviva Boedecker)

Checklist

  A current strategic plan is accessible to staff and constituents

  Mission, vision, history of organization, corporate values and goals clearly describe the impact the organization intends to have

  Staff and board review strategic plan at least annually 

Tools

  Strategic Planning for Nonprofits (National Council of Nonprofits)

  Elements of a Vision Statement (BoardSource)

  5 Phases of Strategic Planning (BoardSource)

  Example: Strategic Framework (BoardSource)

  Sample/model goals and related strategies and Business Planning for Nonprofits: What It Is and Why It Matters (Bridgespan Group)