Trend to Watch: Bequests

As you move forward, it’s essential to monitor and assess organization-specific results while keeping an eye on other factors and trends in philanthropy that will undoubtedly come into play in the next three-to-five-year development strategies.

BEQUESTS: Many Americans took the opportunity to create end-of-life documents during the pandemic. The great transfer of wealth that has been on the horizon is now here, and organizations should be prepared to assist donors who would like to make them a beneficiary.

The most recent Giving USA report showed volatility in bequest giving which tends to happen in times of economic disruption.

The average charitable bequest is now over $78,000, and similar to membership, bequest donors are motivated to select beneficiaries based on personal importance.

Now is the time to invest in conversations, marketing, and asks for bequest giving.