Naming gifts are so ubiquitous in philanthropy that I fear we’ve lost all ability to analyze them objectively, let alone offer a critique. In our just-concluded workshops on planned giving we examined the folly of trying to control one’s legacy with financial gifts. Private schools, universities, symphonies, hospitals, rescue missions, and charities of all types fall all over themselves to recognize major benefactors with very public naming gifts. Presumably, the donor hopes to secure...
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I was recently reading a book by my good friend C. Daniel LeLaCheur titled, “The Legacy Lives On” which is the sequel to his first book “Generational Legacy.” Dan has been a pastor and has devoted his life’s work to helping families and teaching them how pass on a blessing to their children that will last for generations.
As I was reading this book I am reminded that as ministry leaders, ministry partners (champions) etc. that we too are like parents and what we do today has great impact...
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Last week I talked about coaching champions on planned giving. I'd like to continue with that topic, but address one of the more challenging aspects of it, at least in my opinion. I'm talking about non financial types of planned gifts that have a transformative effect on both the giver and receiver. It's certainly easier to come up with ideas for these types of gifts from a personal and familial aspect. For example, in my family my grandmother and parents are both filling out a Legacy...
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Recently as I was reading in the book of Psalms, two verses in Psalm 119 jumped out at me, verses 90 and 111. Verse 90 says, “Thy faithfulness continues throughout all generations; Thou didst establish the earth and it stands.” Verse 111 says this, "I have inherited Thy testimonies forever, for they are the Joy of my heart.”
David understands who his source of strength is. He too understands that he has learned some things that only God could teach him through the circumstances of life...
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I just read a great book, second time over, called The Eternity Portfolio by Alan Gotthardt. If you haven't read it, you need to add it to the top of your list to read, not just for yourself but also for how you coach your champions when talking about planned giving.One of the Christian values Gotthardt spends quite a bit of time on is our responsibility to invest in our family and invest in others. I find that most people are pretty good at the former, but not so good at the latter...
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