Frequently Asked Questions for Nonprofits
What is Leave A Legacy?
LEAVE A LEGACY® Stark County is a volunteer initiative of the Planned Giving Council of Northern Ohio to promote public awareness and interest in charitable giving through a donor's estate plans and to assist not-for-profits to develop this type of support.
Is LEAVE A LEGACY® unique to our region?
No. LEAVE A LEGACY® Stark County is a national program, sponsored by local Planned Giving Councils that has been implemented in 150 communities throughout the United States.
Which not-for-profits 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.
How does LEAVE A LEGACY® assist not-for-profits?
- 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.
What support services does a Partner organizations receive?
- Participation in ongoing regional training programs focusing on how to implement a bequest program.
- Use of the LEAVE A LEGACY® Stark County 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® Stark County'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.
- Participation in a listserv forum to exchange information with other Partner organizations and professional advisors to provide guidance as you implement your program.
- Inclusion in regional media campaigns highlighting inspiring stories about local individual donors' generosity to charities designed to encourage more donors to make charitable bequests.
How can my organization become a Partner organization?
leavealegacy@goodwillcanton.org or call us toll free at 330-454-9461.
Why should my organization participate in LEAVE A LEGACY® Stark County?
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.
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.