Planned Giving Insights and Information

Don't Let Your Program Audit Become a “Ramp to Nowhere”

When construction was undertaken, the “ramps to nowhere” in the below picture had a purpose, to connect with an anticipated highway that would run nearby. With the highway having long ago been scrapped, the ramps have stood as is for 50 years, at least finding use as diving platforms and a “canvas” for artwork.

Look Beyond What You See When Auditing Your Planned Giving Program

Optical illusions are fun; they invite us to look for two things in a single image. Sometimes we see both perspectives without prompting, other times the second image becomes clear only when it is pointed out to us, and still other times... well, sometimes we just can’t get beyond our initial perspective.

Watch Your Step

What does a review of your planned giving program have in common with taking photos at the Grand Canyon or kayaking on the Niagara River?

One More “To Do” Item - Gift Annuity Annual Reporting

If your organization is registered to issue gift annuities in New York, be sure that completion of the Annual Statement form (due March 1) is on your “to do” list. Unlike many states, where the filing is based on fiscal year end, the NY deadline is the same for all organizations. If you haven’t already done so, the 2014 form is available for download on the New York state website. One notable change this year: the reserve listing, which includes information on all annuities, must be filed in PDF form by all organizations (and also in Excel form for NY-based charities), but no longer needs to be filed in hard copy.