Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: 501(c)(3) • Community Outreach • Program Development

Planned Giving

Term from Nonprofit Organizations industry explained for recruiters

Planned Giving is a specialized area of fundraising where donors arrange to make significant gifts to nonprofit organizations as part of their long-term financial or estate planning. It's like setting up a long-term commitment between a donor and a charity. These gifts can take many forms, such as wills, trusts, or life insurance policies. Organizations value people with Planned Giving experience because these donations are typically larger than regular donations and provide stable, long-term funding. Similar terms include "legacy giving," "estate giving," or "deferred giving." This role combines elements of fundraising, relationship building, and basic financial planning knowledge.

Examples in Resumes

Developed Planned Giving program that secured $2M in future commitments

Managed portfolio of 200+ Planned Giving donors and prospects

Created educational materials about Legacy Giving options for donors

Increased Estate Giving commitments by 45% through targeted outreach campaigns

Typical job title: "Planned Giving Officers"

Also try searching for:

Planned Giving Director Legacy Giving Officer Gift Planning Officer Major Gifts Officer Development Officer Estate Planning Officer Charitable Giving Specialist

Where to Find Planned Giving Officers

Professional Associations

Job Boards

Online Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you build a planned giving program from scratch?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating a strategy, identifying potential donors, developing marketing materials, building relationships with financial advisors, and implementing tracking systems. Should emphasize long-term relationship building and stewardship.

Q: How do you handle complex gift arrangements involving multiple assets or family considerations?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of working with donors' legal and financial advisors, understanding various giving vehicles, and balancing donor wishes with organizational needs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you identify and cultivate potential planned giving donors?

Expected Answer: Should explain donor screening processes, relationship building strategies, and ways to identify donors who might be interested in estate planning. Should mention looking at giving history and donor engagement.

Q: What are the most common types of planned gifts and how would you explain them to donors?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain bequests, charitable gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts in simple terms, demonstrating ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is planned giving and why is it important for nonprofits?

Expected Answer: Should explain that planned giving involves future donations through wills or estate planning, and its importance for long-term organizational sustainability.

Q: How would you ensure good relationships with planned giving donors?

Expected Answer: Should discuss regular communication, appreciation events, updates about organization impact, and maintaining detailed records of interactions.