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by Senior Consultant, Mitra Karami The quieter months of the year, often January, June, or late summer, offer a unique opportunity for nonprofits to introduce or elevate their planned giving programs. These periods naturally lend themselves to reflection: donors are reviewing finances, updating paperwork, or rethinking long-term priorities. When approached with care and clarity, planned giving becomes an invitation rather than an ask. Why Planned Giving Works in “Dead” Months Planned giving conversations are fundamentally different from year-end appeals. They’re not about immediate revenue. They’re about legacy , values , and vision . After the intensity of Giving Tuesday and holiday campaigns, donors appreciate softer engagements that offer long-term value rather than another gift request. These quieter months are ideal because: Donors have mental space to think about estate planning without the noise of holiday demands. Financial planning naturally occurs at the start and midpoint of the year. Reflection and goal-setting pair well with conversations about impact and legacy. There’s no urgency pressure, which allows donors to explore options at their own pace. How to Make Planned Giving Accessible and Appealing Planned giving feels intimidating for many supporters. Your role is to make it approachable, flexible, and donor-centered. Consider these strategies: Host a Virtual Planned Giving Webinar or Info Session: A light-touch educational event can be transformative. Offer a 30–45 minute session covering: What planned giving is (and isn’t) Simple ways to make a legacy gift (no attorney needed) Common myths and misconceptions How planned gifts sustain the mission for generations Real donor stories (if available) Partner with one of Ostara’s planned giving experts  to guide the discussion. This positions your organization as a resource, not a solicitor—and donors deeply appreciate the opportunity to learn without pressure. Lead with Values, Not Technicality: Instead of focusing on tax benefits first, anchor your messaging in impact: “A planned gift ensures future generations benefit from the work you care about today.” “Legacy gifts keep our mission thriving beyond your lifetime. “By including our organization in your estate plans, you become part of our long-term story.” Donors respond to purpose, belonging, and continuity. Final Thoughts: Slow Seasons Are Strategic Seasons Dead months don’t have to be dead at all. With thoughtful, low pressure engagement strategies and focusing on planned giving, organizations can turn the calendar’s quietest moments into catalysts for long-term growth. If you want support building a year-round fundraising plan or strengthening your donor engagement strategy, The Ostara Group is here to help .

by Marisa Kent-Guerra , Associate Consultant The meeting is your first step to building a strong, mutually beneficial relationship. There are some do's and don't to think about as you prepare for the meeting. From finding organizational alignment to coming thoroughly prepared, here are my top tips for ensuring you continue to move your partnerships forward. So, how do I prepare for my meeting? Meet them where they’re at.  When you’ve secured the meeting – you don’t want to go into it ready to share all the amazing work your organization does. Not yet at least. Do your research and have a clear picture of what their philanthropic priorities are. Be ready to make the connection for them as to why you are the right organization to partner with. Have a clear value-add.   Show them what you bring to the table, whether that’s publicity, visibility, employee engagement opportunities, event attendance opportunities, or more. What is their Return on Investment? Look – I’m not always a fan of the idea of give and take in our work, but I do understand that companies care about whether your organization can add value to their brand and tell the right story. Don’t fit a square peg into a round hole.  Whether you’re searching for prospects, engaging them in conversation, or building relationships with companies already familiar with your work, ensure that you are prioritizing your mission first. Do not add program offerings to your proposition. You want to sell them your story and get their buy-in to what you’re currently offering. Additional offerings do nothing but strain the capacity of your programs teams and set your organization up to fail. Keep in touch.  Don’t just reach out to your corporate partners in budgeting season or when you are asking for a donation or sponsorship. Keep them engaged and excited about your work with regular update emails, newsletters, opportunities to deepen their engagement with your work, and deliverables like your yearly impact reports. Okay, now that I know what to do, what should I avoid? Don’t treat your contacts the same as your major donors. Unlike traditional major donor relationships, your contact is generally not deeply invested in the work that your organization does. The company is. The employee you’re working with is a connector between you and the company’s philanthropic priorities. Don’t make broad asks . Hone in on an area that they are interested in supporting. While you should still ask for general operating funding, you want to showcase the programs they’re interested in to keep their interest. Don’t show up unprepared.   Come prepared to discuss what the company does, what their values are, what their philanthropic priorities are, where you have found alignment, and have a giving opportunity ready if they ask. Don’t make an ask the first meeting.  Be prepared to offer one if they ask but for your first meeting, you’re just getting to know one another. Treat them as you would any other donor and move them through the stages of Moves Management. Corporate cultivation and stewardship are remarkably similar to major donor cultivation and stewardship. It is just more professional, more structured, and more data focused. If you tweak your skills here and there and adjust your frame of mind, you’ll be on the road to success. To develop a strong and comprehensive fundraising plan, including Corporate Giving, reach out to the Ostara Group today.

by Mitra Karami , Senior Consultant Every nonprofit leader knows the cycle: a whirlwind of Giving Tuesday and year-end campaigns, followed by the quiet, often sluggish stretch of early winter or mid-summer. January and June - often seen as “dead” months for fundraising - can feel like downtime. Donors are fatigued, budgets are in flux, and inboxes are quieter. But these slower months are prime opportunities  to strengthen donor relationships, build long-term sustainability, and lay the groundwork for future revenue. With thoughtful planning and softer asks, “dead” months can actually become some of the most strategic moments in your fundraising calendar. Ostara Suggests: Focus on Monthly Giving Acquisition and Upgrades When donors are recovering from the intensity of year-end giving, they are often less receptive to another large fundraising appeal - but they are  open to softer, lower-barrier invitations that still create meaningful impact. This makes the quieter months an ideal time to promote or grow your monthly giving program. Monthly giving is one of the most powerful tools for nonprofit sustainability. It helps convert one-time supporters into loyal, long-term partners by offering a simple, manageable way for donors to stay connected to your mission throughout the year. Why does monthly giving resonate after year end? Post December fatigue is real - donors have made major decisions, budgets feel tight, and inboxes are overflowing. Monthly giving appeals meet donors where they are: They feel lighter than a one-time request. They emphasize continuity over urgency. They offer donors an easy, emotionally satisfying way to keep helping without feeling stretched. This approach respects donor bandwidth while still advancing your fundraising goals. What are the benefits to monthly giving? Monthly donors are often your most committed supporters. Strengthening this group builds a fundraising foundation you can rely on: Predictable, stable revenue  supports year-round program planning. Higher retention rates — monthly donors stay engaged 80–90% longer than one-time donors. Increased lifetime value — even small monthly contributions compound significantly over time. Opportunities for deeper stewardship  because you’re interacting with them regularly. Monthly giving is not just a gift, it’s a relationship building engine. What messaging strategies work? When promoting monthly giving during slower months, keep your messaging: Impact-driven  (“$10/month feeds a family every week”). Low pressure  (“Start at a level that feels right for you”). Optimistic and forward-looking  (“Your support each month fuels our work all year long”). Donor-centric  (“Monthly giving is one of the easiest ways to make a lasting impact”). Invitations should feel warm, inclusive, and supportive — not transactional. Try This Strategy: Matching Incentives for the First Three Months Adding a matching element to your monthly giving drive can significantly boost conversions. For example: “For the first three months, your monthly gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.” This limited-time incentive does three important things: Creates urgency  without creating pressure. Shows donors how far their generosity can go. Encourages upgrades  among current sustainers who want to increase their impact. Even a modest match from a board member, sponsor, or major donor can energize a campaign. Additional Monthly Giving Tactics for “Dead” Months To maximize the momentum, consider adding: A Monthly Donor Welcome Series: A short automated email sequence welcoming new sustainers, thanking them, and showing impact builds immediate loyalty. A Monthly Donor Spotlight: Featuring a current sustainer in your newsletter helps normalize the behavior and inspires others to join. An Upgrade Campaign: Invite existing monthly donors to increase their gift by a small amount (e.g., $2–$5/month). Many will say yes, especially if it’s paired with a match. A “Join the Circle” Recognition Group: Create a named giving circle for monthly donors and list them annually. Recognition goes a long way in stewardship. A Monthly Giving “Deadline Moment”: Choose a dead-month date (January 31 or June 30) as a mini-campaign endpoint to motivate action. Monthly giving is a long-term strategy. Monthly giving is not just a tactic for slow seasons—it’s one of the most sustainable pathways to predictable revenue and donor loyalty. By strategically promoting it during quieter months, when donors are more receptive to softer, more steady forms of engagement, nonprofits can build a resilient foundation that strengthens their entire fundraising program.

By Andrea Millikan , Senior Consultant In our work with nonprofit leaders, we see a familiar pattern: organizations know they need great people, but the urgency of day‑to‑day work often pushes hiring into a reactive scramble. The most successful searches, however, look a lot like strong strategic plans—they start with clarity, follow a thoughtful roadmap, and keep people at the center. When equity and transparency guide the process, the experience becomes more grounded and mission‑aligned.   Clarity Builds Confidence Before posting a job, take the time to define what you truly need. A clear job description and transparent pay range set the tone for an equitable search. When candidates understand the role, expectations, and compensation from the start, you attract people who are aligned with your mission and ready to contribute. This early clarity also helps your internal team stay focused and make decisions with greater confidence.   A Roadmap Keeps the Process Moving A hiring process is a project—treat it like one. Establish a timeline with milestones for planning, recruitment, screening, interviews, and final selection. Even a simple roadmap helps you anticipate bottlenecks, coordinate stakeholders, and maintain momentum. Structure also supports fairness. Shared evaluation criteria, thoughtful screening questions, and predictable communication help ensure that every candidate moves through the same process and has a fair opportunity to demonstrate their strengths.   People First, Always Nonprofit hiring is fundamentally relational. Candidates are evaluating you just as much as you’re evaluating them. A human‑centered approach—timely updates, clear expectations, and a warm welcome—signals the culture they can expect if they join your team. Creating an environment where candidates can shine might include offering questions in advance, providing flexible scheduling, or assembling interview panels with a range of perspectives and lived experiences. These practices help reduce unintentional barriers and create a more inclusive experience.   Don’t Stop at the Offer: Onboarding Matters After investing so much time and energy into finding the right person, onboarding is where you help them thrive. A thoughtful onboarding process introduces new hires to your culture, clarifies expectations, and builds early relationships across the organization. Strong onboarding is also an equity practice. It ensures every new team member—regardless of background or networks—has access to the same information, support, and pathways to success.   The Bottom Line A strong hiring process reflects clarity, equity, alignment, and care. When these elements guide your approach, you build a workplace where people feel welcomed, supported, and ready to contribute meaningfully.

By Adam Runions, Partner and Senior Consultant Supporter surveys are a powerful way to connect with donors and learn how you can be more effective in your fundraising approach. Whether done annually with an eye toward key measures to track over time, or as a one-off exercise to measure sentiment or test a campaign case for support, surveys provide good, actionable data to your team. A few key objectives to consider:   Strengthen donor relationships.  Inviting input shows donors that their voice matters. It builds trust and loyalty, especially when you follow up with “You said, we did” updates that demonstrate responsiveness. You can also learn what types of communication and benefits mean the most to your supporters. Gauge public perception through a donor’s eyes . Though your programs may have an amazing track record, it’s critical that donors understand your impacts and perceive you as a trusted institution that is effective at delivering positive change. You stand to learn what reputational strengths you can build upon, as well as barriers or misconceptions that you need to address in your donor communications to leverage even more giving. Understand what drives support.  Surveys help you uncover why people give, what issues they care about, and how they perceive the value of giving to your organization. Often this can help you focus messaging, as well as develop “donor personas” or archetypes ( The Cause-driven Advocate; The Data-driven Analyst; The Legacy Builder  ) to build your strategies around.   A good survey strategy will have well-designed questions that not only gather quantitative and qualitative data, but that also serve as a powerful communication tool to your donors. They require a skilled approach to communication and technology, and a plan to ensure it is well-timed, easy to complete, and comes from a trusted source. For these reasons, our clients hire Ostara to apply best practices to build, conduct and analyze their donor surveys, knowing we will work collaboratively to ensure a positive donor experience and an insightful, unbiased set of results.  Reach out to us to discuss your ideas for your next supporter survey!

by Scott Sadler , Partner + Senior Strategist A successful capital campaign committee is not just a group of names on paper – it’s a working team of leaders, connectors, and advocates who combine their influence, passion, and skills to drive the campaign forward. The committee’s strength lies in its ability to bridge organizational vision with community support, ensuring both financial success and lasting relationships. A successful capital campaign committee is defined by strong leadership, diverse skills, deep community connections, and a shared passion for the mission. These attributes ensure the committee can inspire confidence, mobilize donors, and sustain momentum throughout the campaign. The Ostara Group has identified seven key attributes of a successful capital campaign committee. Leadership and Influence Committee members should be respected leaders in the community with credibility and visibility. They bring philanthropic capacity and can model giving by making their own significant contributions. Their leadership sets the tone for the campaign and inspires others to follow. Commitment to the Mission Members must have a genuine passion for the organization’s vision and project goals. Their enthusiasm translates into authentic advocacy when engaging donors and stakeholders. Diverse Life Experiences, Skills, and Perspectives A mix of talents, like fundraising, marketing, finance, communications, and event planning, ensures the committee can handle multiple campaign needs. Diversity of perspectives helps anticipate challenges and craft creative solutions. Connections and Networks Successful committees leverage members’ personal and professional networks to identify and cultivate donor prospects. Peer-to-peer solicitation is especially effective, as donors respond more positively when approached by someone they know and trust. Active Engagement and Accountability Members must be willing to engage , not just lend their names. This includes attending meetings, making calls, and opening doors to donors. Clear roles and responsibilities help maintain accountability and momentum. Strategic Guidance Committees help finalize the case for support, ensuring it resonates with donors and reflects community needs. They provide input on campaign materials, donor strategies, and overall direction. Positive Group Dynamics Effective committees foster collaboration, clear communication, and productive meetings. When meetings are engaging and purposeful, members remain motivated and invested in the campaign’s success. The Ostara Group would love to help you build a strong committee for your capital campaign. Contact us today to learn more.

By Scott Sadler, Partner and Senior Strategist Succession planning is essential to ensuring that your organization maintains stability and continuity through change. Leadership turnover is inevitable, and succession planning ensures you're ready, reducing stress and chaos when transitions occur. It's your job to have a clear plan, which signals stability to staff, donors, and partners. Strong Plans Include : Documentation:  Keep your policies, procedures, contacts, and calendars updated. Knowledge Transfer:  Ensure board and staff can operate without the leader. Organizational Identity:  The organization must stand apart from any one leader. Internal vs. External Succession Assess internal readiness and invest in staff development. If hiring externally, update the job description and consider a search firm. Plan for onboarding, stakeholder introductions, and performance evaluations. Staff Development = Retention Strategy Use succession planning to identify growth paths and cross-train staff. Align professional development with future leadership needs. Cultivate mentorship and recognize emerging leaders early. Embed DEIA Promote inclusively and look beyond tenure and department. Diversify search committees and interview panels. Ensure equity in compensation, job descriptions, and promotion pathways. Transition & Onboarding Requirements Orientation plans, meeting schedules, and stakeholder introductions. Performance milestones at 3, 6, and 12 months. Honor the legacy—but let the outgoing leader truly exit. Pitfalls to Avoid Waiting until a crisis to plan. Settling for the wrong candidate or skipping a second search round. Letting key relationships reside with one person. Keeping succession planning a secret—transparency builds trust. Keep the Plan Alive Review and update every 6–12 months. Treat succession planning as a living document, not a one-time task. Succession planning isn’t just about leadership change. It’s about organizational resilience, staff empowerment, and mission continuity. Please reach out to us if you need help in planning for leadership transition or talent acquisition & management.

by Kyle Halmrast, Founder and CEO In my work with nonprofit leaders, I see a common challenge: everyone wants to raise more money, but few have the time to step back and think strategically about how  and why  they’re doing it. At Ostara, we’ve found that the most successful fundraising efforts always start with a roadmap that ties big vision to practical steps. That’s where the magic happens. Clarity Builds Confidence When you take the time to map out your goals, priorities, and the steps to get there, you’re doing more than planning, you’re telling a story. You’re showing your donors exactly how their support will move the needle. People give when they feel connected to a clear vision. If you can show them that your organization knows where it’s going and how it will make an impact, they’ll want to be part of that story. Focus Makes Fundraising Easier A good plan helps you decide what not  to chase. It narrows your focus to the work that really matters, which means your fundraising can be more intentional and effective. Instead of scrambling for every opportunity that comes along, you’re making decisions based on what aligns with your mission and long-term goals. That kind of focus not only makes your fundraising stronger, but it also keeps your team from burning out! Strategy Isn’t a One-Time Thing The best plans don’t live in a binder or a Google Drive folder. They’re used, updated, and talked about regularly. A living strategic plan helps guide your day-to-day work and keeps your fundraising grounded in reality. When your plan and your fundraising efforts stay connected, everything feels more coherent. You can tell a clearer story, set more realistic goals, and track progress in a way that actually motivates your team and your supporters. The Bottom Line If you want your fundraising to be more strategic, more focused, and more successful, start with the plan. Invest the time to define your direction, engage your stakeholders, and connect your goals to real impact. When you’re clear about where you’re headed, your donors will feel it and they’ll want to help you get there. Let’s Talk! If your organization is ready to strengthen its strategy and fundraising connection, Ostara can help. We’ve guided hundreds of nonprofits through planning processes that clarify direction, engage teams, and position them for growth. Let’s start a conversation about how strategic planning can power your next chapter. Contact us today.

by Mitra Karami In the rush of year-end fundraising, it’s easy to focus on appeals, metrics, and campaign goals, but one of the most powerful drivers of donor loyalty doesn’t cost a dime: authentic gratitude. At Ostara, we’ve seen time and again: thoughtful donor stewardship doesn’t just make people feel good. It directly impacts retention, revenue, and long-term mission sustainability. When donors feel genuinely appreciated, they stay connected, give more often, and increase their support over time.   Why does gratitude matter? Donors aren’t simply financial transactions; they’re people investing in a cause they care about. When you take the time to thank them meaningfully, you’re reinforcing their role in your shared impact story. Studies show that donors who receive a thank-you within 48 hours are four times more likely  to give again. A warm, specific acknowledgment transforms a one-time gift into the beginning of a relationship. Gratitude also strengthens your organization’s culture. When staff and board members participate in stewardship, it reminds everyone from your executive director to your newest volunteer why this work matters and who makes it possible.   What makes an effective thank you? A great thank-you message is prompt, personal, and purposeful. Whether it’s a handwritten note, an email, or a phone call, it should include these key elements: Speed:  Aim to thank donors within 48 hours of receiving their gift. Specificity:  Mention what their donation supports — a program, project, or recent success. Sincerity:  Use a human tone, not a transactional one. Drop the jargon and speak from the heart. Storytelling:  Connect their gift to real impact. For example, “Because of you, 30 young people completed leadership training this summer.” Surprise:  Occasionally go beyond the expected, like a quick video message from program staff, a thank-you photo from the field, or a call from a board member. When gratitude feels genuine and tailored, donors feel seen, valued, and part of something larger than themselves.   How do I build a culture of gratitude? Donor appreciation shouldn’t live in your development office alone. Make it a shared practice across your organization: Empower your board to make stewardship calls or write thank-you notes. Train program staff to share stories of impact that can be used in donor communications. Celebrate milestones internally for new donors, recurring donors, anniversary supporters so your team stays connected to the mission’s community of supporters. When gratitude is woven into your daily operations, it stops being an afterthought and becomes part of your organizational DNA.   Why is thanking my donors important? Retention is one of the biggest challenges in nonprofit fundraising. But it’s also one of the biggest opportunities. If your donor retention rate is under 50%, chances are you’re spending more time finding new donors than keeping the ones you already have. The fix isn’t necessarily a new campaign or CRM feature — it’s consistency in stewardship. Thanking donors is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to strengthen your base and increase lifetime value.   The Ostara Group can help! At The Ostara Group, we help organizations create stewardship systems that are intentional, scalable, and heartfelt. From crafting thank-you call scripts and stewardship calendars to training your board on donor appreciation, we help you build the infrastructure — and the culture — that keeps your donors close. Let’s make gratitude a strategy, not an afterthought. Because when you thank better, you retain better. And when you retain better, your organization thrives.

by Adam Runions As the calendar year winds down, nonprofit fundraising teams face a critical window to maximize donor engagement and revenue. With holidays, PTO, and year-end generosity converging, thoughtful planning is essential. Here’s how your team can prepare for a successful year-end campaign that’s both strategic and seamless. Map the Season: Calendar with Intention Start by gathering your fundraising, communications, and finance teams to map out key projects and deadlines from now through early January. Use shared calendars to clarify roles, assign responsibilities, and accommodate planned time off. This ensures continuity and avoids bottlenecks when staff are out. Consider creating a visual timeline that includes campaign launches, donor outreach, gift processing deadlines, and reporting milestones. A well-mapped plan keeps everyone aligned and reduces last-minute stress. Steward with Heart: Make Gratitude Visible Year-end is a prime time to deepen donor relationships. Go beyond transactional emails and make stewardship personal. Schedule thank-you calls to top donors, send handwritten holiday cards, and encourage board members to express appreciation to peers they may see at seasonal gatherings. A warm thank-you from a fellow board member at a holiday party can leave a lasting impression. These gestures reinforce your mission and show donors they’re valued beyond their gifts. Streamline Gift Entry: Prep for Precision Smooth gift processing is vital when donations surge in December. Here’s how to set your systems up for success: Build Smart Donation Pages : Create campaign-specific donation pages that link directly to source codes in your database. This ensures accurate attribution and simplifies reporting. Educate Major Donors : Send tailored reminders to major donors about year-end giving options—stock transfers, donor-advised funds (DAFs), and IRA distributions. Include deadlines and instructions to avoid missed opportunities due to holiday mail delays or market closures. Coordinate with Finance : Meet with your finance team to align on how to book gifts received in early January that were postmarked in December. This ensures compliance and accurate revenue recognition for the calendar year. Final Thoughts Year-end fundraising isn’t just about hitting revenue goals. It’s about building trust, showing gratitude, and operating with precision. By planning ahead, stewarding with care, and tightening your gift entry processes, your team can close the year strong and set the stage for a successful new one. Need support mapping your year-end strategy or optimizing your donor systems? The Ostara Group is here to help. Let’s make this season your most impactful yet.

by Mitra Karami , Senior Consultant Nonprofits pour time, energy, and heart into fundraising, but one factor that often gets overlooked is the health of your donor database. As we approach year-end giving—the busiest and most critical fundraising season—your CRM system can either be your greatest asset or your biggest headache. The difference comes down to the quality of your data. When your CRM is clean, complete, and accurate, it becomes a powerful tool to deepen donor relationships, personalize communications, and maximize giving opportunities. When it’s not, you risk missed connections, wasted mailings, and leaving money on the table. Here are a few practices to help you keep your data in good shape: Input Notes and Interactions Promptly Every donor interaction matters. Whether it’s a quick conversation at an event, a personal phone call, or an email exchange, those touchpoints give you valuable context for future engagement. Notes in your CRM allow your whole team to see the full donor journey. They ensure continuity, even if staff transitions occur. They provide the nuance that helps transform a transactional relationship into a meaningful one. Think of your CRM as your organization’s memory. If it isn’t written down, it might as well not have happened. Keep Contact Information Up to Date Addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses change all the time. Outdated information leads to missed appeals and lost opportunities. Dedicate time each month to reviewing records for accuracy, and make it a habit to confirm contact details when donors engage with you. Run NCOA and Data Health Checks The National Change of Address (NCOA) database is a simple, cost-effective tool that ensures your mailings reach the right households. Running regular NCOA updates—especially before year-end campaigns—reduces wasted postage, keeps donors connected, and demonstrates professionalism. Pair NCOA updates with periodic email validation to reduce bounce rates. Remove duplicates and flag inactive records to streamline communications. Segment and Personalize Using Clean Data Year-end giving is not the time for one-size-fits-all outreach. Clean data makes segmentation possible—whether it’s thanking monthly donors, inviting lapsed supporters back, or tailoring messages to major donors. Segmentation only works if your records are accurate and your notes are complete. Remember: Year-Round Discipline Pays Off Year-end is the crunch time, but healthy data practices are a year-round responsibility. Building in consistent processes throughout the year—like regular database audits and staff training on data entry—will keep your CRM strong and save you from scrambling when stakes are highest. The Bottom Line Your CRM is more than a database—it’s the backbone of your donor relationships. By investing in data hygiene now, you’re setting your organization up for stronger year-end results and more effective fundraising year-round. At Ostara Group, we’ve seen firsthand how healthy data empowers fundraising teams to focus on what matters most: building authentic, lasting connections with donors. Our team can help you assess the state of your CRM, create sustainable data practices, and put the right systems in place so you can approach year-end—and every season—with confidence.

It's time to get out of the kiddie pool of fundraising and attract gifts of real estate and business interests. Per the Giving USA 2024 statistics, seven percent (7%) of gifts from the top 1% of wealthy Americans come from cash.  Yet, most nonprofits spend most of their time requesting and attracting cash gifts, which has everyone fighting for the same 7% of cash gifts from the “kiddie pool” of assets.   There is no reason that all nonprofits can’t have conversations with their donors about gifts of real estate, stock and business interests (found in the “Big Kids Pool”). Let the Ostara Group help you discuss gifts from the Big Kids Pool!  Here are two examples:  Donors can contribute a portion of their real estate, stock holdings or business interest to your nonprofit BEFORE they sell the asset and they may (a) avoid capital gains taxes from the appreciation of the contributed asset and (b) receive a tax deduction for the gift.  Donors can contribute real estate, stock or a business interest into a charitable remainder trust  BEFORE they sell the asset and they may (a) avoid ALL of the capital gains from the appreciation of the contributed asset AND (b) receive an income tax deduction.     For more information on how to broach these topics with donors and how to educate them on their options, please  contact us .