FUNDING FEATURE
Endowments Now!
by Seth Bloom, Bloom Metz Consulting
Focusing on building – or establishing for the first time – your endowment fund is perhaps the best
way to respond to the challenges presented by a strained economy.
Given the recent challenges nonprofit organizations have
been facing, focusing now on strengthening – or perhaps
establishing for the first time – your endowment fund,
may seem antithetical to how most organizations have
been responding: working harder to raise more money
today, or cutting back on expenses. Both strategies are
reasonable and even advisable, yet putting your future on
hold by not focusing on your endowment today will cause
you to miss abundant opportunities.
the uncertainties of the economy and a natural tendency
people have to be concerned about the future and their
financial position, many of these individuals sleep with
their assets under a mattress, metaphorically speaking –
and they intend for it to stay there until needed. A little
education about the simplicity of a bequest can go a
long way. Talking about it – and highlighting others
who are making bequests to your congregation – will
help you build for the future today.
1.Endowment giving provides alternatives for your
loyal donors: Even though those supporters who care
most about your organization are reducing or at best
maintaining their charitable donations, they are also
the likeliest to include your congregation in their estate
plans if asked. After all, bequests, which are the most
common form of planned giving, do not cost your donors
anything in their lifetime. Educating your loyal donors
about planned giving now will lead your supporters to
consider alternative options and yes, relieve whatever
guilt they may be feeling because they have not been
able to continue their previous level of support.
3.If you’re not speaking with your donors, another
organization will: There are many reasons why large
institutions such as hospitals and universities are
spending more resources than ever on planned giving.
One of the beauties of contributions through plannedgiving vehicles (such as simple bequests) is that your
friends can support all of the organizations that matter
to them and they don’t have to pick and choose. So even
if you’re feeling as if your congregation is behind the
curve, why not join the conversation that may have already
started with the other nonprofits they care about?
2.Your prospect pool is right in front of you and prime
for the conversation: As Baby Boomers continue to age,
many are actively working with their personal advisors to
help them maximize their estates, so now is the perfect
time to inspire them to include your congregation. Given
This list of reasons could continue for why now is the right
time to focus on building – or creating – your endowment
program. Of course there are many strategies to consider
but perhaps the best advice of all is reflected in the
familiar message suggested by Nike: “Just Do It.”
BLOOM METZ CONSULTING Wilmington, Delaware
www.BloomMetz.com
Bloom Metz Consulting is exclusively focused on serving the nonprofit community and has
assisted hundreds of nonprofit organizations in the areas of fundraising, strategic planning,
marketing and leadership development since its inception in 2003. The team of more than a
dozen project managers “goes the distance” for each client, providing hands-on service that
is mindful of the multiple demands on the limited time of organizations’ staff members and
volunteers.
Founder and President Seth Bloom has more than 20 years experience in the nonprofit
financial development field as an agency professional as well as a consultant prior to
establishing the firm. Jeff Metz became a partner in 2009 following his affiliation for three
years as a Vice President.
19 • Sacred Places • www.sacredplaces.org • Summer 2011
Seth Bloom, left, and Jeff Metz