How to Build a Professional Advisory Committee for Planned Gifts -- Part Two

This is my second post on building a professional advisory committee for planned gifts. I wanted to share with you more ideas on how to build your own advisory group based on the thoughts of expert fundraiser Diana Dunbar, Development Director of the Ventura College Foundation in Southern California.

Since professionals who are committed to your cause can also be helpful in connecting you with potential donors, building an advisory committee is a great way to grow you planned giving program. Once you have identified professionals who may be interested in getting involved with your organization, you need to make contact and “make the ask.” Here are a two more ideas from Diana:

Make Contact – Once Diana has identified a prospect, she will usually call and ask if she can schedule a meeting. She will begin by identifying herself, tell them that she would like to discuss the work of the organization and always note how a relationship may be of help to them (i.e. help them grow their client base). She is always clear that she will stay for no more than 30 minutes and she sticks to this promise.

Visit and “Ask” – During her visit, Diana provides the advisor with the organization’s latest report or a simple gift. She explains that she is starting a committee of advisors and emphasizes how his or her participation could help the advisor and the organization.

At the end of a visit Diana says that she can usually assess the advisor’s level of interest. Some individuals are willing to commit right away while she will follow-up with others who are receptive at a later date.

One way to encourage advisors to get involved with your charity is to give them a platform to share their expertise. You might consider inviting an attorney to speak to your donors on wills or estate planning or a life underwriter on insurance arrangements. For more ideas on building your professional advisory committee, contact Crescendo at 800-858-9154 and ask to speak to a marketing specialist.