Legacy Begins with Cultivating a Champion

As nonprofit leaders, we spend a great deal of time talking with supporters about today’s challenges and celebrating our successes. We see firsthand the stories of impact, milestone moments, and contagious sense of good that comes from creating a better tomorrow.

Longtime supporters have often spent years investing in your mission because it reflects something they deeply value. They may care about preserving local history, creating opportunities for children, protecting natural resources, supporting the arts, or strengthening their community.

Yet there is another activity that is often overlooked.

It's the activity of cultivating a champion.

August is Make-A-Will Month, and while it's a reminder for individuals to think about planning for the future, it's also an opportunity for nonprofits to reflect on how they talk about long-term generosity.

For many organizations, the thought of discussing wills or estate gifts can feel uncomfortable. There is often an apprehension about saying the wrong thing or asking too much.

The good news is that planned giving is not about us at all. It is about helping people leave something better than they found it for future generations. An authentic conversation about planned giving begins with listening.

Consider starting a conversation with questions like these:

• "What first inspired you to become involved with our organization?"
• “What other organizations do you believe are doing good work in our community?”
• "What impact do you hope these organizations continue to have in our community?"
• "What do you hope future generations experience because of this work?"

These conversations help us understand what matters most to the people who care about your mission and the important work taking place in our communities.

While Midwest humility may make it difficult to suggest leaving a legacy, many of these same individuals have been champions of our communities for years. Inviting them into a conversation about continuing the work of a better tomorrow is an opportunity reserved for champions—and that is where legacy is created.

As nonprofits, our role is not to pressure people into making decisions about their estate plans. Our role is to build relationships rooted in trust, gratitude, and shared purpose.

At the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, we are ready to help organizations navigate these conversations with confidence. Whether you are exploring planned giving for the first time or looking to strengthen your legacy efforts, we are happy to serve as a resource.

After all, every lasting legacy starts with cultivating a champion!