by Eddie Thompson | Nov 10, 2025 | Charitable Estate Planning
People don’t give to simply save on taxes. But taxes do change how people give. Instead of writing a check, for example, they advance their required minimum distribution (RMD). I have heard people argue that charitable giving would dry up if we eliminated the estate...
by Eddie Thompson | Sep 8, 2025 | Charitable Estate Planning, Donor Communications
Over the years working with nonprofits, I’ve seen a range of organizational strengths. Some excel at branding; others cultivate deep, long relationships. However, I rarely see one that excels at both. Branding creates broad recognition. People may see your logo and...
by Eddie Thompson | Jul 21, 2025 | Charitable Estate Planning
Years ago, I sat across from a man worth over a billion dollars. His children were already wealthy, each worth hundreds of millions. He planned to leave the bulk of his estate to charity. I asked him, “Would you want to give during your lifetime and see your gifts at...
by Eddie Thompson | Jun 10, 2025 | Charitable Estate Planning, Professional Development
In 1981, I earned my Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University. For my dissertation, I researched the thirteen best universities in the United States in regard to fundraising, as well as thirteen average universities. My goal was to uncover...
by Eddie Thompson | Dec 12, 2024 | Charitable Estate Planning, Donor Communications
When someone dies intestate (i.e. without a valid will), state laws determine how their assets are distributed. Intestacy laws vary by state but generally prioritize spouses, children, and other close relatives. However, the process is far from straightforward....
by Eddie Thompson | Oct 23, 2024 | Charitable Estate Planning, Development Management, Donor Communications
State and federal tax laws regarding estate and gift planning are pretty straightforward—at least on the surface, but the efficacy of their applications differ between cases. For example, testamentary charitable lead trusts are a good option for some donors, but just...
