If someone does not have an estate plan, there is virtually no chance you will receive a planned gift from their estate. We challenge you to use National Estate Planning Awareness Week to make at least 10 donor calls and discuss the importance of estate planning. This is a great opportunity to remind your supporters how they can make a difference in the lives of others through your organization.
We believe so much in these conversations that we want to offer you even more incentive to make these calls! Once you complete your challenge, you can enter to win a $100 Visa or Amazon gift card. Details below!
We’ve even provided a script and sample questions below to get the conversation going!
Thompson & Associates clients, click here for your specific resources.
Sample Script
“I’m calling to let you know that next/this week is Estate Planning Awareness Week. I am taking this opportunity to encourage you to make sure you have a complete estate plan in place that accurately reflects your values and goals, including a will or trust, powers of attorney for financial and medical decisions, and a living will.”
“I encourage you to not delay in updating your documents and beneficiary designations. Maybe set a deadline to get everything updated by the end of the year. Getting this done will give you peace of mind – something very valuable right now! If the opportunity arises as you update things, we would love for you to include our organization in your final plans.”
FOLLOW-UP: Schedule a personal email to go to them within a certain number of days that includes helpful information such as your tax ID number, bequest language, and legacy society information.
Below are some simple questions and talking points to help you build conversations around estate planning. Beyond National Estate Planning Awareness week, work these important questions into your regular discussions with your supporters!
Conversational Questions and Talking Points
- “We know these unprecedented days have caused financial and legacy concerns among many. I heard that a record number of people are searching online for do-it-yourself Wills right now.”
- “Do you have a properly prepared, updated and executed will, powers of attorney and medical directives?”
- “Have you made appropriate provisions to account for all children?” (or “heirs,” if applicable)
- “Are the named executors, trustees and guardians still appropriate?”
- “Do beneficiary designations on all life insurance and retirement accounts compliment your will and/or trust?”
- “Have you considered making provisions for charities in your estate plan?”
- “If you want to do something for charity from your estate, current laws make it very attractive to give outright to charity from a retirement account.” (Review SECURE Act resources here.)
We would love the opportunity to show you how a partnership with Thompson & Associates will provide your supporters a personalized estate planning process that clarifies values and goals to develop a plan that benefits their loved ones and favorite causes. Provide them the gift of certainty while increasing your annual, major and planned giving!
Complete the Challenge, Enter to Win $100
How to Enter: Once you’ve completed the challenge, simply email us with “Did it!”
Optional: We’d love to hear your experience and anything wonderful that’s resulted from your conversations. If you’re open to sharing, please add those details to your email entry.
Drawing Details: Every person who completes the challenge and lets us know by email will be entered in the drawing. The drawing winner will have the choice to select between a $100 Visa or Amazon gift card. Email submissions must be received by Friday, October 30 at 9:00 am Central. The drawing will take place shortly thereafter. The winner will be announced on social media and contacted directly.
