There appears to be solid evidence of an increased incidence of bequests and other planned gifts since the 1992 study. A significant number of relatively younger individuals are now willing to consider such gifts as options. This may be an indication that the baby boom generation is now beginning to consider planned gifts as a viable alternative. Recall that most bequest donors said that published materials from charities such as brochures, booklets, and newsletters were the primary source of information and motivation for their gifts. The same was true for a large percentage of charitable trust donors.
Charitable intent continues to provide the most important motivation for making a planned gift.
The role of financial advisors and tax planning issues have increased the importance for charitable trusts and the majority of planned givers made multiple gifts and did not inform the charity. The best programs will continue to encourage their donors to include them as part of their charitable gifts through their wills and other long-range plans. The study underscores the importance of this motivation as well as discovering donors who may have already completed charitable trusts on their own with their advisors. Next Back to the top For questions or comments, email us .