Signals come in many different forms and also occur in many different forms and also occur in many different settings. I don't think they've ever even noticed them. A woman calls to offer what she refers to as a collector's item. I don't want any of my wife's relatives to get my money. I don't want to deprive my loved ones of the same experience.
Potential donors turn up unexpectedly all the time.
Some people bring up philanthropic signals on the golf course, over bridge, at a cocktail party, after a church service or during lunch. Two insights can help fundraisers become more adept at hearing the many signals that are being conveyed to them. Frequently, the initial signals you will hear from potential donors revolve around family and natural heirs. Discovering that a person has no natural heirs is an important signal. If a person has no heirs beyond a sister or brother, this is also an important signal.