Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, and I have answers!

Who's behind Planned Giving Accelerator?

You’ll be working with me, Tony Martignetti. I’ve helped nonprofits raise more than $100 million in planned gifts. For more than two decades, I’ve been the evangelist for Planned Giving – showing scores of small- and mid-size nonprofits how they can build a pipeline of gifts that support long-term financial stability. With the Accelerator, my mission is to help as many nonprofits as possible start Planned Giving programs – in a way that’s easy, accessible, and affordable.

WHAT IS PLANNED GIVING ACCELERATOR?
Planned Giving Accelerator is a year-long virtual program that gives small- and mid-size nonprofits the expertise, resources, tactics and support necessary to establish a Planned Giving program. As a member of the Accelerator, you’ll work directly with me to start building a pipeline of planned gifts that will increase your organization’s long-term sustainability and strength. The Accelerator offers an easy, accessible and affordable path to successful Planned Giving fundraising.
WHY SHOULD MY NONPROFIT START A PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM?
Planned Giving creates greater sustainability for your nonprofit. It allows you to build an endowment that can help you weather the next crisis while positioning your nonprofit to fulfill and expand your mission for generations to come. According to the Nonprofit Research Collaborative, the average charitable bequest in the U.S. is about $35,000. I work with nonprofits that often see considerably larger gifts. Over time, those gifts add up and can serve as the foundation for financial stability well into the future.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT FOR THE ACCELERATOR?

Our members need only commit on average about one hour per week. During that time, I’ll provide all the expertise, resources, and insights you need to be successful. The Accelerator will include small group sessions, exclusive podcasts and webinars, a private Facebook community, as well as ongoing advice and resources to help you start your program, promote it, have conversations with potential donors, and recognize and steward those who make planned gifts.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER PLANNED GIVING EXPERTS?

I promise to make Planned Giving easy, accessible, and affordable. I like to say, “I’m an attorney but I don’t talk like one.” That’s a good thing because most attorneys who advise nonprofits on Planned Giving make the process much more complicated and confusing than it needs to be. I draw from my decades of experience as an attorney and Planned Giving consultant to simplify and demystify the Planned Giving process.

I see the vast potential for just about any nonprofit to reap the long-term benefits and sustainability that Planned Giving delivers. The Accelerator is an opportunity for your nonprofit to capitalize on a missed opportunity by developing an easy, accessible, and affordable approach to strengthening your organization through Planned Giving.

HOW MUCH DOES PLANNED GIVING ACCELERATOR COST?

Planned Giving Accelerator is a year-long program with a one-time fee of $1,195. For less than $100 per month, I’ll be your trusted guide as you create your Planned Giving program.

WHY TAKE PART IN PLANNED GIVING ACCELERATOR NOW?
In the face of Covid-19, nonprofits are seeing the need to create new forms of financial support to help them continue their current work. Planned Giving can help you achieve this goal. Planned Giving Accelerator offers a cost-effective program (and a community!) to help you create your Planned Giving program. For less than the cost of most nonprofit conferences, you’ll get my best advice to guide you through starting your program in a safe, virtual environment.
WHO IS A GOOD FIT FOR PLANNED GIVING ACCELERATOR?
The Accelerator is designed for individuals in small- to mid-size nonprofits who are interested in creating a Planned Giving revenue stream that supports long-term sustainability. You don’t need any experience in Planned Giving or an established endowment to reap the benefits. (I’ll help you start your endowment, if that’s where you are.) Ideally, your organization is at least five years old, has individual donors, and is committed to creating more sustainable funding sources.
ISN’T PLANNED GIVING TOO COMPLICATED FOR A SMALL- TO MID-SIZE NONPROFIT?
Absolutely not. It’s true that many nonprofits have traditionally viewed Planned Giving as a “black box” and avoid it for fear it is too complex, acronym-riddled and requires a significant time commitment and legal services. In Planned Giving Accelerator, you will quickly learn that you don’t need a lawyer, a lot of time, or any background in Planned Giving to get results. Even if you have no familiarity with the specifics and nuances of Planned Giving and no existing endowment, you will be successful as a member of Planned Giving Accelerator’s community.
CAN MORE THAN ONE PERSON FROM MY ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATE?

Yes, up to three individuals from your nonprofit can participate. Having more than one person involved can be beneficial for idea sharing and to ensure that the knowledge acquired remains in your organization. While I do look for one person designated as your point person, up to three can join our Accelerator community.

WILL FOCUSING ON PLANNED GIVING HURT OUR OTHER FUNDRAISING EFFORTS?
Quite the opposite! Studies have shown that developing a Planned Giving program does not negatively impact other more short-term fundraising efforts. In fact, nonprofits that discuss planned gifts with their donors often build deeper relationships with these supporters, motivating them to give more now even as they consider making gifts in their wills. I’ve seen this play out time and again with clients. Developing a Planned Giving program will have a positive effect on all your fundraising efforts and relationships.
Join Today
Get all the tools and advice you need to raise money through Planned Giving
$1,195/year

  • Next course begins July 1, 2021

  • Includes up to 3 people from your nonprofit
  • Great professional development opportunity
Join Today!