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  • 1.  Statements for intents

    Posted 10-19-2023 08:34 AM

    Hi All,

    We are looking at reformatting our template for sending out statements for donor intents. I don't want to re-use our pledge statement template, as plugging in intent for pledge looks/sounds a bit off (Intent Statement), and I want to ensure the difference between a pledge and intent is maintained throughout the whole process.

    Does anyone have any examples or suggested language for these types of statements for intents, i.e., what do you call them, is there any specific language used on the document?

    Thanks!



    ------------------------------
    Adam Grincius
    Senior Director, Gift Administration
    University Advancement
    William & Mary
    aggrincius@wm.edu

    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Statements for intents

    Posted 10-19-2023 08:51 AM
    I am not a fan of these. But do find occasions where they are warranted.

    I am attaching two varieties.

    The "Expanded Pledge Template" (Statement of Financial Commitment) is one I devised. It has two options on the second page. The first option puts the donor on the hook for the entire amount but allows for third-party payments. The second option does not make the donor responsible for the entire amount but allows them to indicate other likely sources.

    The second and much simpler "Basic LOI" comes from Duke University with slight modifications.

    John

    John H. Taylor
    Principal
    John H. Taylor Consulting, LLC
    2604 Sevier St.
    Durham, NC   27705
    919.816.5903 (cell/text)

    Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987




    Attachment(s)

    pdf
    2023 Expanded Pledge Template.pdf   190 KB 1 version
    pdf
    2023 Basic LOI.pdf   100 KB 1 version


  • 3.  RE: Statements for intents

    Posted 10-19-2023 09:46 AM

    Thank you for that. What I am working on is separate from the initial LOI establishing the intent.

    We are looking at creating an alternative to our pledge statement, which lists pledge payments due/overdue but for intents, with the challenge being making it clearly different than our pledge statements. 

    Something like an "Intent Reminder" showing their previously agreed upon intent payment schedule and balance "due." I was looking to see if anyone else had something similar, what it was called, and if there was any recommended language to include to make it distinct from a pledge statement.



    ------------------------------
    Adam Grincius
    William & Mary
    aggrincius@wm.edu
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Statements for intents

    Posted 10-19-2023 10:48 AM
    Adam, as these aren't binding, donors are not obligated to pay or get others to pay any amounts at any time. Therefore, nothing is "past due," nor can they be reminded to pay.

    This is one of many reasons I discourage using LOIs, except for significant contributions from known donors with a strong history.

    And, as a significant contribution, I urge my clients to have the gift officer assigned to the donor to make personal contact - as they should every few months anyway - and use that occasion to "remind" the donor of the status of their nonbinding commitment.

    Again, I do not think there should be many of these nonbinding commitments. They cannot be counted per CASE (except in a campaign and separately from bonafide and conditional pledges), and your CFO cannot book them as an asset. And, as noted above, there is no donor accountability.

    If you keep these to a minimum, using your gift officers as the communication mechanism should be encouraged.

    John



    John H. Taylor
    Principal
    John H. Taylor Consulting, LLC
    2604 Sevier St.
    Durham, NC   27705
    919.816.5903 (cell/text)

    Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987





    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Statements for intents

    Posted 10-19-2023 01:14 PM
    Adam,

    How about a title like 'Gift Reminder', followed by 'Thank you for sharing your intentions to make a gift to [institution] for $XXXXX. Below is our record of the payment schedule you proposed, the contributions we have received, and the balance you still plan to contribute. [TABLE OF PAYMENT SCHEDULE] Please inform us if you intend to make any changes to this schedule or to the gift amount by contacting XXXX. Thank you for your generous support and ongoing contribution towards your planned total donation. 


    Thank you,
    Isaac Shalev
    Data Strategy Expert
    Sage70, Inc.
    (917) 859-0151
    isaac@sage70.com

    Schedule a 30-minute consultation now:





    Original Message


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