SayPro Donor Consultation Template: One-on-One Donor Consultation Guide for Planned Giving.

Introduction

The SayPro Donor Consultation Template is designed to facilitate one-on-one consultations with donors, ensuring that key points about planned giving are effectively communicated. The goal is to create a personalized, informative, and engaging experience for the donor while also addressing their specific interests and concerns about supporting SayPro’s mission through planned gifts. This template serves as a guide for structured, consistent, and effective conversations during donor consultations.

Donor Consultation Template

Donor Name: _________________________
Consultation Date: ____________________
Consultant Name: ______________________
Donor Contact Information:

• Phone: _______________________________
• Email: _______________________________

1. Introduction and Rapport Building (5–10 minutes)

• Greet the Donor: Start with a friendly, welcoming approach to set a positive tone for the conversation.
  • Example: “Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. I’m excited to talk with you about how you can make a lasting impact through planned giving.”
• Overview of Consultation Purpose: Explain the purpose of the meeting and ensure the donor feels comfortable.
  • Example: “Today, I’d like to walk you through some options for planned giving and how they can benefit you, your loved ones, and SayPro’s mission. We can also discuss any questions or ideas you may have about leaving a legacy.”
• Listen Actively: Encourage the donor to share why they are interested in supporting SayPro and their philanthropic goals.
  • Example: “What inspired you to consider planned giving? Is there a particular cause at SayPro that resonates with you?”

2. Understanding the Donor’s Motivations (10–15 minutes)

• Ask About Personal Goals: Learn more about the donor’s motivations for considering planned giving.
  • Questions to consider:
    • “What are your charitable goals or aspirations for the future?”
    • “Are there any specific causes or projects within SayPro that you are passionate about supporting?”
    • “What is the legacy you hope to leave?”
• Identify Donor’s Current Giving Status: Gain an understanding of their current giving habits.
  • Example: “Can you tell me a little about how you’ve supported SayPro in the past? Have you made other charitable gifts through your estate planning or giving?”
• Listen for Concerns or Barriers: Address any uncertainties the donor might have about planned giving.
  • Example: “Do you have any questions or concerns about how planned giving works, or how it might affect your current financial situation?”

3. Educating the Donor on Planned Giving Options (15–20 minutes)

• Introduce Key Planned Giving Options: Provide an overview of the most common planned giving options available to the donor.
  • Bequests:
    • Example: “One of the most common ways to give through planned giving is by including SayPro in your will or trust. This is a simple way to leave a gift after your lifetime.”
  • Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT):
    • Example: “A charitable remainder trust allows you to donate assets while still receiving income from them during your lifetime, with the remainder going to SayPro after your passing.”
  • Retirement Plan and Life Insurance Gifts:
    • Example: “You can also designate SayPro as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy, which can provide significant tax advantages.”
  • Donor-Advised Funds (DAF):
    • Example: “If you have a donor-advised fund, you can make a gift from that fund to support SayPro’s programs, while retaining control over how the funds are distributed.”
• Benefits of Planned Giving: Emphasize both the impact of planned giving on SayPro and the benefits it provides to the donor.
  • Example: “Planned giving offers numerous benefits, including tax advantages, the ability to leave a lasting legacy, and the flexibility to make a larger gift than you might be able to during your lifetime.”
• Answer Questions: Ensure the donor has a clear understanding of each option and encourage them to ask questions.
  • Example: “Are there any particular giving options that stand out to you, or any questions I can answer?”

4. Exploring the Donor’s Interests and Next Steps (10–15 minutes)

• Personalize the Discussion: Tailor your conversation based on what you’ve learned about the donor’s interests and motivations.
  • Example: “Based on what you’ve shared, I think a bequest might be a great fit for your goals. It allows you to leave a significant gift to SayPro while maintaining flexibility with your estate planning.”
• Discuss Next Steps: Explain how the donor can proceed with making a planned gift. Offer to connect them with a financial advisor or estate planning professional.
  • Example: “The next step would be to work with a financial planner or attorney to integrate a planned gift into your will or trust. If you’d like, I can provide some resources or referrals to help with that process.”
• Offer Additional Resources: Provide the donor with materials that will help them learn more about planned giving options.
  • Example: “I’ll send you our planned giving brochure, which outlines these options in more detail. You’ll also find information on tax benefits and how planned gifts can align with your financial goals.”

5. Donor Recognition and Impact (5–10 minutes)

• Highlight Donor Impact: Emphasize the meaningful impact that their planned gift will have on SayPro’s programs and mission.
  • Example: “Your planned gift will help ensure that SayPro can continue its work for generations to come. Your legacy will have a profound and lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
• Donor Recognition: Introduce SayPro’s Legacy Society or any recognition program that acknowledges planned giving donors.
  • Example: “We also have a special Legacy Society that recognizes individuals like you who make a commitment to the future of SayPro through planned gifts. This is a way we show our appreciation for your generosity.”
• Reaffirm Confidentiality: Assure the donor that their intentions will remain confidential unless they choose to make it public.
  • Example: “Of course, your plans can remain completely confidential, and we’ll only recognize you in the Legacy Society if you wish.”

6. Closing the Consultation (5 minutes)

• Review Next Steps: Summarize the key points discussed and outline the next steps for the donor.
  • Example: “To move forward, you can contact our office to discuss your planned giving options further, or we can arrange a meeting with an estate planning professional.”
• Express Gratitude: Thank the donor for their time and consideration.
  • Example: “I really appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today. Your generosity and interest in supporting SayPro’s future are truly inspiring.”
• Schedule Follow-Up: Agree on a follow-up plan to check in on the donor’s decision and answer any further questions.
  • Example: “I’ll follow up with you in a couple of weeks to see if you have any more questions or if you’d like to proceed with setting up a planned gift.”

7. Additional Notes and Action Items (for Consultant Use Only)

• Donor Preferences:
  • Record any specific interests, concerns, or preferences mentioned by the donor.
  • Example: Donor interested in supporting education programs, prefers to remain anonymous in Legacy Society.
• Action Items:
  • List any follow-up tasks, such as sending additional resources, connecting with financial advisors, or scheduling a follow-up meeting.

Conclusion

The SayPro Donor Consultation Template ensures that each one-on-one consultation is structured, informative, and personalized to the donor’s interests and needs. By covering the key points about planned giving options, addressing the donor’s motivations, and outlining clear next steps, this template helps cultivate meaningful relationships with donors and supports SayPro’s long-term fundraising goals.