How to Craft Gift Agreements

ÒPhilanthropist sues university over hiring decisions.Ó

No fundraiser wants to deal with a donor lawsuit or lose a hard-earned gift. Yet news accounts of wealthy donors reneging on multimillion-dollar pledges, or filing lawsuits when things go sour, drive home the need for gift agreements that can stand the test of time.

How can you draft agreements that honor a donorÕs wishes and protect your nonprofitÕs interests far into the future?

Join the Chronicle on March 7 and learn from Richard Marker, a philanthropy adviser and former head of a foundation who will provide advice on how to help donors clearly define their expectations for a gift. HeÕll share ways to determine what you can and should not promise in exchange for a donation and tips for properly articulating expectations in writing.

YouÕll also hear from Felicia Murphy-Phillips, a top fundraiser at Morehouse College. SheÕll offer tactics for communicating regularly with donors Ð from the start of a relationship until long after a gift is made Ð to prevent pitfalls and ensure that your key supporters feel valued.

What Will You Learn?
Questions to ask big donors to clarify their long-term expectations for a gift
Ways to protect your nonprofitÕs interests and avoid making promises you canÕt keep
How to communicate with benefactors to ensure mutual satisfaction for the long term

Who Should Attend?
Major Gifts Officers and Leadership Giving Professionals
Executive Directors, CEOs and Trustees
Development Directors, Chief Development Officers and Advancement staff
Philanthropic and Financial Advisors