FREE ADVICE DOCUMENTING PLANNED GIFTS

Following is a summary of several emails and voice guidance:

Q. Client -- Our organization do not ask for copies of a benefactor’s estate documents when they sign a declaration of intent. Estate documents change – this has been our procedure (unless records are made available to us). Does DCI operate this way? I am being challenged by a volunteer on this.

A. DCI -- We recommend securing a letter from the donor’s professional advisor articulating the arrangement in the estate and to request notification if terms change.

Q. Client -- We have copies of documents on most donors but not all. We do not want to push the ones who do not.

A. DCI -- Never push. Donors hate that -- but most understand the responsibility of the organization to secure a document.

Client Conclusion -- We agree. Thanks. We will change our practices.