The role of the board of directors is essential to the success of a planned giving program. For-profit professionals who advise and serve on boards, as well as nonprofit professionals who serve on staff, must be sure that their boards are properly informed and involved to ensure an effective and efficient program. This article reviews the important role that a board of directors should serve to assure the success of a planned giving program. Specific topics covered include board duties relative to budget approval, audit, goal-setting, program evaluation, fundraising, and approval of policies and procedures. Evaluation of the planned giving program is explored in detail with a review of evaluation techniques for various levels of program sophistication. Explanations of fundraising strategies for board members include activities relative to donor identification, cultivation, education, solicitation, negotiation, recognition, and stewardship.

Donors use a DAF to avoid capital gain on the sale of an asset, reduce income tax, and endow their charitable giving.

According to IRS statistics, small businesses represent nearly one-third of the value of affluent decedents' estates. CRT planning for small business owners is a critical capability for any gift planning shop. This article describes several CRT options that benefit the small business owner by increasing lifetime cash flow, increasing cash flow and business control to the next generation, increasing employee benefits, and increasing charitable gifts.

An entrepreneur uses a CRT and ESOP to transfer his business to employees, give to charity, and retain a lifetime income stream.