# LotusGiving

> LotusGiving helps nonprofits, universities, and faith-based organizations grow planned giving, bequests, and legacy gifts with modern donor tools.

## Key pages
- [Planned giving statistics](https://lotusgiving.com/planned-giving-statistics): Bequest, legacy gift, and wealth-transfer data with sources.
- [Research sources](https://lotusgiving.com/sources): Full source list behind our statistics.
- [Pricing](https://lotusgiving.com/pricing): Plans and cost estimator.
- [Partners](https://lotusgiving.com/partners): Technology and marketing partnerships.

## Blog & guides
- [QCDs: The Bridge Between Annual Giving and Estate Planning](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/qcd-ira-rollover-planned-giving): By utilizing Qualified Charitable Distributions directly from individual retirement accounts, organizations generate current cash flow while opening vital strategic discussions. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/qcd-ira-rollover-planned-giving.md)
- [CGAs Explained: Should Your Org Offer Charitable Annuities?](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/charitable-gift-annuities-for-nonprofits): Offering charitable gift annuities for nonprofits allows growing organizations to secure transformational legacy commitments by offering donors guaranteed lifetime income. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/charitable-gift-annuities-for-nonprofits.md)
- [CRTs vs. CLTs in Planned Giving: A Fundraiser’s Guide](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/crt-vs-clt-planned-giving): Understanding the differences between charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts helps development officers guide major donors toward optimal split-interest gift strategies. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/crt-vs-clt-planned-giving.md)
- [Realized Bequests: A Guide to Probate and Settlement](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/managing-realized-bequests-probate): Handling realized bequests throughout the probate process demands a structured, compassionate operational framework that balances legal compliance, financial diligence, and donor family stewardship. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/managing-realized-bequests-probate.md)
- [Navigating Ethics, Capacity in Estate Gift Cultivation](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/ethics-and-donor-capacity-planned-giving): Navigating planned giving ethics and donor capacity requires clear risk-management standards to protect vulnerable donors, preserve organizational integrity, and maintain public trust. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/ethics-and-donor-capacity-planned-giving.md)
- [Building a Professional Advisory Council for Legacy Giving](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/professional-advisor-network-planned-giving): Establishing a planned giving professional advisory council allows nonprofits to build high-value local referral networks of estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and wealth managers. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/professional-advisor-network-planned-giving.md)
- [How to Accept Complex Assets: Real Estate, Stock, and Crypto](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/accepting-complex-assets-planned-giving): Mastering how to navigate accepting complex assets planned giving allows organizations to unlock massive wealth transfers beyond cash contributions. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/accepting-complex-assets-planned-giving.md)
- [Sustainable Legacies: Endowments vs. Unrestricted Bequests](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/endowment-vs-unrestricted-legacy-gifts): By establishing clear board policies that balance permanent endowments, flexible quasi-endowments, and immediate operating reserves, executive directors and CFOs can protect donor intent, ensure long-term financial stability, and deploy capital effectively. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/endowment-vs-unrestricted-legacy-gifts.md)
- [Loyal > Wealthy: 4 Ways to Identify Planned Giving Prospects](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/identify-planned-giving-prospects): Successful planned giving prospect identification relies on donor loyalty, not wealth indicators. Nonprofits often overlook passionate annual supporters while chasing high-net-worth individuals. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/identify-planned-giving-prospects.md)
- [Planned Giving Surveys: How to Uncover Hidden Legacy Gifts](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/planned-giving-donor-surveys): Deploying planned giving surveys is the single most effective, low-pressure strategy for nonprofits seeking to uncover hidden legacy gifts already written into estate plans. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/planned-giving-donor-surveys.md)
- [How to Write a Compelling Planned Giving Case for Support](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/planned-giving-case-for-support): Crafting a compelling planned giving case for support requires moving beyond tax jargon to articulate the emotional and generational impact of an estate gift. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/planned-giving-case-for-support.md)
- [How to Draft a Planned Gift Acceptance Policy (With Template)](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/gift-acceptance-policy-planned-giving): Securing non-cash assets and legacy commitments can transform your nonprofit, but failing to establish a formal planned giving gift acceptance policy exposes your organization to legal and financial risk. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/gift-acceptance-policy-planned-giving.md)
- [Sample Bequest Language for Your Nonprofit’s Website](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/sample-bequest-language-for-nonprofits): Clear sample bequest language for charities on your website helps supporters and estate planning attorneys seamlessly include your organization in their wills or trusts. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/sample-bequest-language-for-nonprofits.md)
- [Beneficiary Designations: Easy Estate Gifts Nonprofits Overlook](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/beneficiary-designations-planned-giving): Integrating beneficiary designations and other planned giving strategies into standard outreach offers nonprofits a low-friction avenue to expand their legacy pipeline. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/beneficiary-designations-planned-giving.md)
- [Pitching a Planned Giving Program to Your Nonprofit Board](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/pitch-planned-giving-to-board): Securing board approval to start a planned giving program requires executive directors and development leaders to present a compelling business case. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/pitch-planned-giving-to-board.md)
- [9 Must-Have Elements for a Standout Planned Giving Web Page](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/planned-giving-website-best-practices): Implementing planned giving website best practices allows nonprofits to turn passive web traffic into high-value legacy gifts. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/planned-giving-website-best-practices.md)
- [Budget-Friendly Planned Giving Marketing Strategies & Tips](https://lotusgiving.com/guides/planned-giving-marketing-strategies): Implementing budget-friendly planned giving marketing strategies allows small to mid-sized nonprofits to capture transformational estate gifts without buying expensive standalone advertising. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/guides/planned-giving-marketing-strategies.md)
- [How Non-Binding Bequest Intention Forms Record Legacy Pledges](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/bequest-intention-form-templates): Implementing a bequest intention form allows nonprofits to record legacy pledges, track expectancy values, and engage estate donors without creating legal liabilities for supporters. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/bequest-intention-form-templates.md)
- [Blended Gifts: Combining Major Outright Gifts & Bequests](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/blended-gifts-fundraising-strategy): A blended gifts fundraising strategy helps nonprofits maximize campaign totals by enabling donors to pair immediate cash contributions with future estate allocations to "give some now, leave more later." (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/blended-gifts-fundraising-strategy.md)
- [How to Track Planned Giving ROI Before Bequests Mature](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/planned-giving-metrics-roi): Tracking planned giving ROI metrics requires nonprofits to look beyond short-term cash distributions and measure high-intent leading indicators. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/planned-giving-metrics-roi.md)
- [A Complete Planned Giving Guide: Every Way to Leave a Legacy](https://lotusgiving.com/guides/planned-giving-ways-to-leave-a-legacy): Planned giving allows nonprofit organizations and development teams to secure long-term financial stability by helping supporters integrate charitable gifts into their overall estate plans. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/guides/planned-giving-ways-to-leave-a-legacy.md)
- [How to Start a Legacy Society: Step-by-Step Nonprofit Guide](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/how-to-start-a-legacy-society): Learn how to build a legacy society from scratch. Discover best practices for naming, setting recognition levels, and keeping your donors engaged over time. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/how-to-start-a-legacy-society.md)
- [How to Talk to Donors About Planned Giving: Words That Work](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-donors-about-planned-giving): Discover the exact language, framing, and timing to talk to donors about planned giving without sounding like a legal proceeding or scaring them off. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/how-to-talk-to-donors-about-planned-giving.md)
- [How to Engage Single and Childless Donors in Legacy Giving](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/single-childless-donors-legacy-giving): Most legacy marketing assumes donors have a spouse and children. Here is why single and childless donors are your highest-propensity planned giving segment. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/single-childless-donors-legacy-giving.md)
- [Donor Stewardship for Legacy Gifts: A Complete Guide](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/donor-stewardship-for-legacy-gifts): Stewardship begins the moment a donor discloses a legacy gift intention. Discover how to protect your planned giving pipeline through consistent donor engagement. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/donor-stewardship-for-legacy-gifts.md)
- [How Charitable Deductions Changed in 2026 (+ What it  Means)](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/charitable-deduction-changes-2026): A new tax law changed how charitable giving is deducted starting in 2026. Here is what actually changed and what nonprofits and donors should know. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/charitable-deduction-changes-2026.md)
- [Can You Include Multiple Charitable Causes in Your Will?](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/can-you-include-multiple-charities-in-your-will): Can you include multiple charities in your will? Learn how to split estate gifts among several causes cleanly and without complex legal paperwork. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/can-you-include-multiple-charities-in-your-will.md)
- [How Smart Universities Are Growing Alumni Legacy Giving](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/alumni-legacy-giving): Discover how university advancement teams can turn alumni pride into lasting legacy gifts by leveraging affinity groups, reunions, and smart data. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/alumni-legacy-giving.md)
- [Estate Planning Checklist: Step-by-Step Explanations](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/estate-planning-checklist): A complete estate planning checklist covering every step from gathering information to signing your will, including how to easily include a charitable gift. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/estate-planning-checklist.md)
- [How Much Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/how-much-does-estate-planning-cost): How much does estate planning cost? Discover real-world cost breakdowns for wills, trusts, and attorneys, plus the hidden costs of having no plan. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/how-much-does-estate-planning-cost.md)
- [Planned Giving Software: How to Choose the Right Tool](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/planned-giving-software-how-to-choose): Planned giving software isn't one category—it spans education tools, pipeline tracking, and calculation engines. Learn how to choose the right tool for your nonprofit. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/planned-giving-software-how-to-choose.md)
- [Planned Giving for Small Nonprofits: A Realistic Guide](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/planned-giving-for-small-nonprofits): Think planned giving is only for large institutions? Discover a realistic framework for small nonprofits to capture legacy gifts without hiring dedicated staff. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/planned-giving-for-small-nonprofits.md)
- [8 Life Events That Mean You Should Update Your Will!](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/when-should-you-update-your-will): A will is not a one-time document. From marriage and new children to moving across state lines, here are the 8 life events that mean it is time for an update. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/when-should-you-update-your-will.md)
- [What Is a Charitable Bequest, and How Does It Work?](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/what-is-a-bequest): What is a bequest? Learn how naming a cause in your estate plan costs nothing today, protects your family's future, and lets you leave a lasting legacy. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/what-is-a-bequest.md)
- [What The Great Wealth Transfer Means for Fundraising Orgs](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/great-wealth-transfer-nonprofit-fundraising): The Great Wealth Transfer is no longer a future prediction. Learn why bequest giving jumped 19.7% to $62.19B and how your nonprofit can capture its fair share. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/great-wealth-transfer-nonprofit-fundraising.md)
- [Is an Online Will Legally Valid?](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/is-an-online-will-legally-valid): Is an online will legally binding? Learn what state laws actually require and why guided online wills are just as valid as attorney-drafted ones. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/is-an-online-will-legally-valid.md)
- [What Happens If You Die Without a Will?](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-die-without-a-will): What happens if you die without a will? State laws decide who inherits your assets and who raises your children. Learn how to take control of your legacy. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/what-happens-if-you-die-without-a-will.md)
- [Will vs. Trust: What's the Difference? ](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/will-vs-trust-difference): Will vs. trust: discover how each estate planning tool works, how probate impacts your assets, and how to include a cause you care about in either one. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/will-vs-trust-difference.md)
- [How to Ask Donors About Legacy Gifts](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/how-to-ask-donors-about-legacy-gifts): Struggling to ask donors for a legacy gift? Learn the right words, timing, and psychological framing to grow your planned giving program naturally. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/how-to-ask-donors-about-legacy-gifts.md)
- [Planned Giving Benchmarks: What Good Programs Look Like](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/planned-giving-benchmarks): What does a successful planned giving program look like? Explore real-world benchmarks for bequest inclusion rates, gift sizes, and donor tracking. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/planned-giving-benchmarks.md)
- [Here's Why Bequests Are the Fastest-Growing Source of Giving](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/bequest-giving-fastest-growing): Bequest giving is the fastest-growing source of US charitable giving, jumping 19.7% to $62.19 billion in 2025. Here is why it is happening and how your organization can benefit. (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/bequest-giving-fastest-growing.md)
- [What Is Planned Giving, and Why Does It Matter for Nonprofits?](https://lotusgiving.com/blog/planned-giving-nonprofits): Discover what planned giving actually is, why nonprofits of any size can capture these gifts, and how simple plain-language tools turn loyal supporters into per (Markdown: https://lotusgiving.com/api/public/blog/planned-giving-nonprofits.md)