Real Estate Philantropy and Other Services for Nonprofits and Private Property Owners
by Dennis Bidwell August 2014 One of the more frequently-asked questions I get goes something like this: “How do I start talking to a donor about a possible real estate gift? Won’t they think I’m pushy or too personal if I bring it up?” First, you’re right to be thinking about these types of gifts. … Read more…
By Dennis Bidwell June 2014 Myth #1: If a property owner is offering a piece of real estate as a gift, there must be something wrong with it. Most of the time this is simply not true. These days property owners are exploring giving away perfectly fine pieces of real estate because: 1) they have … Read more…
By Dennis Bidwell April, 2014 In my experience there is often someone or some office in a non-profit organization—perhaps the CFO, maybe the general counsel’s office—that is exceedingly cautious about accepting real estate gifts. Often this is due to a bad experience from 20 years ago, such as the now legendary story of the gift … Read more…
By Dennis Bidwell February, 2014 Take-aways from this gift scenario: 1. A retained life estate gift of this sort can accomplish essentially the same things as leaving the property to charity in one’s will, except that in this case the donors are entitled to a very substantial current income tax deduction and enjoy the satisfaction and recognition … Read more…
by Dennis Bidwell October 2013 Land conservation organizations are especially well-suited to develop robust Legacy Giving programs (I prefer that term to “planned giving”) emphasizing real estate gifts. I truly believe that such efforts hold the prospect of long-term financial security and permanence for these organizations through endowments and stewardship funds. Why? Three reasons. First, … Read more…
by Dennis Bidwell October 2013 Take-aways from this gift scenario: Anytime a donor or property owner indicates they might be leaving your organization an interest in real estate through their will, you should acquaint them with the pros and cons of the retained life estate as a way of accomplishing essentially the same thing, but … Read more…
by Dennis Bidwell August 2013 1. Trends in real estate gift activity in recent years About 17% of respondents reported an increase in real estate gifts in recent years, while 83% reported receiving about the same number of real estate gifts. No respondents reported a decline in real estate giving. Commentary: As gifts of cash … Read more…
by Dennis Bidwell April 2013 In my experience there are many property owners with the motivation and financial capacity to make an outright gift of their real estate. That is why I always urge development officers to begin conversations with a prospective property donor with the possibility of an outright gift. When it becomes clear … Read more…
by Dennis Bidwell April 2013 Take-aways from this gift scenario: Approval of this gift involved various departments at George Washington University: Planned Giving, Risk Management, Legal, Facilities Management, CFO, and Vice President for Advancement. It all worked smoothly because GWU had previously invested time in thinking through the procedures for evaluating and accepting real estate … Read more…
by Dennis Bidwell March 2013 Over the years I have been asked to provide training on one aspect or another of real estate gifts for numerous institutions. I’m always pleased to do so, because I enjoy helping more and more development professionals become comfortable initiating conversations with prospects about their real estate holdings and the … Read more…