With the beginning of each new year, a common practice is to make resolutions that we hope will improve our lives.  Annually, one of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions that people identify is the desire to get their financial lives in order, and that often involves making or updating an estate plan.

As with all resolutions, following through on those plans is the tricky part…

That is not only true for individuals, but for our Catholic Schools, as well.  For far too many of us, we know that among all of our duties as advancement professionals, there are few things as important as implementing (or improving) a robust planned giving program.

Over the next 20 years, a whopping $84 trillion (that’s TRILLION, with a “T”) will be transferred from one generation to the next, with an estimated $11.9 trillion directed to charity.  If we do not position our Catholic Schools as worthy recipients of those planned gifts, Catholic education is at risk.  These gifts, which are often transformational, will ensure that our schools will not only survive, but will thrive for generations to come.

The problem for those of us who work in Catholic education advancement is that there are so many other tasks vying for our time and attention that focusing on planned giving tends to fall through the cracks.  We know we SHOULD be developing and/or enhancing a planned giving program, but where will we find the time?

That’s a tough question, but I always reflect on the sage advice one of my mentors once told me, “Don’t let the immediate get in the way of the important.”   Planned giving isn’t just important – it’s critical. 

However, there are only so many hours in a day, and with all of the other things you are tasked with doing, how can you possibly devote time to planned giving?  That’s where Partners in Mission comes in. 

Our practitioners, who have enjoyed great planned giving success at school like yours, are here to guide you in this crucial work.  We have helped schools across the country (from small Pre-K-8 elementary schools to large, dynamic high schools) develop and significantly upgrade their planned giving programs, planting seeds that will be realized in years to come and resulting in gifts at the seven and eight-figure level.  It’s not fantasy – it’s reality, and you can be the driving force that positions your school is this vital, exciting endeavor.

So in 2025, as you strive to complete your personal resolutions, make a professional one, too.  This year, resolve to make Planned Giving a focus of your school’s advancement efforts – and take your school to unparalleled heights of philanthropic support.

Partners in Mission would be happy to guide you on that journey.  Let us know how we can help!