In times of financial and economic uncertainty, several charitable gift options available to donors are particularly appealing. Of course, not all gifts are appropriate for all donors.

What is the difference between an organization that has a culture of fundraising and one that pursues a culture of philanthropy? In a culture of fundraising, reaching the goal is the singular objective and donors are simply a means to solve a problem. The organization needs money. Donors have money. Ask for a gift (typically the bigger, the better). This transactional approach can lead donors to wonder: “does the organization care about me, or only my money?”