FreeWill Newsletter
Vol. 1 Issue 2
From all your friends at FreeWill, Happy New Year! We hope your 2020 is starting off wonderfully, and we're excited for another big year together supporting your missions.
This month, we're sharing some of our most important learnings from 2019, an introduction to FreeWill co-CEOs Patrick and Jenny, and some helpful updates on QCDs and new tools from FreeWill!
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What did we learn last year?
2019 was a huge year for FreeWill! We've helped over 85,000 people create wills and have raised over $900 million for your organizations. As we start helping you plan for a successful 2020, our Partner Success Strategists have collected some of their biggest learnings from 2019 to shed light on what works (and what doesn't!) for planned giving in the new year.
Extend your message to more than the standard "Planned Giving" audience
In your promotion of FreeWill, no one should be off limits based on estate size or commitment to the organization. Bequestors come in all shapes and sizes and you never know where a surprise gift may appear! - Marley Hall
Segment, segment, segment
Do you think 25-40 year olds aren't interested in creating their wills? Or do you think your staff members would be against leaving a legacy gift? Think again! Tailoring outreach based on audience is a great way to inspire giving across the board. - Jada Gale
Cross-channel outreach
Integrating a new tool is never easy. Successful partners were able to use multiple outlets to create familiarity and comfort with the tools. Don't underestimate the importance of supporting standalone emails and direct mail pieces with soft touches such as email signatures, social media posts, buckslips and postscripts – oh my! - Reina Gabai
Leave space to pivot
While some of our best practices have been solidified over time (looking at you, bequest email campaign), it is important to note that a nonprofit's donor base and organization structure is unique. One of the most exciting elements of our partnership is finding the channel and language that best resonates with your audience. We might find the right recipe right away, but developing new, homemade recipes has the potential for an even greater impact. - Savannah Turner
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Featured FreeWillians: Patrick Schmitt and Jenny Xia Spradling
Our strategists love working with you, and there's a whole team behind us supporting your work that you don't get to talk to every day! We're excited to introduce you to more FreeWillians here. This month, we are highlighting the founders and co-CEOs of FreeWill, Patrick and Jenny.
Patrick Schmitt
Hometown: Glen Rock, New Jersey
Favorite part about FreeWill: I really, really love getting to openly brainstorm with the smartest people at so many nonprofits about new inventions and innovations.
Three words to describe FreeWill and its employees: Focused, courageous, kind
Book you are reading: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Something people might not know about you: I was an extra in a terrible Adam Sandler & Jack Nicholson movie called Anger Management. Derek Jeter, Roger Clemens and Rudy Giuliani all make cameos in this movie.
Hometown: Mukilteo, Washington
Favorite part about FreeWill: I'm a math nerd, so quantifiable impact makes me happiest.
Three words to describe FreeWill and its employees: Smart, tenacious, kind
Book you are reading: Wild Swans by Jung Chang
Something people might not know about you: I love board games. I'm most recently in love with Root – it's a deeply strategic game masked in a completely adorable design. Never underestimate cute things!
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Did you know...?
The SECURE Act
In late December 2019, the SECURE Act was passed. For nonprofits seeking Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) it is important to know:
- The minimum age for the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) was raised from 70.5 to 72.
- Donors who are 70.5 are still eligible to make QCDs even though they don't have to take the RMD.
If you have further questions, please read our LinkedIn Article or reach out to your strategist for more info!
Expanded tools for families
FreeWill is increasing the number of tools for individuals and families on the site, to help people make sure their loved ones are taken care of in the future. On top of estate planning, we now have Advance Healthcare Directives, Powers of Attorney, access to life insurance with social-good company Ethos (many people also choose to name nonprofits as beneficiaries of life insurance) and soon, revocable living trusts for California!
Help us help you!
Thank you to everyone who has taken our survey on new QCD fundraising features so far!
We're excited to build new tools to help support your mission this year, and your input is vital!
Upcoming Bequest Webinars!
We're excited to offer two webinars to help you make the most of FreeWill's bequest tool. Register now to learn how to make your planned giving programs stronger than ever!
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© 2019 FreeWill Co. All rights reserved.
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