Transformational Philanthropy from the Donor’s Perspective

The Nonprofit Exchange: Leadership Tools & Strategies

Transformational Philanthropy from the Donor’s Perspective: Interview with Ron Zeeb, Founder of The Heritage Institute

Transformational Philanthropy from the Donor’s Perspective:

“When the non-profits learn to focus on my need to give rather than their need to get, they will get a lot more from me.”

As the recently released Bank of America Study of Philanthropy (previously known as the US Trust Study

of High Net Worth Philanthropy) found, the number 1 reason affluent donors choose a cause or organization to support is the donor’s values (72%). Only 48% gave due to the perceived need of the organization or issue, and only 13% gave due to a compelling pitch (in person, virtually, or via collateral). Therefore, the key to generating transformational gifts is to focus on the donor’s values and desired outcomes and then provide opportunities for them to fulfill those desired outcomes.

Consequently, your focus needs to be on the desired outcomes of your donor (their need to give), rather than the organization’s needs (your need to get).

Rodney C. Zeeb, JD, HDP™, Founder and CEO of The Heritage Institute. Rod has over three decades of experience in estate planning, charitable planning, and heritage design and is recognized internationally for his contributions to the field. Among the major national conferences and events Rod has spoken to are Pershing’s INSITE Conference, MDRT, NAIFA, Kingdom Advisors, Securities Industries and Financial Markets Associations (SIFMA ), NAPFA, United Way of America National de Tocqueville Conference, FPA (national and regional groups), International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, and many others. Rod typically receives the highest speaker evaluations. Rod has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The Christian Science Monitor, Dow Jones News, Macleans Magazine (including international editions), Wealth Collection Magazine, Financial Advisor Magazine, Wealth Manager Magazine, Inside Information, and many other print and online publications.

Rod has written numerous articles and white papers. He is also the author of Beating the Midas Curse (now in its 3rd Edition) and Family Stewardship, and co-author of the novel What Matters.

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