Staff transitions are an unavoidable part of nonprofit leadership. People retire, accept new opportunities, relocate, or decide it is simply time for a change. While every departure creates internal work for an organization, the departure of a gift planning professional creates a particular kind of vulnerability.

For many people, charitable giving begins with a familiar routine. A nonprofit makes an appeal, the donor chooses an amount, and a check or online contribution follows. These annual gifts are essential.

When people hear the words gift planning, they often imagine complicated legal documents, tax strategies, or financial planning conversations. While those elements certainly play an important role, they are not what first comes to mind for me.