André R. Donikian, J.D. (bio) (speaking engagements), conducts seminars for all types of audiences. His presentations are tailored specifically to your needs and are designed according to current planned giving trends and your specific concerns. With 35 years of experience and an engaging style, he will demystify planned giving, explain its importance to your organization’s mission, and persuade the participants of their unique role in planned giving. These on-site seminars, conveniently conducted at your organization’s location or choice of venue, can be for beginning or more advanced levels and for small groups or large audiences.

André R. Donikian, JD (bio) (speaking engagements)

Types of Seminars Offered:

• Development staff training
  
  Sometimes it is more cost-effective to train a group of staff members at your organization than to send individuals to off-site seminars. Internal integration and understanding of the role planned giving plays in development are imperative. Furthermore, on-site seminars allow for flexibility of inviting support staff and staff from other departments who can learn what an instrumental role they can play in helping you achieve your goals. These staff members are often the ones who have initial contact with your donors and prospects
  and are deciding your budget.

  Who should attend:
  
  

  • Planned giving officers
  
  
  • Major gifts officers
  
  
  • Annual fund employees
  
  
  • Support staff and administrative assistants—often the first person a donor or prospect speaks to when contacting your office
  
  
  • Business office and legal office staff, who are often unaware of how they can be helpful in helping you secure gift

• Board of directors or trustees presentations
  
  Your board’s participation, understanding, and support of the importance of planned giving to fund-raising are crucial to your program’s success. This seminar is designed to foster the board’s support, while also helping them understand how they might be able to become donors themselves.

• Prospect and donor presentations
  
  A key component for prospects and donors in giving to your organization is to understand how planned gifts can easily be integrated into their overall financial and estate plans. This seminar focuses on enlightened self-interest and the need to plan for the future and for family members while also giving to your organization.

• Allied professionals and financial planning firms
  
  As the importance of allied professionals’ role in estate planning continues to grow, it is becoming crucial for organizations to build relationships with them. Holding a seminar on planned giving for allied professionals gives them the opportunity to learn about charitable giving while making a personal connection to your institution.

  Who should attend:
  
  

  • Attorneys
  
  
  • CPAs
  
  
  • Financial planners

• Creators and managers of private foundations
  
  Educational institutions and medical centers will especially want to take advantage of this seminar. Prospects and donors of private foundations and their families are invited to a retreat-type of gathering hosted by your organization. This serves as a cultivation and stewardship opportunity that will teach them about giving opportunities to your organization.