Stop Asking for Cash Donations Immediately. Here's Why...

When people think about donating to a nonprofit, they almost always think about writing a check or swiping a credit card. That’s their hard-earned, already-taxed, disposable income—gone in a click.

It’s generous, yes. But it’s also incredibly inefficient.

Why is cash the default? Two big reasons:

1. Financial literacy is at an all-time low.
2. Philanthropic education is practically nonexistent.

And that’s a problem. Because in today’s tax environment, cash giving usually offers little to no tax advantage to the donor. It's often the least strategic way to give.

The good news? Fundraisers who understand how wealth really works can unlock massive opportunities—not just for their organizations, but for the donors themselves.

Let’s talk about asset-based giving.

According to Greg Ring of Innovest, the numbers are staggering:

• Americans hold more than $23 trillion in Individual Retirement Accounts.
• Only 9% of personal wealth is in cash. (Which means 91% is tied up in other assets.)
• Selling a piece of real estate could trigger a combined tax bill of 35% or more for the owner.

Now think about what that means: If someone donates real estate, stock, or a portion of their IRA instead of cash, they can avoid significant taxes—while making a far greater impact on your mission.

When fundraisers start educating donors on these smarter ways to give, something incredible happens: You stop “asking for money” and start serving the donor.

That simple shift—from solicitor to strategist, from fundraiser to guide—can be transformational, both for the organization and the donor. It’s not just a better way to give. It’s a better way to build trust, deepen relationships, and fund the future.

Curious how to make the switch? I offer free consultations to help nonprofits reimagine their fundraising strategy through asset-based giving.

Let’s unlock that 91% together.