The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Los Angeles Chapter held its much-anticipated Conference on Philanthropy on March 25, 2025. Among the standout sessions was “Beyond Donations: Building Legacy & Capacity,” led by Cathleen Otero, COO, and Margita Labhard, Senior Director of Philanthropic Strategy at the Orange County Community Foundation. This interactive workshop provided valuable insights for nonprofit development teams eager to elevate their fundraising strategies and deepen community connections.
Key Session Highlights
Leveraging OCCF Resources
The session emphasized the crucial role OCCF can play in helping nonprofits navigate the intricacies of complex gifts, create robust legacy plans, and enhance donor stewardship. By tapping into OCCF’s resources and expertise, organizations can significantly build their capacity. This includes access to direct funding and participating in training opportunities like Giving Day online fundraising events, which are designed to heighten visibility and donor engagement.
Fostering Stronger Donor Relationships
One of the most engaging aspects of the workshop was the lively discussion on strategies to cultivate stronger relationships with donors. Participants explored ways to align their missions with community needs, ultimately driving greater impact. The session offered valuable data points underscoring the evolving landscape of philanthropy.
Market Indicators and Philanthropic Trends
The workshop also presented critical market indicators that can potentially impact nonprofits:
- The Great Wealth Transfer: An anticipated $84 trillion wealth transfer by 2045, with a significant portion potentially impacting charitable giving.
- Aging Demographics in Orange County: The 65+ demographic is set to grow from 19% in 2024 to 29% by 2060.
- Women Living Longer: Women in OC are outliving men by about four years, highlighting potential shifts in donor demographics.
- Cause-based Giving: Next-generation philanthropists are leaning towards flexible, direct, and impact-driven giving that aligns with their personal values.
Establishing a Nonprofit Endowment Fund at OCCF
The session highlighted several advantages for nonprofits that choose to establish a Nonprofit Endowment Fund with OCCF:
- Sustainable Income: Creates a perpetual source of financial support.
- Expert Financial Management: Access to strategic investment oversight within OCCF’s long-term investment pool.
- Growing the Good: Benefit from OCCF’s diversified portfolio, designed to preserve capital while taking advantage of financial market growth.
- Flexible Contributions: Donors can contribute a range of assets, from stocks to real estate and life insurance.
- Facilitating Legacy Gifts: OCCF simplifies the process of managing planned legacy gifts directed towards the endowment.
The Power of Legacy Planning
OCCF’s expertise in legacy planning was another focal point of the session. OCCF offers significant advantages in managing complex gifts that might pose acceptance challenges for smaller nonprofits. Additionally, OCCF can explore and present various giving options to donors, including gifts from trusts and other planned contributions, ensuring that both donor intentions and organizational goals are harmoniously aligned.
The “Beyond Donations” session was an enlightening and inspiring experience for all attendees, shedding light on the transformative potential of strategic partnerships with community foundations like OCCF. Nonprofits left equipped with new tools and strategies to not only secure their future but to also make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
