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You say it's our DAF Day? It's your DAF Day too!
DAF Day, October 8, is a timely reminder to make sure your donors know they can support your mission through a donor-advised fund. You don't need to become a DAF expert, just three simple tips to make giving easy and keep the focus on your mission.

Kitsap Community Foundation
Sep 83 min read


Message to donors: Go big, and don't go home!
A capital campaign or major initiative can create an exciting opportunity for a big ask, but it can also raise concerns about future annual and planned gifts. Explore four ways to invite transformational gifts while keeping your donor's whole giving picture, and long-term relationship, in view.

Kitsap Community Foundation
Sep 84 min read


Beyond the will: Why "estate planning" matters and what to do about it
A will is only one piece of an estate plan. National Estate Planning Awareness Week gives nonprofits another, different, opportunity to talk with donors about legacy giving. Here's a simple five-point plan to make the most of the week without needing a formal planned giving program.

Kitsap Community Foundation
Sep 84 min read


Keeping score: Simple tips for tracking planned giving activities
Measuring planned giving success doesn't mean waiting years for a bequest to arrive. By tracking meaningful donor conversations, documented intentions, stewardship, and other relationship-building activities, nonprofits can see progress long before a gift is realized. Learn how a few simple metrics can help strengthen your planned giving program and build lasting donor relationships.

Kitsap Community Foundation
Aug 113 min read


Engaging Millennials, Gen Z, and planned giving: Get an early start
Millennials and Gen Z aren't just donors of the future—they're already shaping philanthropy today. As younger generations build wealth and embrace strategic giving, nonprofits have an opportunity to cultivate relationships that can grow over decades. Explore practical ways to engage younger donors through authenticity, transparency, participation, and conversations about long-term giving.

Kimberly Cizek Allen
Aug 113 min read


Make-A-Will Month: A timely opportunity to grow legacy gifts
Make-A-Will Month is an opportunity for nonprofits to start meaningful conversations about legacy giving. With charitable bequests on the rise and the Great Wealth Transfer underway, now is the time to make planned giving more visible and accessible. Explore practical ways to engage donors, share stories, and build relationships that can sustain your mission for generations.

Kitsap Community Foundation
Aug 113 min read


This August, Make Your Will Count In Kitsap
It's National Make-A-Will Month. Create your free will in 20 minutes and support the causes you love, right here on the Kitsap Peninsula.

Tina O'Brien
Jul 313 min read


Community Conversations: August 12th - Estate Planning 101
Join us for Community Conversations: Estate Planning 101, a free session on protecting the people, pets, and causes you love, presented by KCF's Tina O'Brien and Vanbridge's Jon Allen.

Kimberly Cizek Allen
Jul 233 min read


Unlocking the mystery: Three ways to build relationships with donor-advised fund holders
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are becoming an increasingly important part of modern philanthropy, yet many nonprofits remain unsure how to engage these donors. Learn three practical strategies to strengthen relationships with DAF donors, improve stewardship, and better position your organization to benefit from this growing charitable giving tool.

Kitsap Community Foundation
Jul 93 min read


Beyond attendance: Is your board equipped for today and tomorrow?
A strong board does more than govern—it helps drive an organization's long-term success. From fundraising and advocacy to strategic oversight and community connections, engaged board members play a critical role in advancing your mission. Explore practical ways to strengthen board effectiveness through intentional recruitment, development, and engagement.

Tina O'Brien
Jul 93 min read


Worthwhile watchfulness: Working with aging donors
As longtime supporters age, nonprofits may encounter situations that require extra care and attention. While most donor relationships remain straightforward, it's important to recognize potential signs of cognitive decline, undue influence, or financial exploitation. Explore five practical considerations for stewarding aging donors with empathy, respect, and sound judgment.

Kitsap Community Foundation
Jul 93 min read


2025 Was a Record Year for Giving: Here's What It Means for Kitsap Nonprofits
Giving reached a record $617.2 billion in 2025, but the real story lies beneath the headline. Rising bequests, the growth of donor-advised funds, and the beginning of the Great Wealth Transfer are reshaping philanthropy. Learn what these national trends mean for Kitsap nonprofits, and the practical steps organizations can take today to strengthen fundraising for the future.

Kimberly Cizek Allen
Jul 96 min read


Loyalty wins: Keeping donors close
Nonprofits are navigating a rapidly changing landscape shaped by evolving donor expectations, new technologies, and generational shifts in philanthropy. Success increasingly depends on donor retention, strong stewardship, planned giving strategies, and building authentic relationships rooted in trust. Kitsap Community Foundation is here to help organizations adapt, strengthen donor engagement, and build long-term sustainability.

Kimberly Cizek Allen
Jun 82 min read


The Great Wealth Transfer: Will wishes really come true?
The Great Wealth Transfer is already beginning to shape philanthropy, even if it isn’t always visible through major gifts alone. More donors are exploring legacy giving, donor-advised funds, gifts of appreciated assets, and multigenerational philanthropy. Kitsap Community Foundation helps nonprofits prepare for these opportunities through endowment services, support for complex gifts, and planned giving resources that strengthen long-term sustainability.

Tina O'Brien
Jun 82 min read


Caution ahead? Changes may be coming to the Form 990
The IRS Form 990 is more than a tax filing—it’s a valuable tool for demonstrating transparency, accountability, and mission impact. As proposed federal changes place greater attention on nonprofit reporting, organizations have an opportunity to strengthen donor confidence and showcase strong governance. Kitsap Community Foundation is here to help nonprofits navigate evolving expectations and communicate their impact effectively.

Kimberly Cizek Allen
Jun 82 min read


Say what? The tax laws changed?
As donors adjust to changing tax laws and economic uncertainty, nonprofits may see both hesitation and new opportunities for engagement. Organizations that prioritize clear communication, flexible giving strategies, and mission-driven storytelling can strengthen donor relationships and encourage long-term support.

Tina O'Brien
May 74 min read


Are your messages out of date?
As tax laws and donor behavior evolve, nonprofits may need to rethink traditional fundraising messaging. Today’s donors are increasingly motivated by impact, transparency, and connection to mission. Organizations that focus on year-round storytelling, tailored outreach, and evolving giving methods can build stronger, more resilient donor relationships.

Tina O'Brien
May 73 min read


Big things can happen: Don’t give up on corporate donors
As corporate philanthropy evolves, nonprofits have an opportunity to deepen relationships and rethink partnership strategies. Today’s businesses are looking for meaningful impact, stronger alignment with their values, and long-term community investment. By focusing on relationships, innovation, and clear outcomes, nonprofits can build resilient corporate partnerships for the future.

Lillian Xie
May 74 min read


From Volunteering to Legacy Giving: Building Your Future Donor Base
Today’s volunteers, especially younger generations, are already demonstrating a strong commitment to community impact. By helping them connect their time with financial support, nonprofits can build a natural pathway from service to giving. With the right engagement strategies, volunteers can evolve into consistent donors, and over time, become legacy supporters who help sustain your mission for years to come.

Tina O'Brien
Apr 75 min read


Reverse the Trend: Motivate More Giving in the Kitsap Region
As tax policies evolve, nonprofits may see shifts in donor behavior—but relationships, trust, and clear impact remain the strongest drivers of generosity. By focusing on donor engagement, multigenerational support, and collective giving opportunities, organizations in Kitsap can build resilience and sustain long-term impact regardless of external changes.

Tina O'Brien
Apr 64 min read
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