For nonprofits looking to grow donor impact and long-term sustainability, it may be time to rethink traditional fundraising approaches. Rather than focusing solely on annual giving and cash donations, leading organizations are turning to a more strategic model: asset-based philanthropy.
At Mangen & Associates, we’ve supported a wide range of nonprofit organizations in reimagining their financial structure, donor strategy, and reporting systems to embrace this next phase of giving. With decades of experience in nonprofit accounting, we’re helping mission-driven organizations move beyond transactional donations to build transformational legacies.
What Is Asset-Based Philanthropy?
Asset-based philanthropy is a model that encourages donors to give from their wealth, not just their income. This can include gifts of:
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Appreciated stock
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Real estate
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Business interests
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Life insurance policies
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Retirement accounts
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Bequests and other planned gifts
By shifting the conversation from “What can you give today?” to “How can we help you make a long-term impact?”, nonprofits open the door to major and planned giving strategies that align with donors’ life goals and financial plans.
The Intersection of Major Gifts and Planned Giving
Traditionally, major gifts and planned gifts have operated in separate lanes within nonprofit development teams. But increasingly, these two giving types are converging. High-net-worth donors are seeking flexible, tax-advantaged ways to support causes they care about, and savvy nonprofits are positioning themselves to receive these complex, non-cash gifts.
Asset-based philanthropy lives at this intersection.
That’s where your accounting partner plays a critical role.
How Mangen & Associates Supports Asset-Based Giving
Mangen & Associates provides nonprofit financial management services that go beyond bookkeeping. We help organizations prepare for, accept, and manage complex gifts with confidence.
Here’s how we help nonprofits move toward asset-based philanthropy:
Donor Gift Acceptance Readiness
We work with nonprofit boards and leadership to develop or refine gift acceptance policies and help ensure the organization is structurally ready to receive non-cash gifts like securities, property, or donor-advised funds.
Accounting for Complex Gifts
From GASB-compliant and FASB-compliant accounting practices to handling unrestricted vs. restricted assets, we manage the accounting treatment of major and planned gifts so your financials stay audit-ready and board-approved.
Collaboration with Development Teams
We support your fundraising professionals and legal advisors by providing clear financial guidance during major gift discussions, ensuring donors and nonprofit leaders are aligned.
Forecasting & Long-Term Planning
Our outsourced CFO services for nonprofits offer strategic insight into how planned and non-cash gifts will impact long-term operations, program funding, and reserve strategies.
Shifting the Conversation with Donors
When your nonprofit is financially equipped to handle major and planned gifts, your development team can confidently ask:
“Would you consider making a gift from your assets instead of just your income?”
It’s a subtle shift—but it can dramatically increase donor capacity and deepen engagement. Asset-based giving is not just for elite universities or national foundations. It’s achievable for community-based nonprofits, religious institutions, and education organizations, too—with the right infrastructure.
Ready to Grow? Let’s Build the Financial Foundation
At Mangen & Associates, we’re passionate about helping nonprofits maximize their mission impact through smart financial practices. Whether you need outsourced nonprofit accounting, fractional CFO services, or a trusted advisor to guide you through major gift readiness, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to explore how we can help your organization move confidently toward asset-based philanthropy.