The Key to Building a Legacy Program with Confidence
GSB’s Planned Giving Program for Congregations
Cohorts launch April 15 and September 15, 2026
Program Includes
Group sessions held every other month on these topics:
» Gift Policies and Endowment Policies*
» Model Workshop for Planned Giving
» Planned Giving Storytelling and Marketing
» Identifying and Asking for Planned Gifts
» Legacy Gifts Collateral Material—brochures/annual fund intent card/more
» Understanding Different Methods to Make a Gift—CGA, IRA, will, others
*If you are already satisfied with your policies, we can customize a session for you.
1:1 meetings between cohort sessions to help you implement and personalize strategies along the way for your unique context.
In between these monthly sessions, one on one meetings will focus on implementation to
your context. Additionally, Mike will meet virtually with up to three members of your
congregation to provide them guidance on how to best leave a gift to the church (in
some cases he will refer them to specialists) to help you secure some gifts.
Cohorts launch April 15 and September 15, 2026
By the end of the year, participating congregations will have secured at least 5 planned gifts with a likely value well over $250,000.
We can no longer “hope” that planned gifts come our way. It takes intentional work for them to be cultivated and secured. With changing trends in protestant denominations, endowments are critical for the church to be able to financially thrive in the future. A final reality is that we tend to put off planned giving for more urgent matters. This course brings you a workable plan with accountability and mentorship that will lead to success.
Journey with GSB Managing Partner, Mike Ward, for a 12-month focus on planned giving. You will be part of a cohort for joint education but you will have one on one time with Mike to personalize a planned giving program to your congregation.
Cohorts launch April 15 and September 15, 2026
Who should participate?
Each participating congregation should have a team of 3-5 people to implement the program.
Cohorts launch April 15 and September 15, 2026
What does it cost?
Cost for the program is $400 per month for 12 months. You can cancel at any time for any reason during the year with nothing further due.
Cohorts launch April 15 and September 15, 2026
➼ After serving as VP of Advancement at NovusWay for twelve years, Mike has been consulting full-time since 2013. As a consultant, Mike leads congregational and institutional annual fund and capital appeals, and strategic planning. His experience is in fundraising, marketing, quality service and loyalty. Recently, along with Partner Mitzie Schafer, Mike served as interim co-CEO of NovusWay to lead a significant organizational turnaround. Mike leads by example in philanthropy where his family supports outdoor ministry, parish life, and feeding ministries. He has previously served on the board of the ELCA Youth Ministry Network and the National Church Council of the ELCA. Mike is an avid beekeeper and looks forward to you asking him about his bees.
Meet Mike Ward, the GSB Consultant
Cohorts launch April 15 and September 15, 2026