Q: I already own Planned Giving Manager. Why do I need GiftStory?
A: We’re the first to agree that PGM is great for gift illustrations, but GiftStory is very different – it’s color, sound, and motion instead of numbers on a page. The storytelling approach delivers information step-by-step, centered around the donor’s point of view. Simple text in large fonts and colorful graphics are easy to follow and the wonderful audio track engages your donors’ attention. Use GiftStory to educate, cultivate, and engage your prospects and PGM to close the gift.

Q: I know how to explain gift plans to donors. Why would I want GiftStory?
A: There are so many reasons! GiftStory can “break the ice” by bringing up potentially sensitive subjects. It can increase your pipeline by reaching prospects you aren’t able to visit. And, it can expand the range of gift situations you or your staff feel confident discussing.

Q: GiftStory sounds too high tech for my donors. Is it hard to view?
A: Not at all. If your donors can read email from their grandchildren, GiftStory is not too technical. You send your donors an email with a GiftStory link, then they click the link to open their GiftStory presentation. Prompted by the narrator’s friendly voice, they click Play, then sit back, watch, and listen as the presentation plays all the way through.

Q: Not all of my prospects use email. Is GiftStory any use for them?
A: Absolutely. The print version – preferably 8 ½ x 11 landscape in full color – makes a wonderful “leave behind” after a visit and is a good piece to mail. You can also create a self-running CD of the presentation to mail or leave with your prospect.

Q: Can I present GiftStory in a group setting?
A: Of course. GiftStory looks great projected on a screen. Click Mute to turn off the audio and explain the story in your own words as you advance the slides at your own pace, just as you would for a PowerPoint presentation. We suggest printing the audio script ahead of time to use as a handy crib sheet.

Q: Can I personalize GiftStory presentations for particular donors?
A: Yes. You can enter your donor’s name, which appears prominently on the title page and in smaller type throughout. In addition, five of the GiftStory titles include personalized gift calculations based on the beneficiary ages, gift amount, payout rate, and other information you enter.

Q: Can I customize my copy of GiftStory?
A: Yes. Your organization’s name and logo appear throughout the presentation. There’s also a place for a special graphic image on the title page. In addition, the gift officer’s name and contact information, including email and website links, appears on the closing page.

Q: Can I alter the GiftStory text or audio?
A: No. While the GiftStory text and audio vary in pre-defined ways based on choices you make, such as whether the gift is made with cash or appreciated property, you cannot make your own custom edits.

Q: Can I use GiftStory to educate my staff?
A: Definitely. GiftStory's presentations are great self-study aids for your staff. Just create a presentation and email the link to your staff so they can run the presentation at their convenience. You can also use GiftStory presentations to organize and add punch to your staff education sessions. Work through all ten titles and cover most of the planned giving situations your staff is likely to encounter.

Q: Is GiftStory information secure?
A: Yes. No one can enter your GiftStory account without your login name and password. Only people with access to your GiftStory account or who receive a presentation link from you will be able to view a presentation. Also, link addresses are generated in a non-predictable way, so they cannot be guessed by other prospects or people at other charities.

Q: What do you think of GiftStory?
A: Please let us know! Your comments help us make informed decisions about changes in future releases of GiftStory. Send your thoughts to ideas@pgcalc.com.