As a development professional and advisor, I try to stay current on trends, challenges, and best practices by regularly attending educational sessions through my local AFP chapter. This month I attended one that hits especially close to home: “Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Donors: Identifying Issues & Applying Best Practices.”

This is more than just a timely topic, it is something I have been thinking about a lot lately.

Just last week, I had a phone call with one of my longtime donors, someone I have known since 2000 and deeply admire. He is now 88 years old and living in a care facility. His daughter has been kind enough to keep me updated on his condition. I know he has thoughtfully included his favorite charities in his estate plans, and I am grateful for that, because during our most recent conversation, he simply was not the person I used to know.

It was a reminder both emotionally and professionally of how important it is to safeguard the intentions and dignity of our donors, especially those in their later years. I could not help but think: What happens when less experienced fundraisers interact with donors who are clearly in cognitive decline? Do they know where the ethical boundaries lie? Would they recognize the signs?

I also think of my own father, 84 years old, sharp in many ways, but navigating the confusion that often comes with aging. He has designated funds to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, his prep school, and a few other causes close to his heart. Yet he tells me he still gets calls and mailings, “hit upon,” in his words by organizations looking for more. He admits it is hard to keep them all straight. And I wonder: At what point should the focus shift from solicitation to stewardship?

We are standing at the edge of the greatest transfer of wealth in history, an estimated $35 trillion over the next few decades. This moment holds incredible promise for philanthropy and the causes we champion. But with that opportunity comes significant responsibility. More and more of our aging donors are dealing with cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. These conditions raise complex legal and ethical questions about how, when, and even if we should pursue certain conversations about giving.

Are we, as a field, prepared for this inevitable scenario?

It is not enough to rely on good instincts. We need clear guidance, thoughtful conversation, and yes, ongoing education. That is why I am so grateful for sessions like the AFP presentation I attended. Without spaces like these, where are development professionals learning how to ethically navigate relationships with long-time donors who are entering vulnerable stages of life?

The best practices are evolving, but some principles remain constant: prioritize donor intent, respect their dignity, and involve appropriate family members or legal representatives when necessary. The NonProfit Times recently emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful relationships while honoring legal safeguards especially when dementia is a factor. Most experienced fundraisers understand this, but as our donor base continues to age, we have a duty to ensure these standards are upheld across our entire profession.

Now more than ever, I believe we should be initiating estate planning conversations early before cognitive decline makes it difficult or impossible for donors to express their wishes clearly. Securing those intentions in writing protects both the donor and the organizations they care about. It also gives us the peace of mind that we are fulfilling our roles not just as fundraisers, but as trusted stewards of their legacy.

I welcome any thoughts from others wondering these same questions. Feel free to email me (becky@armstrongmcguire.com) if you would like to hear how the AFP session went or exchange ideas.

This is a conversation our field needs to be having—openly, honestly, and often.

August is National Make-A-Will Month

This is a reminder for fundraisers that planning for the future is one of the greatest acts of stewardship. Legacy giving offers donors the opportunity to align their values with a lasting impact. AFP recently emphasized how thoughtful planning, ethical practices, and donor-centered conversations can strengthen nonprofits’ sustainability while honoring donor intent.

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Becky Bumgardner is a Senior Advisor with Armstrong McGuire who specializes in donor stewardship, capital campaigns, feasibility studies, board management, and mentoring. Learn more about Becky and check out her other musings in her bio. Be sure to also check out her video on donor stewardship!