--- title: "The Secret: Why People Really Make Major Gifts and Bequests" description: It’s easy to succeed in major and planned gift marketing today. Just remember that people make major gifts and bequests because it makes them feel good.. image: https://info.imarketsmart.com/hs-fs/file-3555672652-jpg/blog-files/the-secret-why-people-donate-451x300.jpg --- ### Get weekly nonprofit marketing ideas straight to your inbox ** [301.289.3670](tel:+1-301-289-3670) / [888.618.2015](tel:+1-888-618-2015) [**Contact](http://imarketsmart.com/contact-us) [**  Careers](http://imarketsmart.com/careers) - - - [![Imarketsmart](https://info.imarketsmart.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logo-basic-300x451.png?width=300&height=45&name=logo-basic-300x451.png "Imarketsmart")](http://imarketsmart.com/) [Get a Demo](http://imarketsmart.com/request-a-demo/) # Marketsmart Blog # The Secret: Why People Really Make Major Gifts and Bequests ![Why People Really Make Major Gifts and Bequests](https://info.imarketsmart.com/hs-fs/file-3555672652-jpg/blog-files/the-secret-why-people-donate-451x300.jpg?width=386&height=257&name=the-secret-why-people-donate-451x300.jpg)So you want to know the real reason why people make major gifts and bequests? Ok. But first, I must share a quote. **Confucius once said, "Life is very simple. But we insist on making it complicated."** I love that quote. In a way, it helps explain why people overcomplicate [fundraising](http://agentsofgood.org/blog/). They just can't help themselves! The simple truth is that it's easy to succeed in major and [planned gift marketing](http://imarketsmart.com/why-people-really-make-major-gifts-and-bequests) today. **Just remember that the real reason why people make major gifts and bequests is because *it makes them feel good*.** Need more elaboration? Here you go: - Giving lifts them up. - It makes them feel alive. - It sets their heart on fire. - It ignites emotion. - It gives them a warm glow that is very hard to explain. - It provides a spiritual sensation. - It brings them closer to others and provides a sense of community. - It makes them famous (sometimes). - It allows them to right wrongs. - It enables them to give back. **Remember this: Keep it simple. [Figure out how](http://imarketsmart.com/solutions/) to make your supporters feel good. [Provide value](http://imarketsmart.com/what-we-do/). And you'll get more gifts.**   ## Like this post? If so, please share it or post it as a discussion on a LinkedIn group or industry discussion board. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) **Posted by**Greg Warner June 05, 2015 [** Next](https://info.imarketsmart.com/blog/new-linkedin-fundraising-group/) [Previous **](https://info.imarketsmart.com/blog/22-effective-ways-to-ease-into-difficult-conversations-with-supporters/) Tags: [Planned Giving](https://info.imarketsmart.com/blog/topic/planned-giviing), [Major Giving](https://info.imarketsmart.com/blog/topic/major-giving) Search this site on Google Search Google #### Get Weekly Tips ![](http://11034n4348rz28bwol8ogod8.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/majorgiftmotivatorCTA-e1438624761470.png)Get captivating motivational quotes~*hand-picked for major and planned giving fundraisers*~delivered via email every Tuesday.![](http://11034n4348rz28bwol8ogod8.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/majorgiftmotivator-tile-sidebar-image-e1438802110804.jpg) [![Get Motivated](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1716178/3152951d-d234-4e33-8af5-19882b865e06.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1716178/3152951d-d234-4e33-8af5-19882b865e06) ### JOIN THE CLUB Become a better fundraiser! 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