Good points. I’ve always remembered hearing Jack Shakely, the former president of California Community Foundation, observe that most donors he worked with didn’t give for tax reasons, and that implying donors are giving for tax reasons was the quickest way to offend them. As you point out here, and as many commenters on your earlier post about Why People Give noted, tax incentives usually won’t factor into WHY donors give, but smart donors should take them into account when deciding HOW they give. I imagine it takes a good deal of tact, though, to find the right time and way to discuss that with them.

Thanks,

Pete