The Charitable Endowment Plan™
(And how can it benefit your organization)
Your Endowment. Without the Uncertainty.
Build reliable, contract-backed funding for tomorrow — without relying on unpredictable markets or shifting donor priorities.
What if one donor’s passion could unlock a $10 million endowment — without writing a check today? That’s the opportunity behind the Charitable Endowment Plan™ (CEP).
Created for mission-driven organizations with bold goals and long-term vision, CEP gives your most loyal supporters a smart, structured way to make a lasting impact. It’s tax-efficient, contract-backed, and built to fund your future — without complicating today.
How It Works:
- No upfront gift required
Instead of giving cash today, donors can post collateral or use financing to fund a life insurance policy — securing a future charitable gift that could be up to 10x larger than their initial outlay.
- Predictable future funding
The payout is contractually guaranteed through a life insurance policy — meaning your mission receives a reliable, market-independent infusion of funds in the future.
- Tax-savvy structure
Donors may qualify for a charitable deduction.* And if financing is used, collateral is typically returned once the policy matures — subject to repayment terms and proper performance.
*Tax treatment varies by individual. Donors should consult their tax advisor.
Key Benefits:
- No out-of-pocket cost to your organization
Donors fund the plan directly — either with their own funds or through vetted premium financing.
- No disruption to current giving
CEP runs quietly alongside your current fundraising efforts. It doesn’t redirect current gifts — it amplifies future ones.
- Fully supported, start to finish
From donor conversations to legal setup and ongoing reporting, Acumen Financial Advantage walks with you every step of the way.
- Scalable and flexible
Start with one donor or many. No foundation? No problem — we can support you through our Community Impact Fund (CIF).
- Storytelling that inspires action
We help bring the donor journey to life through branded explainer videos, donor education, and Heroic Donor campaigns that celebrate legacy — not just generosity.
Who is the Charitable Endowment Plan™ ideal for?
- Credit Unions (typically $500M+ in assets and community foundations)
- Hospitals and Healthcare Foundations
- Colleges, Universities, and Private Schools
- Large Nonprofits with active development teams and donor engagement programs
Why Now?
- Donor fatigue is real
CEP provides a new way for donors to deepen their impact without draining their current resources.
- Historic Wealth Transfer is Underway
More than $30 trillion is moving from Boomers to the next generation. CEP helps mission-minded donors put it to good use..
- Markets are unpredictable — your funding doesn’t have to be
CEP is built on insurance contracts, not investment portfolios. That means your funding isn’t tied to market swings.
- Legacy is trending — for all the right reasons
Today’s donors are thinking beyond one-time gifts. CEP gives them a clear, structured way to make a mark that lasts.
Why Acumen Financial Advantage?
Beyond a plan. We deliver a roadmap — and walk it with you.
- Policy design and placement with leading carriers
- Legal guidance and charitable structuring
- Branded donor outreach materials
- Ongoing policy monitoring and reporting
- Optional premium financing strategies
- Access to charitable tools like the Community Impact Fund
Considerations:
- CEP does not replace traditional giving; it complements and enhances long-term planning.
- Tax benefits are dependent on donor eligibility and IRS rules.
- Premium financing is subject to third-party approval, creditworthiness, and repayment terms.
- The guaranteed payout is dependent on policy performance and staying in force; policy illustrations are available upon request.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Mission?
Whether you're just starting to build an endowment or looking to future-proof your mission, the Charitable Endowment Plan™ is your path to scalable, sustainable impact with no tradeoffs.
We’d love to talk through how CEP might fit into your organization’s big-picture goals. Contact us and we'll invite you to a free consultation.
Explore Our Solutions
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