You know the drill: It's midnight and your grant proposal is due tomorrow. Your assistant left hours ago, and the words on the computer screen start to blur. "It's not worth it," you think. And besides, only a few grants pan out anyway.

Is your organization pursuing planned gifts? It should be. Research suggests that the average planned gift in the United States falls between $35,000 and $70,000 -- and the amount may increase with more Baby Boomers moving into retirement. Yet many not-for-profits, especially small and medium-sized organizations, lack formal planned giving programs.

Part of a good management structure means that key leaders not only get the job done but they also encourage staff members and volunteers. That involves praising them properly, inspiring their trust, and providing them with the information needed to do their jobs and understand their roles in the organization.

Debt is an integral part of the strategic plans of many organizations, yet it has traditionally carried a stigma in the not-for-profit industry. That view is changing, as more organizations borrow money for major capital purchases, new program funding — even to manage current cash flow.