So, you’re celebrating—or you’ve already celebrated—a very important birthday this year! (Maybe even a year or two ago; I know I let some folks sneak through an extra year.) Let me first say: Thank you so much for joining Novus Society.
The group as a whole is better and more robust for having had you and your unique perspective on giving. I so appreciate you being part of the early days of Novus and hope being in Novus Society allowed you to elevate your philanthropy and refine a giving strategy that will serve you for years to come.
Before we officially graduate you and send you off to DonorsTrust, (read: the big kids’ table), I want to share what to expect:
1. You will officially be considered a DonorsTrust client internally.
That doesn’t mean a whole lot of change, though. You won’t be required to hit the typical $10,000 initial contribution minimum or anything of that nature. Just keep growing and using your account in the manner you have been. Your donor-advised fund won’t really be undergoing any sort of change.
2. You will be moved off of the Novus Society email list.
I know that’s really sad. But we have built a Novus alumni list, and will periodically use that to update you and make asks for your perspectives or thoughts to ensure we use your wisdom going forward with new Novus members and new programs we develop. We’ll also use this as a way to ask for involvement in the mentorship component of Novus. If you haven’t already done this, I’d also recommend signing up to receive our intentional giving newsletter so you can still know what we’re up to.
3. Sadly, no more Novus Society events for you.
But take heart, DonorsTrust hosts get-togethers regularly. We by all means still want to see you around!
4. So, who do you call now?
The entire DonorsTrust team is at your disposal. You may be graduating, but I’m still here and happy to help!
Beyond that, you can expect much of the same from the DonorsTrust team. We are here to serve you and your philanthropy.
Now, for graduation, I want to make sure we capture the wisdom you’ve gained in your time here and give you a chance to take to the stage so we can recognize you.
During our Annual DonorsTrust Epiphany Party in Washington, D.C., on January 6th, we’ll give time for each graduating Novus member to stand up and share their “philanthropy nugget.”
The nuggets are short little tidbits you learned or have noticed—a parting piece of advice to remaining Novus members and the broader DonorsTrust community.
For folks who can’t attend in person, I am happy to read out your nugget to the room if you’d be willing to send it to me! Please let me know if you are able to attend the party in person. If you’re unable to attend in-person, plan to send me your nugget.
Again, we are so happy to have had you in this program! If you have any other questions about graduation, please reach out to me.
