How One Real Estate Gift Generated Nearly $1M for Stand Up To Cancer.

Key Takeaways:

• A single real estate donation generated nearly $1M for Stand Up To Cancer, showing the power of high-value, non-cash gifts.
• Some of your most meaningful supporters are people who believe in your mission but have never formally given—real estate giving can be the moment they step forward.
• A simple, donor-friendly process is what turns quiet admiration into a lasting, transformational gift.

Full Story:

For many nonprofits, the next transformational gift won't come from an existing donor file. It will come from someone who admired your mission from a distance—often for years—and finally found a way to contribute that matched their life circumstances. A recent real estate donation to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), processed through CARS' Real Estate Donation Program, shows exactly what that can look like.

When a Supporter Steps Forward

Some of the most generous people supporting a cause are ones your nonprofit may not even know about yet. They follow the work, care deeply about the outcome, and are simply waiting for an opportunity to give in a way that fits their lives.

For this donor, a real estate donation was that opportunity. He had never formally given to SU2C, but the mission resonated. When he saw a feature in a well-known newspaper about SU2C's real estate donation program, he realized his highly appreciated property could become a meaningful gift. He responded directly to the newspaper placement.

"I think it was truly a timing thing. The right need paired with the right messaging and a commitment to funding important cancer research – everything aligned," said Sean Coveleski, SVP at SU2C.

It's a powerful reminder for nonprofits: the people ready to make your largest gifts don't always fit the traditional donor profile. A real estate gift gave this individual a way to turn long-held beliefs into funding that advances the mission for years to come.

A Donor-Friendly Process

Just as important was how easy the experience felt. "The donor's happy with the process and felt like it was a convenient way to give," Sean said.

When someone decides to make a gift of this magnitude, the path forward should feel clear and effortless. A simple, supportive process is often what allows a generous intention to become a completed gift.

Insights for Nonprofits

1. Your future major donors are waiting for the right opportunity. Some of the most generous supporters are admirers of your mission who simply haven't found the right way to give. "I don't think most people even know that donating real estate is something they can do," Sean noted.
2. Real estate reaches supporters you haven't met yet. These gifts often come from people outside your existing donor base, extending your reach and welcoming new champions of your cause. "These programs are appealing because they draw in different types of donors and provide a new way for individuals to support your mission," Sean affirmed.
3. Simplicity honors the donor's intention. A streamlined, turnkey process is what turns a heartfelt decision into a lasting gift.

Interested in helping your supporters make a lasting difference through real estate?

CARS' Real Estate Donation Program offers full-service support, making this high-impact option easy to implement and reach the people who believe in your mission. To learn more, visit the CARS' Real Estate Donation Program page.