Thinking Global: Cross-Border Major Gifts

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast · Oct 13, 2026 · 22m

A 6:45 a.m. call from London. A donor wanted to give $1.5 million to the children's hospital that saved her little brother.

Her gift officer was thrilled. Thirty seconds later, she was terrified.

Because the donor was a US citizen living in London. Her husband was British. The money was in pounds. Their business had accounts in two countries.

Who gets the tax benefit? Which account does the money come from? What if the exchange rate moves?

Here's what I love. She didn't pretend to have the answers. She said, "I want to get this right for you. Can I ask a few questions, then bring in our…