As we begin to reflect and recharge for the year ahead, the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) has much to celebrate. Thank you for your continued support, participation and community. With the dedication of our growing community of professionals, members and donors alike, the CGP Team continued to strengthen the gift planning community. In 2025, CGP launched expanded resources, new member benefits and additional opportunities to expand your expertise. 

With more opportunities to connect, learn and advance the profession, the CGP Team is excited for the year ahead. 

Take a look at CGP’s Year in Review before heading into the new year.

Honoring Excellence:

Every year, CGP recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to charitable gift planning and philanthropy through their dedication, innovation and impact.

This year’s honorees:

• Abigail Oduol was recognized as the CGP Rising Star 2025 
• National Capital Gift Planning Council was selected as Council of the Year.
• Joe Bull, Philip M. Purcell, and William T. Sturtevant (posthumously), were inducted into the CGP Hall of Fame.
• Twenty individuals received a CGP Conference Scholarship

Advancing the Profession

Become a CGP Advocate

CGP is dedicated to raising awareness of the impact and value charitable gift planning has in the philanthropic sector and to educate legislators and their staff. As we prepare for the year ahead, participate in calls to action, add your organization to sign-on letters, or meet with staff of key legislators. Complete this form and join us in advocating for charitable giving.

CGP’s 2024 Compensation Survey Report

Professionals practicing gift planning represent a distinct subset of the fundraising field, necessitating a dedicated survey to address the unique characteristics and environment of their work. The CGP 2024 Compensation Survey Report offers a deeper analysis of all aspects of compensation in the field of charitable gift planning, including insights into strengths and areas for growth, as well as an in-depth salary analysis by region, experience, field, and more. 

Full report available no cost to members, $99 to non-members.

The Journal of Gift Planning

The newly reimagined The Journal of Gift Planning provides timely, practical and expert insights into the current challenges and growth opportunities in the field today for charitable gift planners, fundraisers, and planned giving professionals. Encompassing research, opinions, literature reviews, and program ideas, this Special Edition of The Journal explores innovative philanthropic engagement strategies, complex litigation surrounding non-cash assets and more. 

Read The Journal and learn how to participate in future articles: https://charitablegiftplanners.org/journal 

“Dead Giveaway”

A project years in the making, the “Dead Giveaway” podcast highlights the personal motivations, career transitions and relationship-building skills among gift planning professionals. Ranging from nonprofit leaders and financial advisors to rising stars and innovators, host Matt Treadwell dives into pivotal moments, the challenges faced, and the rewarding stories that drive each professional. Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the field or curious about how legacy giving can change lives, "Dead Giveaway" offers insight and inspiration that make generosity and gift planning so impactful. 

Click here to tune in and subscribe to be notified of new monthly episodes. 

Conversational Gift Planning

Conversational Gift Planning, offered by the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, is a virtual, multi-week educational course led by Dan Shephard. With a maximum of ten registrants, participants develop the art of donor-participatory fundraising for more impactful donor stewardship. This program is designed to equip participants with the fundamental tools to elevate their relationships with donors. Learn more and join the interest list here.

New Member Benefits

As the CGP member community continues to grow, so do our member benefits! In 2025, we expanded member-exclusive benefits and discounts, including: 

• Gift Planner's Workstation from Planned Giving Interactive (25% CGP member discount)
• Partial Tuition Waiver opportunity from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. (Application window open now until November 30, 2025)
• Future meetings of The Journal Club

Whether you are an allied professional looking to advance your gift planning expertise or a fundraising expert looking to expand your team, CGP members create an impact across the gift planning sector. Join our growing community before the end of the year to further your career and reach your goals in 2026. 

Indianapolis: CGP's Hometown

More than 1,000 gift planning and allied professionals gathered in Indianapolis for CGP Conference 2025. As the hometown of CGP and the headquarters of thousands of philanthropic institutions, Indianapolis delivered its signature Hoosier hospitality throughout three exceptional days of professional development and networking. From connecting in the CGP Lounge to endless new strategies and superfriends, the energy from Indianapolis will carry well into the months to come. Read more about CGP Conference 2025 here:

Be sure to save the date for CGP Conference 2026 from October 14-16 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Growing the CGP Team

Perhaps the most impactful development at CGP was the addition of new team members, Melissa Burlock and Elisabeth Rhodes. Their passion and expertise continue to advance CGP’s mission and the field of gift planning. We look forward to their continued impact on the organization and our team.

Thank You

Whether you attended a webinar, became a CGP Advocate, or are a longtime member, thank you for your support and dedication throughout the year. However you choose to participate, you shape the future of CGP and charitable gift planning. We look forward to carrying this energy into 2026 as we continue our mission to advance the field of charitable gift planning.

Advance your skills with programming, discounts and resources for gift planning professionals at every stage of their career. Join or renew your CGP membership before the end of the year to further your career and reach your goals in 2026.