The philanthropic community's commitment to continuous learning and strategic professional development sets it apart from other sectors. The June Perspectives poll reveals where professionals are investing their development efforts. 

Areas of professional development efforts: 

• Work-life Balance & Wellness 38.5%

• Communication & Presentation 38.5%
• Networking & Relationship Building 30.8%
• Technical Skills & Certifications 23.1% 
• Industry Knowledge & Trends 23.1%
• Leadership & Development Skills 23.1%
• Creative Problem Solving 7.7%

Expand your expertise using the resources and opportunities below. 

Work-life Balance & Wellness 38.5%

The relationship-driven nature of the profession often requires gift planners to work non-traditional schedules, highlighting the importance of personal wellness and work-life balance.

Evolve your skills while prioritizing your career growth by creating your own professional development strategy. Implementing a personalized professional development strategy can guide you through the most effective methods to integrate professional development into your daily schedule.

Use the guide below to develop an approach that suits your personal and professional schedule. 

Access the Guide 

Communication & Presentation 38.5%

The gift planning industry values collaboration and knowledge sharing across fields of expertise. Alongside donor stewardship, this unique aspect of the community drives professionals to invest in their ability to tell compelling stories and share knowledge. 

Elevate your skills and contribute to gift planning through The Journal of Gift Planning. Relaunching in 2025, The Journal will feature emerging trends, impactful strategies and policy changes to keep the community informed. 

Consider submitting an article proposal to share your insights with the broader community.  

Learn more about The Journal 

Networking & Relationship Building 30.8%

Professional connections create opportunities for collaboration, career advancement and ongoing learning from varying perspectives and approaches. Whether participating in online communities, social networking or in-person experiences, sustaining professional relationships requires ongoing effort. 

Ask questions, learn new strategies and share your expertise with the gift planning and philanthropic community through CGP.

Connect with peers who share:

• Professional experiences

• Fields of expertise

• Career stage

​And more! 

Explore CGP membership opportunities or log in to connect with the CGP network. 

Technical Skills & Certifications 23.1%

Educational certifications and technical skills are increasingly beneficial. Investing in continued education demonstrates your commitment to the profession. Professional development is crucial for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and advance their careers. 

CGP offers valuable opportunities to expand your technical skills and earn educational credits across multiple designations. Advance your skills and earn various educational credentials with the CGP Webinar Series and CGP Conference. 

Guide to CE Credits 

Industry Knowledge & Trends 23.1%

Understanding the broader philanthropic landscape enables professionals to refine their strategies, anticipate changes, and amplify their impact.

The CGP 2024 Compensation Survey Report provides unprecedented insight into the gift planning and philanthropic landscape. The report spans over 60 pages and explores 44 research questions impacting the compensation of charitable gift planners, including:

• Regional salary benchmarks and variations

• Career satisfaction and retention

• Professional challenges and perceptions

Access the Compensation Survey Report 

Leadership & Development Skills 23.1%

Expand your team’s impact and professional growth by enhancing your leadership and development skills. Whether you have years of expertise or are new to the field, leadership skills are invaluable to career growth and organizational success.

The CGP Leadership Institute provides education, networking, and service opportunities for gift planners with over 10 years of experience. For those new to the field, consider joining the CGP Emerging Professionals to connect with others who are looking to grow their expertise.

Leadership Institute 

Emerging Professionals 

Creative Problem Solving 7.7%

Charitable giving requires an innovative approach that meets various philanthropic goals while supporting the unique needs of the donor. Finding solutions and strategies that meet your specific needs can be challenging. CGP Webinar series offers education from leading experts you can trust.

Topics include:

• Post-Death Estate Litigation

• Charitable Gift of Complex Assets

• Elevate Your Donor Engagement 

And more!

CGP Webinars 

When you invest in opportunities for growth, you strengthen your skills and the future of gift planning. Whether focusing on furthering technical expertise, uncovering industry trends or building your network, CGP offers the resources, network and opportunities to take your career to the next level.

Join the CGP Community