From the launch of new educational programming to the growth of the organization, 2024 was a transformative year at the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. Thank you to our members and growing community who made this an extraordinary year. Together, we’re strengthening the future of charitable giving and our mission to support the gift planning community. 

As the CGP Team prepares for another year full of new opportunities, we’re filled with excitement for the years to come and the future of philanthropy. Continue reading to take a look back on 2024 with CGP.

Advancing Professional Development
Education remained at the forefront of our mission with several opportunities for the community to advance their skills. In 2024, CGP offered 12 Educational Series webinars to inform our members of the latest trends and best practices. The CGP Emerging Professionals committee hosted 10 meet-ups to support those newer to the field in finding their professional community, as well as two webinars with an early-career focus. And the CGP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee hosted a topical meet-up on the latest trends, emerging practices, and future outlooks in the realm of planned giving, followed by a special Estate Planning Awareness Week webinar on cultural awareness in legacy giving.

The introduction of Conversational Gift Planning, CGP’s latest course offering, addresses the growing need for professionals to build more impactful relationships with donors through effective communication. ​

Advocating for the Future of Philanthropy
Throughout the year, CGP continued to advance its advocacy efforts to ensure our members’ voices are heard on policy discussions and issues affecting charitable giving. In addition to hosting five Advocacy Updates, CGP is collaborating with Integer, a well-established advocacy firm in the non-profit sector based in Washington, DC. With Integer, CGP will raise awareness of the impact and value charitable gift planning has in the philanthropic sector to educate legislators and their staff. 

Investing in Our Community
By providing access to continuing education and opportunities for networking, CGP continues its commitment to the gift planning industry. In October, the CGP Conference Scholarship was awarded to a record number of 18 charitable giving professionals. The generosity and investment from our donors create additional opportunities for gift planners to ensure the future of our industry.

The CGP Link continues to serve as a source of networking and resources to connect professionals nationwide. Showcasing the range of talent within our community, the CGP Member Spotlight Series highlighted the diverse talents of six members. Additionally, with the launch of a new website platform for partner councils, we look forward to expanding our collaborative networks and partnership with CGP councils.

Connecting Gift Planning Professionals
The insights, networks and strategies developed at CGP Conference in Orlando were a testament to the innovation and passion that define our field. Nearly 1,200 professionals from across the country joined to share their dedication to the industry and continued education. From networking and educational sessions to puppies from the Pet Alliance of Orlando in the CGP Lounge, CGP Conference 2024 was one to remember. 

Read an overview of CGP Conference: https://charitablegiftplanners.org/blog/look-cgp-conference-2024

Recognizing Contributions to Philanthropy
Every year, CGP honors those whose work has impacted the organization and field of charitable gift planning. The following individuals were awarded for their achievements at CGP Conference in October:

• Angela Woo Sosdian, Bruce Bigelow, PhD, and Alice Pinsley, PhD, were inducted into the Hall of Fame
• Casey Saunders, CFRE, was selected as the CGP Rising Star 2024 
• Hawaii Gift Planning Council was named Council of the Year

CGP honored each awardee with a CGP Award Video to further recognize their impact and contributions to the field. View each video to learn more about the 2024 CGP Awardees. 

Stay Connected with CGP in 2025
Looking ahead, CGP has new developments in store to get involved and advance your career. Stay connected with CGP on social media and update your email preferences to be the first to hear announcements and new opportunities. 

We hope you will continue to support CGP for years to come. Renew or become a CGP member today to invest in your growth with a growing network, resources and discounts to maximize your budget dollars. Just visit charitablegiftplanners.org/join to sign in and update your membership profile.

Here's to another year of innovation, growth, and impact!