Indianapolis, IN -- The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners has selected Casey Saunders, CFRE, (he/him) as the Rising Star Award 2024 recipient. Casey is the Director of Legacy Giving for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) USA. Overseeing operations of the legacy giving program, which raises over $150M annually, he and his team are currently focused on growing and stewarding their more than 7,000-person Legacy Society, improving program marketing, optimizing estate administration efforts and overall innovations all in-line with furthering MSF’s life-saving work. 

Nearing a decade in fundraising, Casey’s passion for planned giving has transformed and empowered each organization he has served. His notable past experiences have been in the rare disease space with The ALS Association and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, each providing holistic care and funding research for cures for their respective diseases.

The Rising Star Award recognizes the talent of a professional who has shown steady career advancement, a commitment to charitable gift planning and ongoing professional development. With the work of charitable gift planning ever-changing, this award encourages recipients to consider a lifelong pursuit of the field and continue active membership in their local councils and national association.

Casey has held the Certified Fund-Raising Executive designation since 2019 and is now working towards the Charted Advisor in Philanthropy designation to better serve MSF’s mission through stronger, deeper gift planning conversations. He has been a NCGPC member since 2018 and joined the NCGPC DEI Committee in 2022; the same year he was recognized by AFP-Global with their Outstanding Young Professional award. 

Casey will be recognized this October at CGP Conference 2024 in Orlando, Florida. 

Nominations for the 2025 CGP Rising Star Award will open in June 2025. Learn more about the CGP Awards program, previous winners and how to nominate or apply: https://charitablegiftplanners.org/awards

About CGP
The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) is the leading organization setting standards for charitable gift planners. We bring members together to learn, connect and advocate. We provide education and resources that enrich and advance careers. We connect colleagues at all levels through our national network—including those who defined the field. We exist to serve our distinguished profession and bring to life the art and science of charitable gift planning.