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 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. 

We asked the CGP community to share their top professional goals for 2025. From working toward new certifications to gaining new skills and expertise, continue reading to hear what peers across the industry are working toward in the new year. 

By Lisa M. Chmiola, CFRE, CSPG

The annual Giving USA report was released a few weeks ago, and there’s been much buzz about 2022 as a bad year for fundraising. It’s hard to ignore the numbers: individual giving is down to 64% of all gifts, and those gifts decreased 13.4% in 2022 from 2021 when adjusted for inflation. (Source: Chronicle of Philanthropy, “4 Takeaways from Giving USA and More.”)

As we approach the end of 2021, there are some things that every charitable gift planner should be watching out for as December 31 gets closer.

CGP is pleased to welcome Jon Abrams as the 2021 national board chair. This is Jon’s fourth year on the board. He serves as Director, Gift Planning for the Central Atlantic and Northeast Divisions of the American Red Cross. He is a current member and past president of the Planned Giving Group of New England. In a recent Q&A with CGP, he shared his perspectives and vision for the upcoming year.

What will you focus on during your year as chair?
The board will continue its focus on four important activities. 

During the July 31 CGP Town Hall, CGP Advocacy consultant and Managing Director of 501c Strategies, Perry Wasserman provides up to date information on legislation related to the nonprofit sector that is currently active in Congress. Gain insight into the legislative process as Congress wrestles with another round of COVID. Active legislation affecting the charitable sector includes bills to expand the above the line charitable deduction and the Legacy IRA Act.