Council Newsletter - April 2025 
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
After extreme cold, followed by extreme rain, we’re on the cusp of Spring - and CGPK has begun the year with momentum!
This year’s Gift Planning Conference, themed “Framework for the Future,” is less than seven weeks away! If you’ve not yet registered, be sure not to miss the May 1 Early-Bird deadline. Featuring presentations from Phil Purcell of the Salvation Army, Jeff Lydenberg from PG Calc, and a local superstar, Laurie Beth Baird of Cerity Partners, this year’s conference will have relevant content no matter the stage of your organization’s planned-giving program.
Equally exciting, in response to numerous requests, the CGPK Board is pleased to announce its first formal, competitive Scholarship Program, with an application deadline of April 30! See this link (and the info under “Council Updates”) for additional eligibility requirements and the application process—and please encourage qualified applicants you know to apply.
CGPK is strong because of YOU. We welcome your participation – by attending programs, serving on a committee, offering suggestions for speakers, etc. Please reach out at any time!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Jackie Surface, Norton Healthcare Foundation
Regina Proctor, Province of Our Lady of Consolation
Emily Monarch, Community Foundation of Louisville
Meg Williams, Indiana University Southeast
CGPK MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
From navigating complex gifts to building lasting donor relationships, Melody brings insight, passion, and a touch of personality to everything she does. Let’s get to know her a little better!
I have been with the Archdiocese since December of 2018. I have been in fundraising for close to 36 years.
What inspired you to get involved in planned giving or charitable gift planning?
It was a natural progression in my career. I started my career in fundraising, doing special events and then moved into annual giving. My last position before the archdiocese was a major gifts officer at a university in Alabama. The last few years I was there, I was working a dual role as major gifts and planned giving officer. When my husband and I decided to move back home to the Louisville area, it was a perfect fit to take the position as the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving for the Archdiocese!
How has being a member of Charitable Gift Planners of Kentuckiana helped you in your career?
The meetings are a great networking opportunity! No matter how long you have been doing this type of work, it is important to see how other people are doing things. We have some great speakers. I learn something new all the time.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure - philanthropist or not - who would it be and why?
Saint Francis of Assisi – I grew up across the highway from Mt. Saint Francis and have a special place in my heart for the Franciscans. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals, helping the poor/needy and the environment. All these things are very important to me. My favorite quote is from St. Francis and is on my bulletin board above my desk: “Lord make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”
COUNCIL UPDATES
The CGPK Board is pleased to announce its first formal, competitive Scholarship Program, with an application deadline of April 30! Designed for individuals employed by a non-profit organization with three or fewer Development staff and/or no Charitable Gift Planning / Planned Giving staff, the scholarship may extend for up to two years, as follows:
· One-year paid membership to both CGPK and National CGP;
· Second-year National CGP membership (recipient responsible for CGPK local dues of $120)
· Registration for the annual CGPK Gift Planning Conference.
See this link for additional eligibility requirements and the application process.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Make plans to join us for the 2025 CGPK Gift Planning Conference - Framework for the Future - on June 4 at Ivy Tech Community College - Sellersburg.
Early-Bird pricing available thru May 1 and group discounts available. Find out more by visiting CGP Kentuckiana - 2025 Gift Planning Conference
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
In March we enjoyed another excellent joint meeting with the Southern Indiana Estate Planning Council. Katelyn Matusik, Director of Trusts & Estates at Bonhams, shared the ins and outs of the auction market and what to expect when accepting charitable gifts of personal property.
Thank you again to Community Foundation of Southern Indiana for partnering with us and Indiana University Southeast for graciously hosting the event.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Smart Giving in Uncertain Times: What Donors - and Gift Planners - Should Know
Guest Contributor: Melanie Douglas, Major Gifts Officer, Province of Our Lady of Consolation
In today’s unpredictable economy, charitable gift planning is more important than ever. As donors seek meaningful ways to support the causes they care about, gift planners must be ready with flexible, tax-savvy strategies that meet both personal and philanthropic goals.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) remain a standout option for donors age 70½ and older. By giving directly from an IRA, donors can reduce taxable income while satisfying required minimum distributions—a win for both the donor and the nonprofit.
Despite market fluctuations, many individuals still hold appreciated assets such as stocks or real estate. These non-cash gifts often provide greater tax benefits than cash and can have significant impact without affecting day-to-day finances.
With the federal estate tax exemption scheduled to drop in 2026, now is the time to revisit legacy conversations. Bequests, charitable trusts, and beneficiary designations are powerful tools for donors who want to leave a lasting legacy.
Transparency and trust are more critical than ever. Donors want to see clear impact, personal connection, and responsible stewardship. Gift planners should also lean into technology—offering online resources, virtual donor engagement, and easy-to-use planning tools to meet donors where they are.
In this economy, smart gift planning isn’t just about resilience—it’s about helping generosity go further, now and for generations to come.
Staying connected to these trends will help you and your donors make meaningful, well-timed choices in 2025. For more tools and events, visit charitablegiftplanners.org.
ADVOCACY UPDATE
CGP hosts a series of advocacy updates throughout the year. These bi-monthly sessions are scheduled for Thursdays at 1:00 PM (ET) and are free to anyone who registers.
The next Advocacy Updates are scheduled for April 17 & June 12. Topic will be announced the month of the event. Register now.
NOTES FROM NATIONAL
Artificial Intelligence in Philanthropy: How the Industry is Embracing New Technology
In the ever-evolving landscape of philanthropy, professionals are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to streamline or enhance their work. Recent data from CGP’s March poll offers insight into how the gift planning community is integrating AI into their roles.
As a Member Bonus, CGPK will be rebroadcasting the July CGP webinar, "Navigating Your AI transformation,” on July 23rd at 1:00 PM. Learn tips to optimize operational processes and develop innovative strategic approaches to drive more informed and effective fundraising approaches. FREE for Members, $15 Non-Members. REGISTER HERE
LOCAL JOBS BOARD
Got A Job Opening – We Can Post It For You!
Reminder that the CGPK Local Jobs Board is now up and running.
Posting is free for members and $25 for non-members. Anyone wanting to share an opening in their organization must submit a job summary, salary range, application instructions, and a logo file. Check it out here.
