Council Newsletter - Fall 2025 
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
How wonderful to see over a dozen CGPK members attend the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners Conference in Indianapolis last month! This was a terrific opportunity to hone our technical skills while meeting gift planners and allied professionals from across the country. Included was a “Midwestern Meet-up,” where we connected with members of CGP councils in Indianapolis, Northeast Indiana, and Cincinnati, thus strengthening our council’s regional ties.
Speaking of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, their hard-working board updated CGP’s mission in 2025. It now succinctly states, “Through education, research and advocacy, we support and serve charitable gift planners as they help donors turn dreams into reality.” If you’ve not already joined CGP through our local Council, I encourage you to do so, both for your professional and your personal growth. To join or renew, click here.
Lastly, our final program for 2025 is next Wednesday, November 19, when The Rev. Dr. Loretta Reynolds, retired chaplain of Berea College, will lead a seasonally appropriate session, When All is Not "Merry and Bright": Navigating Grief with Compassion. Please be sure to arrive at 11:30 AM so you don’t miss CGPK’s Annual Meeting when we’ll elect CGPK’s 2026 officers and a new Board class, as well as vote on one bylaw change. In addition, we’ll be announcing our 2026 scholarship recipients!
Always feel free to reach out with your ideas and questions!
Kathryn Sides
2025 CGPK President
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join Us for the Final Program of 2025
As year-end activity ramps up, it’s easy to overlook the quiet grief many colleagues, clients, and donors may be carrying. Our upcoming workshop will offer practical tools for recognizing and supporting grief—both your own and others’—during this busy season.
The Rev. Dr. Loretta Reynolds will lead us in exploring how anniversaries, holidays, and life events can shape emotional well-being and how we can respond with compassion and care.
Be sure to arrive by 11:30 AM so you don’t miss the CGPK Annual Meeting. We will be electing 2026 officers and a new Board class, as well as voting on one bylaw change.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Norton Orthopedic Institute – Brownsboro
9880 Angie’s Way, Suite 120
Louisville, KY 40241
FREE TO MEMBERS, $35 GUESTS
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
A dedicated group of our local Council members attended the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners Conference in Indianapolis last month. Three members - Shaunna Graf, Cassie Cairns, Jessie Whitish - were awarded scholarships to support their attendance, and Laura Brock proudly represented our Council as a session presenter. Many also joined fellow professionals at a Midwest meet-up, strengthening connections with neighboring councils. Each attendee returned with fresh insights and practical tools to strengthen their gift planning work.
In addition to the conference, our Council has enjoyed a rich mix of learning and connection over the last few months. We gathered at the Kentucky Humane Society for an engaging program focused on Imposter Syndrome (that included some bonus puppy time!) and hosted a well-attended networking happy hour at Noble Funk Brewery. It’s been a productive and rewarding season for our members. Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make each event meaningful!
NEWS YOU CAN USE
"Dead Giveaway" uncovers the stories behind the people who helped transform generosity into lasting legacies. Each episode will explore the world of gift planning through professional journeys, personal stories and candid interviews with professionals across the field.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the field or curious about how legacy giving can change lives, "Dead Giveaway" will inspire you to think differently about generosity and gift planning. New episodes are released on the second Thursday of each month. Listen here or via your preferred podcast app.
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 Update is scheduled for December 18. Topic will be announced the month of the event. Register now.
NOTES FROM NATIONAL
The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners is proud to present a newly-reimagined The Journal of Gift Planning.
From innovative philanthropic engagement strategies to complex litigation surrounding non-cash assets, this complimentary Special Edition of The Journal provides timely, practical and expert insights into the current challenges and growth opportunities in the field today for charitable gift planners, fundraisers, and planned giving professionals.
The Journal is made available as a member benefit to members of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. Non-members may access The Journal via paid subscription.
Learn more about The Journal here.
LOCAL CGPK RESOURCES
When was the last time you visited our website? CharitablePlannersKentuckiana.org
You can find upcoming events, view the job board, view the membership directory and much more!
Let us know what else you would like to see on the website. We would love to hear from you!