Written by Delia G. Perez, CFRE, CAP®

As year-end approaches, I am thankful for my past three years serving as the President for the Planned Giving Council of Greater Philadelphia. Whether it has been collaborating with the Board, sponsor partners, volunteer speakers, or our members, I am indeed fortunate to be in the company of such compassionate and knowledgeable colleagues.

Even more inspiring is the energy each of you share as we recovered from the limitations imposed by Covid’s many challenges. During my tenure, we gradually returned to our in-person gatherings and celebrated reconnecting with colleagues and friends at PGCGP educational events. I am encouraged by the positive potential 2024 will bring for the PGCGP and the members we serve. My enthusiasm is bolstered by the life-changing work we do daily in service to our respective organizations.

Now is a perfect time to celebrate the achievements of the Council. We have worked tirelessly to best steward PGCGP’s financial resources and improve our revenue base, after enduring budget cutbacks due to Covid. We are committed to working on behalf of our members while striving to pique the interest of new members with topical and relevant educational offerings. We also urge you to take advantage of our PGCGP educational curriculum to improve your overall efforts and philanthropic results on behalf of the nonprofits we serve.

During the past three years, PGCCP successfully achieved many of its initiatives, including the following:

• Relaunched the Planned Giving Course in partnership with The American College as an introductory two-day program for colleagues new to the planned giving field.

• Exceeded expectations for the annual Planned Giving Day conference as PGCGP’s premier educational venue.

• Strengthened our partnership with the Association of Fundraising Executives for the Greater Philadelphia Chapter with our participation in the annual National Philanthropy Day award event, while also supporting each other’s annual conference.

• Strategized a collaborative presentation with the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council focused on philanthropy for our combined membership in 2024 or 2025.

• Cultivated high-level member engagement driven by PGCGP’s efforts to communicate via various online and social media platforms

• Focused membership recruitment efforts to increase awareness of member benefits such as educational opportunities, collegial networking, volunteer activities, scholarship support, and mentoring assistance.

• Enhanced PGCGP’s website as a robust hub of information along with our LinkedIn page as a strong conduit for connectivity.

• Ensured quality educational programs, offered three-times-a-year, for PGCGP members and guests about planned giving trends of interest.

As the new year approaches, we will look to our current members along with new and diverse members, to help us collectively build and strengthen the PGCGP. We will strive to better engage our philanthropic partners and sponsors to effectively enhance planned giving resources for our members and our professional community.  

In the meantime, as we take our respective respites and enjoy the holidays, please remember those who are near, far, and no longer with us. Celebrate life, recharge, and consider joining us in 2024 at an exceptional PGCGP educational event.

Wishing you joy, laughter and the warmth of cherished moments with family and friends!