Written by: Anat Becker, JD

What I appreciate most about our area of expertise, gift planning, is the dynamic nature of the field and the ongoing learning that is fundamental to it. Our personal connections with our constituents are meaningful: listening, supporting and imparting the power of philanthropy to them. Our technical skills require an understanding of estate planning as well as legal and regulatory developments, ensuring that we continuously seek professional education.

This year is especially interesting, and challenging. We can finally see how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affected philanthropic giving and what strategies we can bring back to our organizations. New proposed regulations for gifts of tangible personal property could affect gifts of art and other collectibles. Exciting, but also requiring our attention and new learning opportunities.

This is where I hope you come to partner with the Planned Giving Council of Greater Philadelphia. Our network of professionals includes gift planners, major gifts officers, annual giving officers, consultants and vendors of essential services. Our meetings provide excellent educational forums and interaction with fellow practitioners who can provide perspective and advice on implementation. Whether it is a strategy of encouraging your donors to bundle gifts in order to maximize tax benefits, or helping them attain their ethical legacy -- together we share our success stories and best practices.

Please be sure to look at our new and expanded web site and follow the PGCGP on social media. Below you will read more about that. But most importantly, please join us at our various events and programs.

• On March 22nd, we will host a variety of roundtables in the morning, encouraging conversations and an exchange of ideas. A real estate panel will follow during lunch. Please join us at the beautiful Racquet Club.
• On April 5 and 12, the Planned Giving Course will once again offer thorough and timely instruction on the elements of gift planning. This year we offer the PG Course at Villanova University with ample parking and easy access from the Blue Route. Please encourage your colleagues who are not yet members of the Council to consider attending this program. It is especially appropriate for fundraisers who are relatively new to the field (as well as for those who are looking to refresh their skill set).
• And looking ahead, we are in the midst of planning our next Planned Giving Day on October 30th at the iconic Union League.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Anat Becker, JD
President, Planned Giving Council of Greater Philadelphia