People often ask me what CAGP-ACPDP™ is all about. What do we do? What makes us unique? And I’m sure many of you have experienced the challenge of explaining what gift planning is in a few short sentences – the elevator speech – as some would say…

And, like you, I try to explain the importance of gift planning and how one can incorporate financial planning and leaving a legacy in one very important gift. I’m not sure I have been successful in perfecting my reply because I sometimes find myself explaining that “we don’t do baskets (gift) and that I don’t know your cousin who sells key chains” etc. Sometimes, time permitting, I have the opportunity to explain how relevant our work is and I speak with pride about our messaging and the education we provide to capture the essence of giving in such a respectful way.

● Who else takes the time to sit down with Canadians to talk about their ultimate dreams? – their

financial plans today and after death? - and most importantly, their philanthropic intent? CAGP-ACPDP™

members do their best to focus on this process – engaging donors in this wonderful process of giving.

● Who else is asking donors – Canadians - about their lasting legacies, their current and their final

wishes and the potential positive financial implications? CAGP-ACPDP™ provides that special service -

encouraging members to keep “asking” and providing the tools to assist them.

● Who else engages professional advisors – lawyers, accountants, financial planners, insurance

brokers, estate planner etc? CAGP-ACPDP™ is the only association that brings charities and professional

advisors in one room – to educate and learn how to work best together to meet someone’s philanthropic

goals.

● Who else specializes in education in this very unique body of knowledge of gift planning? It is a

special education, this “gift planning” - incorporating learning the challenging technical aspects of the

various types of gifts ie gifts of securities, insurance gifts, bequests, etc to learning how to speak to

someone about their philanthropic intent, learning their interests and how best to meet their final wishes.

● Last but not least, it takes a very special person, to engage in talking to someone about their life

long passion and how they can make a difference in the lives to follow. It takes a concentrated dedication to

embark on a long and never-ending educational journey into the complicated world of gift arrangements.

And it takes a special person to champion gift planning in their profession, in their practice, in their

organization – be it in a corporate setting or a charity.

So, for me, CAGP-ACPDP™ is unique and special – not just because of the intricate education we provide

but - by the very nature of the members we serve!

Diane MacDonald

Executive Director


(Feb. 10/09)