NCPGC

National Committee on Planned Giving changes name

On January 1, 2009, NCPG will become the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.   In their December 18, 2008 press release, Russ Howes, chair of NCPG Board of Directors explains:

“Many have traditionally thought of ‘planned gifts’ as gifts that were deferred until some time in the future—usually until the donor’s death. They were for donors who couldn’t afford a current gift. Or they were just for the very wealthy, or the very elderly. Above all, planned gifts have been thought of as complicated—something only specialists could understand”.

“In the last few years, we’ve found that the majority of NCPG members—including fundraisers and financial and legal advisors—spend less than a quarter of their professional lives working with vehicles that are traditionally considered ‘planned’ gifts. They’re working with donors and clients on all the gifts that contribute to a meaningful philanthropic legacy. A lot of non-specialists need to know the fundamentals of integrated philanthropic planning. And a lot of very sophisticated practitioners need a broad perspective that includes all types of charitable strategies. Broadening that traditional perspective, and working with all the players in the planning process, is what the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning is all about.”    

You can access the full text here.

In Memory of Heidi Strassburger

As you all are proabably aware by now, Heidi Strassburger, a warm and talented presence in Northern California planned giving circles passed away last month at the age of 49. She leaves behind two children, Damian and Hannah, and her partner of many years, Angie. In addition, she leaves behind many saddened planned giving colleagues, including those who share their memories of Heidi in the tribute which follows.

Heidi started her planned giving career in the UCSF planned giving program and more recently was Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at Kaspick and Company. Her first contact with NCPGC came in 1999 as a volunteer on the conference committee where she chaired the “newcomers” program. She created an entire welcoming program – packets, greeters, follow-up – the works! She did an outstanding job — naturally — and was recruited to join the Board several years later.

Heidi became Vice-President in 2003-4 and quickly showed her talents She did a remarkable job in recruiting wonderful speakers for our luncheons and also incorporated the other professionals groups into our meetings. In 2004 she was named Board president and served in that capacity until 2006. At the time of her death she was on the board as Past President.

For all those who knew Heidi, I hope you enjoy these reminiscences from the various planned giving professionals who knew her. In Heidi's honor, the NCPGC Board of Directors has established the Heidi Strassburger Fund to support the NCPGC Master's Lecture Series. If you would like to contribute to this Fund, you can do so via this following link:   I would like to donate to the Fund.

Tom Horton