The Basics of Planned Giving for Generalists

A 7-Part Virtual Training Series | Fall 2025

Fridays & Wednesdays | Oct. 10 – Nov. 21, 2025 | 12:00–1:00 PM PT
 💻 Virtual via Zoom | 💲 $199 for full course

This foundational training is designed for fundraisers, advisors, board members, and professionals who work with individuals considering charitable giving as part of their estate or financial plans. Whether you’re new to planned giving or want to strengthen your fluency, this seven-part series offers a well-rounded understanding of key vehicles and strategies.

Each one-hour session is taught by experienced professionals from law, finance, and nonprofit development, with practical examples and plenty of time for questions.

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  • Friday, October 10

    Session 1: Tax Basics

    Instructors: Rick Oldenburg, CAP® & Jeanne Sacks, CPA, CGMA, CAP®

    Before diving into gift types, we’ll lay the groundwork with key tax concepts. You’ll learn the differences between income, estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes—and how these relate to charitable planning. We’ll also cover federal vs. Washington State tax rules, and the critical tax benefits that make charitable giving attractive to donors.

  • Friday, October 17

    Session 2: Current Gifts

    Instructor: Kaarin Austin, JD

    This session focuses on gifts that can be made during the donor’s lifetime. We’ll walk through commonly used assets—cash, appreciated securities, mutual funds—and explore Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). You’ll gain clarity on when and why each gift type is most effective, and how deductibility rules vary.

    Friday, October 17

  • Wednesday, October 22

    Session 3: Bequests, Substitutes & Probate

    Instructor: Brianne Kampbell, JD

    Bequests remain the most common planned gift, but many people don’t realize the variety of options available. This session explains the different ways to make bequests (through wills, trusts, and other beneficiary designations) and how they are affected by the probate process. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to encourage and structure legacy gifts.

  • Wednesday, October 29

    Session 4: Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRATs & CRUTs)

    Instructor: Rick Oldenburg, CAP®

    Learn about Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts  (CRATs) and Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUTs)—more flexible and complex gift vehicles that can be tailored to a donor’s financial and philanthropic goals. We’ll cover key features, tax implications, and situations where CRTs may be especially beneficial.

    Wednesday, October 29

  • Friday, November 7

    Session 5: Charitable Gift Annuities & Remainder Interests

    Instructor: Doug Page, CAP®

    We’ll introduce life income gifts, focusing on Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs)—a popular tool for donors who want to support a nonprofit and receive lifetime income. This session also covers retained life estates, which allow donors to gift property while continuing to live in it.

  • Friday, November 14

    Session 6: Charitable Lead Trusts (CRATs & CRUTs)

    Instructor: Hayden Taylor, JD

    This session introduces Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs), which provide immediate support to nonprofits while preserving assets for the donor’s heirs. You’ll learn the difference between annuity and unitrust structures and how CLTs can fit into multigenerational wealth planning.

    Friday, November 14

  • Friday, November 21

    Session 7: Putting It All Together

    Panel with all instructors

    This final session connects the dots. You’ll learn how to recognize prospect cues, frame the right questions, and identify when to bring in advisors or gift officers. We’ll also highlight go-to resources and how to keep learning beyond the course. Bring your questions!

Instructors:

  • Kaarin Austin, JD – KNKX Public Radio
  • Brianne Kampbell, JD – Kampbell Legal Planning, PLLC
  • Rick Oldenburg, CAP® – Oldenburg & Associates
  • Doug Page, CAP® – Greater Tacoma Community Foundation
  • Jeanne Sacks, CPA, CGMA, CAP® – Johnson Stone Pagano P.S.
  • Hayden Taylor, JD – Eisenhower Carlson PLLC

 Cost & Membership Offer

  • Course price: $199

Special offer – Full course plus 15-month SSPGC membership for new members: $299 (membership through Dec 2026)

Register Today