Dear Members and Friends,

As we reach the halfway mark of 2024, I am thrilled to share the progress and highlights of our council's activities. Since assuming my role as president in January, it has been a rewarding experience to see the dedication and enthusiasm of our members in advancing the mission of planned giving in our community. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the events we've hosted so far this year and provide a preview of our upcoming activities.

Highlights of 2024 Events

1. Philanthropy is a Team Sport (January 9, 2024) Mike Bell emphasized the collaborative nature of philanthropy, highlighting the crucial roles of the CEO, Chief Development Officer, and Board members. He discussed the importance of leveraging leadership visibility to promote philanthropy, and the need for seamless collaboration between gift planning officers and other fundraisers.
2. Understanding Taxation & Philanthropy from a Gift Officer’s Perspective (March 19, 2024) Natalie Taylor & Richard Peyser, provided gift officers and financial advisors with a primer on tax-wise giving covering taxation, tax rates, standard deduction vs. itemizing, capital gains impact, and utilizing assets to maximize philanthropic impact.
3. Promises Made, Promises Kept, and a Promising Future (May 14, 2024) Saleem Ghubril & Chan-Elle Vassell presented "Promises Made, Promises Kept, and a Promising Future," a discussion highlighting the evolution and impact of The Pittsburgh Promise, which has awarded nearly 12,000 scholarships worth $174 million. The speakers discussed lessons from their journey and the future direction of the organization, emphasizing the importance of local voices in fundraising and social change.

Upcoming Events

1. PPGC Summer Social (July 16, 2024) Join us for an evening of networking and celebration at our Summer Social Event at the East Side Campus of the Humane Animal Rescue Pittsburgh. This gathering will be a fantastic opportunity to connect with other fundraising professionals, share experiences, and enjoy a relaxing evening together. Hors d'oeuvres, light refreshments and a tour of the facility will be offered! Attendance is free and you don’t have to be a member to attend—we look forward to seeing you there!
2. Emerging Philanthropy Conference (September 27, 2024) Mark your calendars for our flagship event, the Emerging Philanthropy Conference. This annual conference will feature a stellar lineup of speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. It promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees, providing the latest insights and trends in the world of philanthropy and planned giving. Registration is now open!

Thank you!

I would be remiss if I did not also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our board members and other volunteers for their continued support and participation. Your commitment to PPGC and to advancing planned giving in our community is truly inspiring.

As we move forward, I encourage you to stay engaged, share your ideas, and participate in our upcoming events. Together, we can make a significant impact and continue to foster a culture of giving in Pittsburgh.

Thank you for your dedication, and I look forward to seeing you at our future events.

Warm regards,

Matthew Clark
PPGC President