Planned Giving Day
Registration is Now Open!
September 17, 2026
The Future of Philanthropy: Strategies for a Changing Landscape
Join NOCGP for a dynamic day focused on what’s next in charitable giving. Together, will explore how the philanthropic landscape is evolving and what it means for organizations and donors. Our time together will highlight emerging donor trends, innovative giving techniques, and the growing role of AI and technology in deepening donor engagement. Connect with peers across disciplines, gain practical, real‑world insights, and leave inspired to shape the future of philanthropy.
Marriott Cleveland East
26300 Harvard Rd, Warrensville Heights, OH 44122
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CEO Cleveland Public Library |
Chief of External Relations and Development Cleveland Public Library |
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Meeting the Moment: A Conversation with the Cleveland Public Library Join Felton Thomas, CEO of Cleveland Public Library, and Dr. Shenise Johnson Thomas, Chief of External Relations and Development, for a conversation about the Cleveland Public Library’s role as a community anchor and driver of long-term impact. Together, they will explore how leadership, partnership, and philanthropy are shaping the future of one of Cleveland’s most trusted public institutions. The discussion will highlight the Cleveland Public Library’s evolving role in the community and how it continues to educate, connect, and expand access to those that need it most in meaningful ways. The conversation will also cover the future of philanthropy through the lens of the Cleveland Public Library Foundation’s work, including how it is engaging supporters, stewarding resources with intention, and aligning giving with the library’s long-term vision. |
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| Lunch Keynote | ||
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Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Investment Strategy Key Wealth |
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| Plenary Session | ||
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Brittany Neish Lead Yourself First You spend your days helping others plan their most meaningful gifts, stewarding donor relationships, and navigating the complex, high-stakes work of building legacies that outlast all of us. In this closing keynote, Brittany Neish challenges gift planners and nonprofit professionals to turn that same level of intentionality inward, because the leaders who sustain the most impact over time are the ones who lead themselves with the same clarity and care they bring to every donor conversation. You will leave with a practical framework for staying grounded, strategic, and human, even on the days when the pressure is high and the path forward is anything but clear. |
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NOCGP holds its annual Planned Giving Day conference each year, usually in September. Participants gather to learn about the strategies, tools, and best practices surrounding planned giving. This conference is designed to deepen understanding and skills related to planned giving, which is a critical part of fundraising for many nonprofit organizations, such as:
- Awarding the James P. Conway Mentor of the Year: Each year our members nominate a fellow member for this prestigious award which is presented to an an exemplary individual whose commitment to improving the art and science of the charitable gift planning process helped others reach their philanthropic goals.
- Fundraising Strategies: Attendees learn about effective strategies for approaching and engaging potential planned giving donors, including methods for cultivating relationships and building long-term donor stewardship.
- Types of Planned Gifts: Sessions cover various types of planned gifts, such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and life insurance policies, and how they can be leveraged to support nonprofit missions.
- Legal and Tax Implications: Experts may discuss the legal and tax considerations of planned gifts, such as the tax benefits for donors and the role of estate planning in charitable giving.
- Communication Techniques: How to communicate with potential planned giving donors, including language and messaging that resonates with those who may be interested in leaving a legacy.
Attendees have the chance to connect with peers, experts, and experienced fundraisers in the planned giving field. This networking can lead to sharing ideas, gaining insights into what works (and what doesn’t), and building relationships that can be helpful in future fundraising efforts.
About Planned Giving Day
Planned Giving Day is an annual event dedicated to equipping nonprofit professionals and financial advisors with the tools and knowledge needed to guide donors and clients in achieving their philanthropic goals. This observance emphasizes the importance of planned giving as a strategic approach to charitable contributions that aligns with donors’ values and long-term objectives.
Planned giving includes thoughtful arrangements like bequests, charitable trusts, annuities, and other financial strategies that support nonprofits in the future. For advisors and nonprofit leaders, these gifts represent an opportunity to deepen relationships, foster meaningful conversations, and secure sustainable funding for important causes.
The day highlights the vital role nonprofit professionals and advisors play in helping individuals design impactful giving plans. By learning best practices and techniques, they can effectively navigate complex financial and estate planning scenarios, ensuring that donors leave a lasting legacy while meeting personal and family financial goals.
Planned Giving Day is also a platform for sharing success stories, innovative strategies, and industry insights. It celebrates the collaboration between donors, nonprofits, and advisors, all working together to make a significant difference in communities worldwide.
Join us on Planned Giving Day to explore how you can better serve donors and clients, unlock their philanthropic potential, and contribute to the long-term success of charitable organizations. Together, we can inspire generosity and build a brighter future.