Program Overview

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Introduction to the Certified Specialist in Planned Giving Program

The American Institute for Philanthropic Studies provides the Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) program, designed for planned giving professionals and others involved in the planned giving process. The program aims to set the standard for academic excellence, practical experience, and professional integrity in the field of Planned Giving.

Program Overview

The CSPG program is an online, six-module curriculum in planned giving, offered in a flexible format that allows participants to take classes in sequence or individually as stand-alone courses. The program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to implement and maintain a successful gift planning program.

Program Objectives

• Document proficiency as a planned giving professional
• Enhance marketability
• Increase opportunities for advancement in the field

How to Receive the CSPG Designation

To earn the CSPG designation, participants must:

1. Complete all six modules
2. Pass an examination for each module, demonstrating an acceptable level of mastery of the curriculum
3. Complete a practicum, applying the knowledge and skills learned in the program to their current professional activity or career objective, which will be reviewed by faculty

Level of Instruction

The high level of instruction is appropriate for experienced professionals in the field seeking detailed information and strategies, as well as those new to the field seeking an overview of all aspects of charitable gift planning.

Distinguished Faculty

Participants learn from professionals with widely acknowledged expertise and reputations for excellence in the fields of planned giving, law, finance, education, and marketing.

Professional Continuing Education Units

The CSPG program is approved for Continuing Education Units in the following areas: CFP, MCLE, and CFRE.

Continuing Professional Education

Ten hours of continuing professional education (CPE) per year are required to maintain the CSPG professional designation in an active and current status. CPE can be obtained through attendance at local planned giving roundtables or councils, regional and national planned giving conferences, and other relevant seminars, workshops, or training sessions.

Modules and Practicum

The CSPG program consists of six modules, each focusing on a different aspect of planned giving, followed by a practicum that applies the knowledge and skills learned.

Module One: Financial Planning

• Focus on data gathering methods to assist the client/donor in discovering their current financial position and establishing or clarifying their personal objectives
• Topics include personal balance sheet, cash flow requirements, common income tax strategies, legacy issues/estate planning basics, accumulating wealth/investment basics, retirement planning, and risk management

Module Two: Tax Planning

• Focus on the basic federal tax structure in the United States and the basic concepts of the income tax system and the transfer tax system
• Topics include income tax system, gift and estate taxes, methods of transferring wealth, and generation-skipping transfer rules

Module Three: Estate Planning - Part I and II

• Focus on traditional estate planning tools, estate and gift taxes, business succession planning, and estate planning strategies
• Topics include wills, living trusts, irrevocable trusts, intra-family gifting, probate, life insurance, and private charitable entities

Module Four: Charitable Gifting Part One: Assets and Entities

• Focus on foundations, general tax rules, restrictions, and limitations
• Topics include charitable gift assets, types of classes, risks and benefits of each, and evaluation of assets and procedures for conveying title, ownership, and possession

Module Five: Charitable Gifting Methods: Charitable Remainder Trust

• Complete overview of the income, gift, and estate tax consequences associated with Charitable Remainder Trusts
• Topics include present value computation, cash flow analysis, suitable gift assets, administration, and operational considerations

Module Six: Administration and Operation of Planned Giving Programs

• Focus on the administration and operational side of planned giving programs
• Topics include practical issues, developing written guidelines, operational issues, responsibilities and roles of administration, procedures, investment issues, and use of professionals in gift administration

Program Format and Schedule

• All modules are held online via Zoom, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST)
• The flexible format allows participants to complete modules in sequence or as stand-alone courses on their scheduled dates

Registration and Fees

• Participants can register online or by check
• The cost of the CSPG program includes several pricing options:
  • Pay in Advance Discount: $5,800 for all six modules, including the practicum review fee (when paid upfront)
  • Individual Module Pricing: $995 per module, plus a $350 Practicum Review Fee
  • Total Program Cost: $6,320
  • Group Pricing: $5,700 per person for all six modules, including the practicum review fee, when two or more individuals from the same organization register and pay upfront

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the format of the CSPG Program? All modules are held online via Zoom, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST).
• Can I start the program at any time? Yes, participants may complete the modules in order or individually, depending on their schedule.
• How long do I have to complete the program? There is no time limit; participants may complete the modules at their own pace, based on availability and their schedule.
• What is the cost of the CSPG Program? The program offers several pricing options, including a pay-in-advance discount, individual module pricing, and group pricing.
• Are there requirements to maintain my CSPG designation? Yes, to keep the CSPG designation in active status, participants must complete 10 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) each year.