PG Day Sessions
Explore the full lineup of sessions designed to inform, inspire, and spark new ideas. Here you can review detailed descriptions for each session to help you plan your experience and find the topics most relevant to you. Visit our other pages to view the full schedule, learn more about the speakers, or visit the registration page to reserve your spot.
Note: Sessions marked with asterisks (**) are intermediary sessions.
Continuing Education Information
Full participation in NCGPC’s PG Day 2026 conference is applicable for 5.0 points in Category 1.B -Education of the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) International application for initial certification and/or recertification. (Download Tracking Sheet)
This program meets CAP® (re)certification requirements.
2026 PG Day Keynote with dr. Una Osili
Presented by: Dr. Una Osili, Executive Director of Philanthropy, Strategy and Operations, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation
As we consider philanthropic trends in our communities, one thing is clear: the philanthropic landscape is complex and rapidly changing. Economic volatility, changes in the government funding landscape, the impact of the changing demographics, and the rapid rise in the use of Artificial Intelligence and technology have all played a central role. What are the key factors shaping philanthropy now, and how do they impact nonprofits in our communities? What is the most effective way to engage donors of different backgrounds? How can nonprofits reach young donors now and in the future? Who is giving, and who is receiving charitable donations?
Session one - 10:30am
Behind-the-scenes track
"Belonging Before Revenue: The Behavioral Science of Donor Loyalty and Legacy Commitments" presented by Paul Yeghiayan, Benefactor Group **
This "hands on" learning session will help planned giving professionals boost legacy intentions by focusing on what happens before making the ask, such as improving stewardship and building donor belonging. You will learn a practical, research-based framework to help donors feel known, included, and valued. We will show you how to apply these ideas to legacy society and bequest stewardship touchpoints. You will also create a simple measurement and a 30/60/90-day implementation plan that you can use right away, no matter the size of your organization.
donor engagement track
"A League of Their Own: Women, Philanthropy and the Great Wealth Transfer" presented by Margaret Battey and Kristen Hatcher, George Washington University
The largest wealth transfer in history has already begun — are you and your planned giving program ready? This session explores the evolving motivations of female philanthropists and the trends shaping the next generation of planned giving donors. Join our conversation about how to adapt organizational priorities and strategies to attract and engage support. You’ll leave with actionable steps to get your team ready to partner with women donors in building their philanthropic legacies.
Getting technical track
"Your Next Legacy Donor Has Never Given — Yet!" presented by Austin S. Wrubel, Robin Hood
This session presents a real-world case study of how Robin Hood — New York City's largest poverty-fighting organization — used targeted digital advertising to build a planned giving prospect pipeline beyond its existing donor base. Partnering with a consultancy specializing in nonprofit planned giving, Robin Hood launched a campaign on platforms including Facebook and Google that generated hundreds of leads, 98% of whom had no prior relationship with the organization. Paired with a structured cultivation sequence spanning personalized email, phone outreach, and ongoing mission-focused communications, the campaign has already produced substantive planned giving conversations and at least one five-figure first-time annual gift.
Attendees will examine the full arc of the strategy — from evaluating whether to engage a consultant or pursue the strategy independently, through content offer development, cultivation sequencing, and CRM integration, to budget considerations and ROI evaluation. This session equips attendees with the knowledge and practical tools to evaluate and implement this strategy within their own organizations, regardless of size or budget.
Session two - 2:30pm
Behind-the-scenes track
“When Bequest Administration Goes Wrong and What to Do About It” presented by Tee Sindler, World Wildlife Fund, and Christian McTarnaghan, Chisholm, Chisholm & Kilpatrick
This presentation is designed to strengthen professional judgment and practice skills when bequest administration goes off track. Through real-world stories, the participants will learn how to spot early warning signs of trouble, and how to manage an estate/trust when things go wrong. The goal is to leave attendees with actionable takeaways for navigating complex, high-stakes cases with confidence, even when problems develop (which they often do).
donor engagement track
“5 Case Studies in Gift Planning” presented by Geoffrey Close **
Through a series of real-world case studies, this interactive session will explore a range of gift planning vehicles and strategies designed to maximize donor impact while enhancing financial outcomes and minimizing tax liability.
Participants will work in small groups to evaluate each scenario, discuss potential approaches, and share insights before reviewing how the situations were ultimately resolved in practice. Along the way, attendees will build confidence in identifying opportunities, initiating meaningful gift planning conversations, and guiding donors toward thoughtful, strategic decisions.
Ideal for those with a foundational understanding of planned giving, this session offers practical application and peer learning to deepen your expertise and expand your perspective on the versatility of planned giving solutions.
Getting technical track
“Next Level Charitable Gift Annuities: Uncommon Applications - Focus on the Donor!” presented by Chris McGurn, PNC IAM Planned Giving Solutions **
Attend this session to discover effective strategies for enhancing the cultivation and stewardship aspects of your CGA program. We will examine innovative gift planning techniques that extend beyond traditional CGA approaches. Learn how to tailor gifts according to donor’s expressed interests and needs. Topics covered will include funding CGAs with non-cash assets; establishing CGAs for beneficiaries other than the donor; testamentary CGAs; QCD-IR funding CGAs; flexible, deferred, and high-deduction CGAs; as well as integrating CGAs into retirement planning and more.
Session three - 3:45pm
Behind-the-scenes track
"Leveraging AI for PG" presented by West Honeycutt and Jonathan Haybok, National Parks Conservation Association
The professional development goal of this session is to equip fundraising professionals with actionable AI competencies to modernize their operations and future-proof their careers. Attendees will learn to accelerate the upskilling of planned giving officers, empower general frontline fundraisers to confidently pitch complex or illiquid assets, and leverage AI to efficiently automate administrative tasks like survey analysis. Ultimately, participants will learn how to develop the strategic mindset required to adapt and thrive in the workforce of the future.
donor engagement track
"Moving Beyond the "Thank You": The Latest Research on Donor Stewardship" presented by Lauren Winther-Hansen, Freewill
Planned giving teams invest heavily in securing legacy commitments, yet stewardship often slows once a gift is made. In reality, the donor journey is just beginning. Organizations that approach stewardship intentionally are better positioned to deepen relationships, retain donors, and grow their programs. Drawing on new sector research, this session explores where engagement drops off and what drives stronger long-term results. Attendees will gain practical frameworks and actionable strategies to build scalable, personalized stewardship that supports sustained planned giving growth.
Getting technical track
"DAFs in Motion: Trends, Misconceptions, and Practical Strategies" presented by Kim Ledger, Ren, Inc.
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are no longer a niche philanthropic tool — they have become one of the most influential charitable vehicles in the United States. Grantmaking through DAFs has grown at an extraordinary pace, with billions flowing to charities each year. Assets held in these accounts now represent a significant share of organized philanthropy nationwide. Behind those assets are real donors — strategic, values-driven, and increasingly multi-generational in their approach to giving.
At the same time, many gift planners and fundraisers remain uncertain about how to effectively engage DAF donors. Persistent myths — including the belief that DAFs are simply “parking lots” where money sits indefinitely — can create hesitation and missed opportunity.
This session will explore the growth of DAFs, examine the generational wealth transfer reshaping philanthropy, address common misconceptions, and offer practical, immediately actionable strategies to help turn DAFs into a catalyst for deeper, long-term donor relationships.
Through compelling stories, current research, and field-tested approaches, participants will leave equipped to confidently engage DAF donors and position their organizations to thrive in this evolving landscape.
