VGPC Newsletter

Issue 1, February 2026

Greetings from the Virginia Gift Planning Council!

We hope this message finds you well as we have come to an end of a cold and icy beginning to 2026.

As you know, the Virginia Gift Planning Council exists to support and advance the work of professionals engaged in charitable gift planning across the Commonwealth. Our purpose is grounded in service to you, our members, by providing education, resources, and connections that strengthen ethical, effective planned giving fundraising. Whether you work in development, finance, law, wealth management, or trust administration, VGPC is designed to be a trusted professional home that supports your work and elevates the field.

At the heart of VGPC is a shared commitment to learning and to one another. Planned giving is a complex and constantly evolving discipline, and none of us does this work in isolation. Through education, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas, we build a community of professionals who are better equipped to serve donors, institutions, and the public good. VGPC strives to create a space for both seasoned practitioners and those newer to the field to learn together, ask tough questions, and grow in confidence and expertise.

The strength of our community is built through your participation. Our programs and socials are not just events on a calendar, they are opportunities to deepen relationships with one another, expand perspective, and learn from colleagues facing similar challenges and goals. I encourage you to attend events whenever possible, engage in discussion, and view your fellow members as a trusted resource for knowledge, understanding, and support.

As we launch this newsletter, I hope it becomes another meaningful touchpoint in your planned giving journey. Stay curious, stay connected, and continue investing in your professional growth through VGPC. Your engagement strengthens what it means to be a member, enriches our shared work, and ultimately enhances the impact of planned giving across Virginia. Thank you for being part of this community, and I look forward to learning alongside you in the months ahead.

R. Scott Dodson
President
Virginia Gift Planning Council

____________________________________

Member Spotlight: Meet Laura Dickinson

Employer: Virginia Commonwealth University

Job Title: Senior Program Manager for Planned Giving

Member Since: 2020

What is your current role, and what does your work typically involve?

In my current role as Senior Program Manager for Planned Giving at Virginia Commonwealth University, I manage the administration of estate gifts for the Monroe Park Campus of VCU. I also implement our “drip drip drip” planned giving marketing program, provide training and orientation for new staff members, and support campus partners with their planned giving projects and initiatives.

What originally drew you to the field of planned giving and philanthropy?

Having worked in resource development for over 15 years and coming from the world of annual giving, I was originally drawn to the donor-centricity of planned giving. Since planned giving has more to do with the donor’s life stage than clicking a ‘donate now’ button to make an annual gift, we have the privilege of focusing first on the goals of our donors.  

What do you value most about your VGPC membership?

Being a member of the Virginia Gift Planning Council provides me with important context to my work. The VGPC speaker series brings national and regional gift planning experts that are always relevant, provide value, and most importantly, inspire new ideas.

What trends in planned giving are you paying attention to right now?

In my estate administration work, I see first-hand how custodians and financial institutions are creating significant barriers for charities attempting to collect IRA beneficiary assets from deceased donors. These challenges range from requiring unnecessary accounts just to receive gifts, to delaying death claims with excessive paperwork, to requesting Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, net worth, and other personal information from staff and board members. Since these roadblocks can translate into less funding available for programs and services, it’s an important trend for charities to watch closely.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending my free time exploring the city, traveling, trying new restaurants, seeing live music, and visiting museums.

____________________________________

Mark Your Calendar

The VGPC is pleased to present an outstanding lineup of upcoming programs designed for today’s philanthropic professionals. 

On February 26, our annual Signature Series will feature internationally recognized speaker and trainer Ligia Peña, CFRE, who will share practical strategies for engaging Gen X donors in your organization’s planned giving program.  

In addition, a timely program on cognitive impairment in donors—led by Tara Adams, Ed.M., JD, and Anthony Pomonis—will offer essential guidance for gift officers, advisors, and legal and accounting professionals navigating complex donor relationships at every career stage.

Register for upcoming programs via the links above or by visiting the Events page of our website.

Expand Your Knowledge

Podcast: Host Matt Treadwell welcomes Brantley Boyett, President of Giving Docs, to “Dead Giveaway” for discussion on challenging industry norms. Brantley shares his mission to make estate planning accessible for all and the lessons and risks behind building Giving Docs. This episode offers valuable perspectives for gift planning officers, fundraisers and anyone passionate about creating a lasting impact.

Article: Alexandra P. Brovey outlines inflation adjustment for IRA via QCDs

Youtube: Bill Stanczykiewicz from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is joined by A. J. Steinberg of Queen Bee Fundraising to discuss Next Gen Fundraising: Bridging the Gap