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VGPC Newsletter | Issue 3, July 2026 |
Building a Stronger Future Through Planned Giving
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Greetings from the Virginia Gift Planning Council!As I write my final message as President of the Virginia Gift Planning Council in late June, I find myself reflecting on just how fortunate I have been to serve this incredible organization over the past year.I am also deeply appreciative of our Program Chair, Cathy Boe, and her committee for assembling such a thoughtful and informative slate of programs this year. Special thanks as well to Robert Patterson for his leadership in developing the Signature Series. The goal is straightforward: to ensure that every program you attend leaves you better equipped and more confident in your practice. One of the themes that runs throughout this newsletter is that planned giving is, at its heart, about people. Whether it is Geoffrey Close reminding us that "VGPC offers the opportunity to connect while learning," Robert Patterson's thoughtful reflection on the personal stories behind every planned gift, or the meaningful conversations that took place during our educational programs and networking events, the common thread is clear: our profession is built on relationships. Serving as your President has reinforced that belief for me. I have been continually inspired by the generosity of knowledge shared among our members, the willingness of colleagues to support one another, and our collective commitment to helping donors make a lasting impact through philanthropy. Thank you to our Board of Directors, presenters, sponsors, and each of our members for making this such a rewarding year. It has truly been an honor to learn alongside you and to be part of this remarkable community. I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Jason Chestnutt as he prepares to assume the role of President. Jason is a thoughtful leader who cares deeply about our profession and our members, and I know the Council will continue to thrive under his leadership. Please join me in supporting him as he leads VGPC into another exciting year. We are living through the greatest transfer of generational wealth in our nation's history, and the importance of our work has never been greater. As our profession continues to evolve and opportunities for philanthropy expand, I remain incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead. This is not only because of the resources that will be entrusted to future generations, but because of the extraordinary people who have dedicated themselves to helping donors create meaningful and lasting impact. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President. I look forward to remaining an active member of this wonderful community, continuing to learn alongside you, and celebrating the many connections and successes we will share in the years ahead. R. Scott Dodson ____________________________________
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Program Recap
| Mark Your Calendar!VGPC Signature Series featuring Eddie Thompson, CEO and Founder, Thompson & Associates on February 25, 2027 This program will explore one of the most common questions donors face when considering a substantial charitable gift: “How much should we leave to our heirs?” Helping Donors Answer Their Most Perplexing Questions will offer practical guidance and concrete strategies for helping donors work through these complex decisions in ways that can ultimately inspire more meaningful philanthropy. Registration will open later this year. Thank You!The VGPC Board of Directors extends its sincere appreciation to the James River Association for graciously hosting our spring social gathering at their James A. Buzzard River Education Center on Richmond’s historic waterfront. Attendees enjoyed an evening of fellowship and networking, complemented by stunning river views and learning about this innovative community resource and its impact on the health and future of the James River watershed. We are grateful to the James River Association for their warm hospitality and for sharing their inspiring space with our members and guests. |
____________________________________ Expand Your Knowledge - Planned Giving: It's Personalby Robert Patterson Last week, I received a bequest intention that reminded me why planned giving is unlike any other area of fundraising. An alumni couple shared that they had included a significant gift in their estate plans to support a scholarship fund established in memory of a deceased classmate and friend. Many donors choose to direct planned gifts in ways that reflect their own stories and accomplishments. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, it is often a meaningful expression of gratitude and legacy; however, this gift struck me as especially meaningful. Rather than focusing on their own legacy, these donors chose to honor someone else's. Decades after graduation, the memory of a friendship remained so important that they wanted future generations of students to benefit from it. Their gift was not simply a financial decision. It was a reflection of a relationship that had endured long after their college years had ended. The experience reminded me of something we sometimes overlook: planned giving is deeply personal. As gift planning professionals, we spend considerable time discussing wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, and tax-efficient ways to support charitable causes. These tools matter. They help donors achieve their philanthropic goals effectively, but they are rarely the reason a donor decides to make a planned gift. The reason is usually much more personal. Some donors want to honor a spouse who shared their commitment to a charitable mission. Others want to remember a beloved professor, physician, coach, mentor, or friend. Some are motivated by gratitude for opportunities they received earlier in life. Others are driven by faith, family values, or a desire to help future generations experience the same opportunities that shaped them. Every planned gift has a story behind it. The most meaningful gift-planning conversations often begin when we move beyond the technical details and discover the story.
The answers to those questions are often more important than the specific vehicle ultimately selected. The vehicle determines how a gift is made. The story explains why. The personal nature of planned giving extends beyond our donors. Many of us who work in this field do so because the organizations we serve mean something to us. We could apply our skills in many settings, yet we choose to invest our time and energy in causes we believe are worthy of support. Whether we work for a college, hospital, faith community, cultural institution, or nonprofit organization, our connection to the mission often runs deeper than a job description. That shared sense of purpose helps explain why planned giving can be such rewarding work. We are not simply discussing financial arrangements, we are helping people align their resources with their values. We are helping donors tell the stories they want remembered and create the impact they hope will continue long after they are gone. In an increasingly complex philanthropic landscape, it is worth remembering that planned giving remains, at its heart, a human endeavor. The documents may be legal. The strategies may be technical. The gift vehicles may be sophisticated. But the motivation is almost always personal. As I reflected on the bequest intention from that alumni couple, I realized that while their gift will one day support students, its origins lie in something much older: a friendship formed decades ago. The estate documents may ultimately direct the gift, but the gift itself was inspired by a relationship. That is what makes planned giving so unique. Behind every bequest, beneficiary designation, charitable trust, or gift annuity is a story. And more often than not, that story is personal. Takeaways for Gift Planning Professionals
Robert Patterson is the Executive Director of Planned Giving and Institutional Partnerships at Randolph-Macon College. ____________________________________ |