American Institute for Philanthropic Studies

The American Institute for Philanthropic Studies provides planned giving professionals and others who are involved in the planned giving process the knowledge and skills required to implement and maintain a successful gift planning program. The goal of the Institute is to set the standard for academic excellence, practical experience and professional integrity in the field of Planned Giving. The widely acknowledged expertise and reputation of the Institute’s faculty from various disciplines in Planned Giving, enhance and facilitate this goal.

In Fall 1994, the Institute developed the Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPGCM) to teach the body of knowledge required for planned giving professionals and others who may be called upon to participate in the planned giving process.

As a professional in the challenging and complex field of planned giving, you must have access to the latest techniques and strategies to be successful. That's why the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies has developed this unprecedented program.

The CSPGCM is a multi-module curriculum in planned giving developed by the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies. Designed in a flexible format, the classes are grouped into six modules that can be taken in sequence or separately as stand-alone courses.

The CSPGCM program is the only program that offers the Certified Specialist in Planned Giving designation. By earning this designation, you will be able to:

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

  • Complete all six modules
  • Complete an examination for each module demonstrating an acceptable level of master of the curriculum
  • Complete a practicum for faculty review in which you apply the knowledge and skills learned in the program to your current professional activity or career objective.

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

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

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

Ten (10) hours per year of continuing professional education (CPE) will be required for you to maintain your CSPGCM professional designation in an active and current status. CPE can be obtained through attendance at your local planned giving roundtable or council, regional and national planned giving conferences, and other relevant seminars, workshops, or training sessions.