Inaugural Lincoln CAP® cohort charts the way for clients’ philanthropic aspirations

LCF is pleased to introduce eight newly minted Chartered Advisors in Philanthropy (CAP®) in our community, thanks to a new partnership between LCF and the American College of Financial Services. Pictured from left to right:  John Mabry, Food Bank of Lincoln; John Gessert, Union Bank & Trust; Lisa Smith, D.A. Davidson & Co.; Chip DeBuse, Lincoln Community Foundation; Brittney Holley, Cline, Williams, Wright, Johnson & Oldfather, LLP; Keith Napolitano, University of Nebraska Foundation; and Michael Henkenius, Union Bank and Trust. Not pictured:  Brett Ebert, Ball, Loudon, Ebert & Brostrom, LLC and Krystal Siebrandt, HBE, LLP. 
 
The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation is a graduate level program available to professional advisors such as estate planning attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, and development professionals. Aided with their new CAP® designation, these participants employ valuable skills and expertise in their work with individuals and families as they consider how best to incorporate philanthropy into their financial and estate plans.   
During the seven-month CAP® program, participants learn how to work through family dynamics to arrive at a shared set of goals, learn the different charitable structures and tax implications, and gain valuable insights into nonprofit finance. LCF sponsored and organized a study group of eight individuals to pursue together the CAP® designation.  
  
The group met bi-weekly for seven months and was facilitated by Jon Gessert of Union Bank and Trust and Brett Ebert of Ball, Loudon, Ebert, and Brostrom. Both Brett and Jon had previously received their CAP® designation and helped bring the material to life for the study group participants.  
  
“It was exciting to serve as a guide and a navigator to my colleagues in the financial and legal professions,” said Brett. “Twice a month we had the chance to get together to swap stories of clients who are doing great things for Lincoln, and how we can continue to grow in our ability to better serve the client and out community.”   
  
This was the inaugural CAP® study group, with a second cohort set to begin this spring.  
  
“Arming our professional advisor community with the philanthropic expertise to help shape and support generosity is critical to our mission here at the Foundation,” said Chip DeBuse, LCF’s Vice President of Legacy Planning. “Through the CAP® program, we are building a network of trusted advisors locally that are trained to get to the ‘why’ of giving in conversations with their clients – ultimately creating a more vibrant and generous community.”