Professional Advisors

Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP^®)

Elevate your expertise in charitable giving

The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy ^® (CAP^®) designation allows professional advisors and development professionals to elevate their expertise in charitable giving strategies and better serve their clients and donors. The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida offers CAP study groups to complement the fully online courses offered by the American College of Financial Services.

What is the CAP^® Designation?

The American College of Financial Services offers the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation, equipping professional advisors and development professionals to collaborate effectively with clients on legacy planning, and providing the field with a common body of knowledge and a shared credential. The fully online program synthesizes the arts and sciences of philanthropic planning, including taxation, finance, fundraising, purposeful planning, family office dynamics, psychology, and strategic philanthropy. With the CAP® designation, you’ll be able to integrate charitable planning with the donor or client’s overall estate and business workplace plan and help them achieve a positive impact for themselves, their family members, and their community, positioning you as a trusted advisor and partner.

Why join our CAP^® Study Group?

Pursuing the CAP^® designation involves a rigorous program of study that is fully online. It includes three courses with three tests, and each course must be completed within three months of enrollment. We host a CAP Study Group that offers several benefits to local participants who are seeking the CAP designation:

Keep pace with the online learning through regular meetings to discuss material
Help prepare for the tests with support from colleagues and staff at The Community Foundation, including John Zell, CAP®, Senior Vice President, Development
Build your local network in the fields of professional advising and philanthropy
Learn how The Community Foundation can support your clients’ charitable giving goals

The Community Foundation regularly hosts CAP study groups. Please contact Socrates Rivers (srivers@jaxcf.org) to learn more.

Who can benefit from the CAP^® Designation?

The CAP^® designation can help advance the careers of financial advisors, attorneys, Certified Public Accountants, development professionals, and others who advise clients and donors on how to maximize the impact of their philanthropy as well as the tax benefits of charitable giving.

“The CAP^® designation helps set you apart as a professional, and improves your ability to help clients achieve both their philanthropic goals and their financial goals.”

– John Zell, SVP of Development, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida