The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) is a professional designation for financial advisors, attorneys, and other professionals who help clients with charitable giving and estate planning.
Continue reading to better understand the designation and what is required for a financial advisor to earn it, and if you might benefit by hiring an advisor who has earned their CAP designation.
What is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP)?
The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) is a professional designation issued by The American College of Financial Services.
To earn the CAP designation, financial professionals must complete advanced coursework related to philanthropy, including understanding the role of nonprofit organizations and learning how to design and implement charitable giving strategies.
The CAP curriculum currently focuses on three key areas:
Charitable Giving Strategies: Advisors learn how to help clients incorporate charitable giving into their financial and estate planning. This includes understanding different types of charitable vehicles such as donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and private foundations.
Nonprofit Organizations: Advisors receive education on the operations of nonprofit organizations, including tax considerations, governance, and the role these organizations play in a community.
Family Dynamics and Legacy Planning: The CAP program also covers how philanthropic giving can serve as a way for families to pass on their values to the next generation(s).
A financial advisor who has earned the CAP designation has spent considerable time studying these topics and is trained to approach financial planning with a philanthropic mindset. This means they can help clients not only achieve their financial goals but also maximize the impact of their charitable giving.
What do Financial Advisors Say About the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy Designation?
“Earning the CAP designation opened my eyes to a wider range of solutions that are suitable for—and available to—charitably inclined individuals and families.
As a licensed financial advisor who provides holistic financial planning, I not only guide clients through wealth accumulation and preservation, but I also assist them in tax-efficient and meaningful wealth transfer through estate planning.
For Sarkor Financial’s clients seeking to make a positive impact on society or to evolve into philanthropists, my approach heightens their awareness of tax-efficient, philanthropic strategies that range from various investment vehicles—like donor-advised funds and charitable trust structures—to incredible experiences such as establishing family foundations and participating in giving circles to name a few.
With the support of my skilled network, my clients have options. Once they make their selections, we support them with implementation.”
Find a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy on Wealthtender
📍 Click on a pin in the map view below for a preview of advisors who have earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation and who can help you achieve your charitable goals with a personalized plan. Or choose the grid view to search our directory of CAP advisors with additional filtering options.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Should You Hire a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy Credential Holder?
You should consider hiring a financial advisor who has earned their Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation if charitable giving is a priority for you.
As someone who wants to integrate philanthropy into your financial strategy, a CAP advisor can offers expertise and insights in this area, not likely as well understood by advisors who haven’t earned the designation.
What Does it Take to Earn and Maintain the CAP Designation?
According to the issuing organzation of the CAP designation, an advisor can complete the required coursework in under 12 months. Education is offered online in a self-study format to advisors willing to invest between $5,000 and $6000 to cover the cost of tuition.
There are three courses to complete, including:
- GS 839 Planning for Impact in Context of Family Wealth
- GS 849 Charitable Giving Strategies
- GS 859 Gift Planning in a Nonprofit Context
In order to use the designation, financial advisors must have three years of full-time, relevant business experience and agree to comply with The American College Code of Ethics and Procedures.
FAQs
How can I confirm the financial professional I’m working with holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation?
Visit this page and enter the name of the individual.
What if I have a complaint about the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation holder I’m working with?
Submit complaints via email to grievances@theamericancollege.edu
Where can I learn more about other professional designations held by financial advisors and coaches?
Refer to this list of popular financial certifications prepared by Wealthtender to help you learn more about each designation. You’ll find a brief description of each certification, plus links to in-depth articles if you want to learn more about a particular designation.
About the Author
About the Author
Brian Thorp
Brian is CEO and founder of Wealthtender and Editor-in-Chief. He and his wife live in Austin, Texas. With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Brian is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress. Learn More about Brian