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2025-2026 Bi-Monthly Programs

CCPG is working on an exciting lineup of presenters for its 2025-2026 Season. This year’s Bi-Monthly Programs will be hosted in a hybrid format, so you have the option to attend virtually or in-person. In-person programs will be hosted at The Chicago Community Trust, 33 South State Street . All in-person attendees will also receive a boxed lunch, complimentary with event registration.

Save the Dates:
October 7, 2025 - Virtual Nuts & Bolts
November 18, 2025
January 13, 2026
February 10, 2026 - Virtual Nuts & Bolts
March 10, 2026 


CCPG members may sign up for the
Season Pass, which includes registration to all Bi-Monthly Program and two Nuts & Bolts webinars for an additional discount. Not a member? Join today! 

We hope to see you there!

Interested in speaking at a future CCPG Program? Fill out our Speaker Application Form.




Upcoming events

    • 11/18/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
    • The Chicago Community Trust, 33 S. State St, Chicago, IL or Virtual
    Register

    CCPG members receive discounted rates on programs. Not a CCPG member? Join or renew today!

    Program Schedule
    10:00 AM – 11:15 AM

    Blended Gifts, Bigger Impact
    Speaker: Mary Petersen, Founder, Databasey and the Hey Fundraiser Podcast, Strategic Partner, Alford Group

    11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Lunch break (Complimentary lunch will be provided to in-person attendees)

    12:15 PM – 1:30 PM 
    From Launch to Legacy: Practical strategies for creating a SustainablePlanned Giving Program
    Speakers: Mary Petersen, Founder, Databasey and the Hey Fundraiser Podcast, Strategic Partner, Alford Group and Karen Bippus, Director, Endowment Gifts and Planned Giving, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association 

    1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 
    After Hours Discussion
    We invite those who attend in-person to stay for an After Hours informal discussion and networking time with your colleagues. More information will be included in your email confirmation.

    Presentation & Speaker Details

    Blended Gifts, Bigger Impact
    Join fellow Major Gift and Planned Giving Officers in Chicago for a dynamic, hands-on session designed to unlock the transformative power of blended gifts and elevate your organization’s fundraising impact. Led by seasoned fundraising coach Mary Petersen, who brings over 25 years of experience securing complex, high-impact gifts, this session will equip you with the confidence and tools you need to navigate donor conversations that seamlessly integrate current and planned giving while honoring donor intent, strengthening relationships, and maximizing lifetime value.

    Whether you’re new to blended giving or just looking to sharpen your approach, you’ll walk away with:

    • Proven strategies to initiate and guide donor conversations around major and planned giving
    • Language that resonates with donors, even in uncertain times
    • Opportunities for meaningful discussion and collaboration between MGOs and PGOs in the Chicago area
    • Real-world donor scenarios you can share with colleagues
    • Renewed clarity, confidence, and inspiration to elevate your fundraising efforts

      To get the most from this experience, MGOs and PGOs are encouraged to attend this session together to strengthen cross-functional collaboration. Don’t have a partner? No problem — this session is still designed with you in mind! If you have any questions or topics you'd like covered during the session, please feel free to reach out to Mary Petersen directly at mary@heyfundraiser.comCFRE: pending approval.

      From Launch to Legacy: Practical strategies for creating a Sustainable Planned Giving Program
      Whether your organization is new to planned giving, or has a program with a long history of planned giving, this dynamic session will help you supercharge your efforts and elevate your impact.  Join Mary & Karen as they share real-world strategies, creative ideas, and insider insights to help you build momentum and confidence in your planned giving program.

      Together, we’ll dive into:

      • Finding and engaging with the right prospects--and how to have conversations that inspire generosity
      • Strengthening internal collaboration so everyone in your organization becomes a champion for planned giving
      • Crafting a marketing strategy that sparks curiosity and builds trust with your audience
      • Building a culture of planned giving that lasts--so it’s not just a program, but a part of your organization’s DNA.

      Mary Petersen, Founder, Databasey and the Hey Fundraiser Podcast, Strategic Partner, Alford Group
      Mary Petersen is a fundraising strategist, coach, and host of the Hey Fundraiser! podcast. She helps nonprofit leaders and major and planned gift officers build confidence, strengthen donor relationships, and raise more money through authentic, trust-based conversations. Known for her humor and practical wisdom, Mary empowers fundraisers to overcome fear and take bold action toward transformational gifts. She lives in Oregon with her husband, Tim, and two golden retrievers, Todd and Kevin.

      Karen Bippus, Director, Endowment Gifts and Planned Giving, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association 
      With over 14 years of fundraising experience at cultural institutions, 7 of them with a focus on planned giving, Karen believes in using collaboration and culture building to drive planned giving success. She recently spoke at the League of American Orchestras annual conference on transforming your orchestras future through planned giving. Prior to joining the CSO earlier this year, Karen led the planned giving programs at the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Architecture Center and recently completed a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Northeastern University. A graduate of Northwestern University, Karen bleeds purple and places value on always learning and growing. She believes nonprofit organizations are essential to our society and is proud to support the future of the field. Outside of work she enjoys latin dance, cheering on her favorite sports teams and spending time with her husband. Connect with Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenbippus/


      Early Bird Registration Fees -- Ends October 29
      $55 Member 
      $85 Non-member 
      Registration Fees -- Starting October 30
      $65 Member
      $95 Non-member 


      • 01/13/2026
      • 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
      • The Chicago Community Trust, 33 S. State St, Chicago, IL or Virtual

      CCPG members receive discounted rates on programs. Not a CCPG member? Join or renew today!

      More information coming soon! 

      • 02/10/2026
      • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
      • Teams Virtual Meeting

      CCPG members receive discounted rates on programs. Not a CCPG member? Join or renew today!

      More information coming soon! 

      • 03/10/2026
      • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
      • The Chicago Community Trust, 33 S. State Street, Chicago, IL
      • 60

      CCPG's Roundtable Discussions!

      (in-person only)

      Program Schedule
      10:00 AM – 10:05 AM  Brief Welcome
      10:05 AM – 10:30 AM  1st Round
      10:35 AM – 11:00 AM  2nd Round

      11:05 AM – 11:30 AM  3rd Round
      11:35 AM – 12:00 PM  4th Round
      12:00 PM – 1:00 PM    Lunch and CCPG Annual Meeting*



       


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