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For over 50 years, the Community Foundation has helped people give with purpose, strengthening Memphis and the Mid-South.

We make giving easier and more impactful by matching your generosity with the causes and community you care about most.

We offer solutions and resources to donors and the professionals who advise them to help you give smarter and do more good.

We offer funding opportunities that helps nonprofits and students create positive change and build futures.

When you get involved with the Community Foundation, you join a group of people committed to Memphis’s future.

Learn more about the philanthropic hub that connects capital with the solutions that make our community thrive.

Grow in your advising practice

When philanthropy is part of the conversation, advisors can deliver deeper value to their clients—and to their practice.

Our philanthropic education opportunities are designed to build confidence, expand expertise, and help you integrate charitable planning seamlessly into your client relationships.

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Each offering is flexible, practical, and uniquely valuable—whether you’re deepening core knowledge or sharpening specific skills.

When you’re equipped to speak comfortably and credibly about philanthropy, you round out the scope of what you can offer clients, elevate your advisory role, and help turn generosity into lasting impact.

Philanthropic education offerings

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Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) certification

The Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) certification helps advisors build the skills, confidence, and cultural fluency needed to guide meaningful, modern philanthropic conversations with today’s clients.

Icon of an open book with a glowing light bulb above its pages, symbolizing learning, knowledge, or innovative ideas—ideal for professional advisors. The design is simple and uses a teal color on a white background.

Continuing education

Attorneys, accountants, financial planners and advisors, trust officers, and insurance professionals have the opportunity to earn continuing education credit through annual, engaging courses offered by the Community Foundation.

Community voices

“

I broach the philanthropic topic more frequently, and with more passion. At the end of the day, philanthropic goals are an important part of your financial picture and worthy of discussing with your advisors. “

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Allison Henneberger

Diversified Trust Senior Vice President and CAP® designee

Which opportunity is best for me?

Explore the variety of philanthropic education offerings that the Community Foundation facilitates for Memphis-area professional advisors.

A designation offered by the American College of Financial Services, signifying specific education, experience, and ethical requirements to demonstrate a high level of expertise and competence in philanthropy. Completion recognized by post-nominal letters and continuing education credits.

A certification providing skills in philanthropy, earned by completing training and focused on practical application. Completion recognized by continuing education credits.

An educational meeting discussing a specific topic, led by an expert. Completion recognized by continuing education credits.

Philanthropic education offerings

ABOUTChartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®)Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA)Annual Continuing Education Seminars
Offered byThe American College of Financial Services and
the Community Foundation		Daylight and
the Community Foundation		Community Foundation and local partner organizations
Program typeDesignation
graduate-level, multi-course		Certification
practical and timely		Seminar
CE credit30 hours14.5 hours3-3.5 hours credit
depending on profession
Time Commitment9 months (36 weeks)
1-hour meetings every 2 weeks		5 months (20 weeks)
1-hour meetings every 2 weeks		Less than half a day
2 or 3 hours per seminar
Preparation5-6 hours of weekly
reading/videos		45 minutes – 1 hour
every two weeks		Presentation review
Exam structureChapter quizzes and three proctored exams12 modules with quizzes following each moduleNo exam
Schedule2027 (specific dates TBD)March to September 2026Every May and December
Investment$4,495
($3,395 nonprofit rate)		$2,850
($2,500 nonprofit rate)		Free for member organizations or $30-150 for nonmembers
Group size10-15
per study group		10-15
per study group		60-150
per session
Post-program engagementLocal alumni gatheringsLocal alumni gatherings
and global Impact Advisor Network (IAN)		N/A

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Here to help

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Jim Marconi, CAP®, IPA

Philanthropic Advisor

Cultivating relationships with professional advisors

(901) 722-0037

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Angela Richards

Philanthropic Services Associate

Information for prospective donors and professional advisors

(901) 722-0019