Indianapolis, IN – The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) Conference Scholarship fund was established to offer educational opportunities to fundraising and charitable gift planning professionals. This year's 15 CGP Conference Scholarship recipients include: Cathy Asmus, Jaena Cotter, Etienne Easley, Joe Eelkema, Jessica El-Zeftawy, Sherrica Hunt, Tracy Karbus, Brianne Kilpatrick, Germaine Mitchell, Meredith Mohlke, Amber Sizer, Bethany Sullivan, Cheryl Ward, Dustie Wiggins, and Staci L. Young. 

The goal of the fund is to promote philanthropic planning techniques among a broad base of individuals. Each scholarship includes complimentary conference registration and a one-year CGP membership. 

Scholarships are funded through the generosity of individual donors and companies dedicated to supporting the broader profession of charitable gift planning. The scholarship donors include: Hibel Family Scholarship fund, George L. Wolff Memorial Scholarship Fund, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD, Thinkgiving, Jon Abrams, Kent Weimer, and Kimberly Valentine.  

Joe Eelkema

Chief Operations and Client Experience Officer, Cru Foundation

Joe Eelkema enjoys serving generous individuals and families who wish to steward resources with excellence and for great giving impact. He draws from over 10 years’ experience in charitable gift design, relationship management, asset management, and boutique donor services. Joe holds a Business Communications degree from Calvin University. He has also earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation and he takes great pleasure in supporting the planned giving conversations of other Cru development representatives who work with the Foundation.  

Brianne Kilpatrick

Director of Major and Planned Gifts, Goddard Riverside

Brianne Kilpatrick is currently the Director of Annual Giving at Goddard Riverside with 10 years of experience in fundraising. Brianne's work at Goddard consists of raising money for the annual fund, engaging potential planned givers, building a junior board, and creating volunteer opportunities for corporate volunteers. Brianne is passionate about fundraising for communities and youth

Cheryl Ward

Development Director, Santa Monica College Foundation

Cheryl is a nonprofit fundraising professional with a depth of experience built over 16 years serving education and child welfare organizations. Her work at Santa Monica College Foundation supports student success at Santa Monica College, a premier community college with 5 campuses distinguished for being #1 in transfers to UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Columbia University, among other top tier institutions. Cheryl earned a B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Law at UCLA. and holds a CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) designation.