CAP® - Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy
Short Summary
CAP – Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy
The CAP – Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation is a graduate-level credential offered by The American College of Financial Services, designed for professionals who advise clients on charitable giving, legacy planning, and philanthropic strategy. It equips financial advisors, estate planners, attorneys, and nonprofit leaders with the tools to integrate charitable intent into comprehensive financial and estate plans—bridging personal values with tax-efficient giving and long-term impact.
The program consists of three courses: Planning for Impact in the Context of Family Wealth, Charitable Giving Strategies, and Gift Planning in a Nonprofit Context. Topics include donor psychology, charitable tax tools, blended gifts, nonprofit funding structures, and collaborative planning across sectors. Each course concludes with a proctored exam, and candidates must agree to The College’s Code of Ethics and complete annual recertification to maintain the designation.
CAP designees are recognized for their ability to guide high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions in articulating and advancing their philanthropic goals. The designation is especially valued by professionals working with family offices, donor-advised funds, foundations, and nonprofit boards. It complements credentials like CFP®, ChFC®, and AEP®, and fosters collaboration between financial advisors and nonprofit fundraisers to steward meaningful, mission-aligned gifts.
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Course Description
The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation, awarded by The American College of Financial Services, is designed for professionals specializing in philanthropic planning, charitable giving strategies, and nonprofit financial management. It equips professionals with expertise in legacy planning, tax-efficient charitable contributions, and donor engagement.
Purpose of the CAP® Designation
- Industry-Wide Recognition – Demonstrates expertise in charitable giving, estate planning, and nonprofit financial strategies.
- Strategic Expertise – Helps professionals understand tax-efficient philanthropic contributions, donor engagement, and legacy planning.
- Career Advancement – Strengthens skills for roles in financial advising, estate planning, and nonprofit fundraising.
Topics Covered in the CAP® Course
The CAP® program consists of three online, self-study courses, covering:
- Gift Planning for Families – Defines strategies for integrating philanthropy into estate and financial planning.
- Gift Planning for Nonprofits – Explores fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and nonprofit financial sustainability.
- Charitable Giving Strategies – Covers tax-efficient giving, charitable trusts, and legacy planning.
Specialization Options
The CAP® designation does not have formal specialization tracks, but professionals can enhance their expertise by pursuing related certifications in:
- Estate Planning & Legacy Giving – Strengthens knowledge of inheritance strategies and charitable trusts.
- Nonprofit Fundraising & Donor Engagement – Focuses on fundraising strategies, donor relations, and nonprofit financial management.
- Tax-Efficient Philanthropy – Provides insights into charitable tax deductions, estate tax minimization, and financial structuring for philanthropic clients.
The CAP® designation is highly regarded among financial advisors, estate planners, and nonprofit professionals, making it a valuable credential for those looking to advance in philanthropic financial planning.
Cost
- Course Fees – Tuition starts at $2,050 per course, with a three-course package available for $4,495.
- Books & Study Materials – Included in the course fees.
- Exam Fees – Exams are part of the course structure, so no separate fee.
- Nonprofit Professional Discount – Nonprofit professionals are eligible for reduced tuition at the time of enrollment:
- Individual course – $1,650
- Three-course package – $3,695.
- Scholarships – Scholarship opportunities may be available for qualifying candidates.
Total Estimated Cost
Since candidates must complete three courses, the total estimated cost is approximately $4,495 for standard tuition, or $3,695 for nonprofit professionals.
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Prerequisites
The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation, awarded by The American College of Financial Services, has specific prerequisites for eligibility.
Prerequisites for CAP® Designation
- Professional Experience – Candidates must have three years of full-time, relevant business experience within the five years preceding certification. Relevant experience may include working in a nonprofit organization, serving on a nonprofit board, or volunteering.
- Designation Requirements – To earn the CAP® designation, candidates must:
- Successfully complete three required courses and final exams.
- Agree to comply with The American College Code of Ethics and Procedures.
- Participate in the annual Professional Recertification Program (PRP) to maintain the designation.
Renewal Requirements
The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation, awarded by The American College of Financial Services, requires continuing education (CE) credits and annual renewal to maintain active status.
- Continuing Education (CE) – Client-facing designees must complete 30 hours of CE every two years, including one hour of ethics CE. Non-client-facing designees need one hour of ethics CE every two years.
- Annual Certification – Designees must certify compliance with CE requirements each year.
- Renewal Fees – Participation in the annual Professional Recertification Program (PRP) is required to maintain the designation.
Average Time to Complete Course
The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation, awarded by The American College of Financial Services, is designed to be completed in under 12 months. Since the program is self-paced, candidates can progress at their own speed, balancing coursework with professional commitments.
Exams
The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation, awarded by The American College of Financial Services, requires candidates to complete three online, self-study courses, each followed by a closed-book, proctored final exam.
Exam Details
- Number of Exams – Three exams, one for each course.
- Format – Closed-book, proctored final course exams.
- Duration – Each exam is two hours long.
- Testing Window – Self-paced, meaning candidates can complete exams at their convenience.
For the most up-to-date details, I recommend checking The American College of Financial Services official page here. Let me know if you’d like insights into study strategies or exam preparation tips!
Certifying Body
The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation is certified by The American College of Financial Services. This institution specializes in financial education, professional development, and industry-recognized certifications for financial services professionals.
