This year, 15 people took part in the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) program, bringing the total number of CAP® advisors locally to more than 200. These professionals are actively shaping the city’s philanthropic landscape, working with individuals and families to turn wealth into meaningful legacies. Since 2011, the Omaha Community Foundation’s CAP® cohort has equipped professional advisors with the expertise to guide clients in charitable giving, helping Omaha become an even more generous community.
According to Mark Weber, who has been leading the program since its inception, the CAP® program is more than just a financial designation; it fosters a collaborative environment where advisors from different fields — law, accounting, financial services, and nonprofit — come together to learn, share, and ultimately help their clients maximize the impact of their philanthropic efforts.
At the recent CAP® graduation event, Weber reflected on the program’s growth, recalling how a conversation at a fundraiser over a decade ago sparked the idea.
“We are private about our wealth in this area,” Weber said. “It had to be the advisors, the trusted voices, who could truly change the culture. Now, over 200 CAP® graduates are shaping philanthropy across Omaha.”
As the Vice President of Donor & Philanthropic Services at the Omaha Community Foundation and a CAP ® graduate herself, Vanessa Denney understands the important role CAP® advisors play in our community as well as at OCF. “The mission of the Omaha CAP® program — to make Omaha more generous — aligns perfectly with the founding principles of the Omaha Community Foundation, established over 40 years ago to better our community to maximize the power of philanthropy in our community.”
For many graduates, the CAP® program has been transformative. Cory Garlock of RBC Wealth Management realized how much clients want to discuss why they are giving: “One of my biggest revelations was realizing that my clients wanted to talk about the meaning and impact of their giving. Asking ‘why’ has led to deeper, more meaningful donor conversations.”
Similarly, Justin Korth of Lutz learned to reframe wealth discussions: “For many families, it’s not just about tax savings; it’s about passing something meaningful on to the next generation. So how do we center the conversation around our client’s values and legacy?”
Susan Gnann of St. John Paul II Newman Center found that in her work in the nonprofit sector meeting with philanthropic-minded individuals opened new doors to wonderful friendships: “Families want to give back; they just need a real connection and the right guidance.”
The program also sheds light on the larger role philanthropy plays in the community. Wayne Brown, CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska, shared a powerful experience of helping someone move from small recurring donations to becoming the organization’s largest donor. “My mother had passed at this time, so the conversation about legacy was real for us; this conversation was not about business, the conversation was about life, and the mark you want to make after you are gone,” Brown said.
As these new CAPs® integrate their newfound insights into their practices, they will continue to shape Omaha’s philanthropic landscape. Whether you are a donor looking for a trusted advisor, a professional seeking to deepen your expertise, or an organization wanting to partner with knowledgeable advisors, CAP® graduates can help you navigate the path to impactful giving. See the list of CAP graduates here.
If you are interested in joining the next CAP® class, you can reach out to the Omaha Community Foundation.
If you are ready to start a conversation about your charitable giving, reach out to the Donor Services team at the Omaha Community Foundation.
Together, we can continue building a local culture of giving that strengthens families and communities for generations to come.