Edwardsville Community Foundation Director Receives Advanced Training and Certification In Philanthropic Advising

EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) is proud to announce that our Executive Director Sara Berkbigler has completed an Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) certification program, a rigorous 20-week course designed to help advisors integrate values, purpose, and social impact into philanthropic advising.

Through this cohort-based online program, Berkbigler completed advanced training in:

• designing philanthropic plans
• selecting appropriate giving vehicles
• integrating charitable strategies into broader financial and estate planning conversations
• cultural dexterity for inclusive philanthropy

IPA certification supports ECF’s goal of helping donors align their charitable gifts with their values and priorities.

Strong Support for Donors

Donors want to steward their money wisely, and they want to impact the causes that matter most to them. But they may lack knowledge of local nonprofits, or of how to structure a gift to best meet their goals. ECF helps each donor build a philanthropic strategy to support organizations addressing the issues they care about.

With Berkbigler’s certification, ECF offers ever-stronger partnerships for donors, furthering its mission to enrich the quality of life in the Edwardsville area.

“ECF has always been committed to helping donors make meaningful contributions to our community,” says ECF Board Chair Kristopher Lakin. “Sara’s IPA certification expands how we do that, with even more comprehensive guidance and intentional planning. Donors can be confident that their giving is strategic, informed, and truly aligned with the impact they want to see in the region.”

About the IPA Certification Program

The IPA program is offered through Daylight, an organization that provides training, networking, and original research in philanthropic advising.

Course faculty are themselves experienced philanthropic and wealth management advisors, and the program’s cohort structure allows for peer relationships and networking to flourish.

For more information about partnering with ECF on philanthropic planning, contact director@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org.

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