The Planned Giving Initiative is proud to celebrate an important recognition of two people whose commitment to planned giving has helped strengthen the field and inspire the next generation of planned giving professionals.
On April 8, Andrew and Elizabeth Hibel were honored with the Indiana University Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The award recognizes individuals, corporations, and foundations whose generosity and volunteer service have made a meaningful contribution to the university and its community.
For Andy and Elizabeth, the recognition represents much more than a single award. It reflects a longstanding commitment to advancing philanthropy and, in particular, to ensuring that planned giving remains a vibrant and accessible career path for future generations as well as a necessary fundraising piece for nonprofits of all sizes.
Investing in the Future of Planned Giving
The Hibels have been passionate advocates for careers in planned giving, with a particular focus on encouraging others to enter and grow within the profession. Through their philanthropy, they supported the curriculum design for the Certificate in Planned Giving Management at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and established an endowment to assist participants taking the course.
Their commitment extends well beyond the classroom. Through The Planned Giving Initiative, the Hibels provide grants to a variety of nonprofit organizations and professional associations to support national conference participation, fellowships, and summer internships—creating opportunities for emerging professionals to gain experience, develop their networks, and build careers in philanthropy.
This investment in people is central to the vision of the Planned Giving Initiative: strengthening the planned giving profession by expanding opportunity, sharing knowledge, and helping nonprofits build the capacity to create lasting philanthropic impact.
A Career Dedicated to Planned Giving
Andy Hibel’s own career illustrates the possibilities of a life devoted to planned giving. He was first introduced to the field during his final year of law school at Indiana University Indianapolis.
Since then, he has held a variety of leadership positions in planned giving, including Assistant Director of Planned Giving at Penn State University, Vice President of Planned Giving and developer of the planned giving program at Advocate Charitable Foundation in Chicago, and Director of Gift Planning and Estate Administration at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. Today, Andy serves as a Planned Giving Advocate for the Planned Giving Initiative while also managing his full time work as Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of HigherEdJobs.
Elizabeth Hibel brings an equally deep commitment to philanthropy. A fundraising professional and volunteer, Elizabeth began her fundraising career at the University of Chicago and later served as Director of Planned Giving at DePaul University. She has also contributed her expertise through volunteer service, including as a board member of the Lying-In Hospital of the University of Chicago. She currently serves The Hibel Family Foundation as President.
The Hibels’ commitment to the field also led them to previously found the Advise Us Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to assist other nonprofits with planned giving, as well as a donor-advised fund-sponsoring organization.
Together, Andy and Elizabeth have devoted their professional and philanthropic lives to helping individuals and organizations realize their philanthropic potential.
Building a Stronger Planned Giving Community
Their work reflects a belief that planned giving should not be viewed simply as a fundraising technique. It is a way for donors to connect their values and aspirations with the organizations and causes they care about—often creating an impact that extends well beyond their lifetimes.
The Planned Giving Initiative shares that belief. We see an enormous opportunity to strengthen planned giving by investing in the people who make it possible: nonprofit professionals, emerging leaders, volunteers, advisors, and organizations committed to building meaningful relationships with donors.
Celebrating a Shared Vision
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy described the Hibels as people with a “passion for giving back and a genuine commitment to their mission.” That commitment is evident in the many ways they have invested in education, professional development, nonprofit organizations, and the future of planned giving.
The Planned Giving Initiative is honored to celebrate Andy and Elizabeth and this well-deserved recognition.
Their example reminds us that strengthening philanthropy is not only about the gifts that are made today. It is also about building the knowledge, opportunities, relationships, and leadership that will make generosity possible for generations to come.
Congratulations to Andy and Elizabeth Hibel on receiving the Spirit of Philanthropy Award—and thank you for your continued investment in the future of planned giving.