“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” – Rudyard Kipling   The Magic of the Word From Making A Case your Donor Will Love by Jerold Panas You’re not just a writer. You’re a dream maker. You gather all of the information, you do the interviewing of key players, you begin

When a Board Member resists Giving, or Asking, Cast a Wider Net. “He shook his finger at me. It was obvious this was a topic he felt keenly about. “I’d go on to the next one. That’s what I’d do.” That is C. Allen Favrot speaking. And Allen knows what he’s talking about. He’s a

The uncertainties surrounding economic, political, and pandemic affecting our world, dare us to think differently. They make us reexamine past practices and design new strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts. These are cautiously optimistic times to be raising funds. And yet some institutions are having the best year in their history. Yes! The best!

Of all the talents, skills, and characteristics a fundraiser can bring to the profession, the mightiest is the ability to listen. You perhaps know the definition of an anagram. It means two words that have different meaning but contain precisely the same letters. Take the words listen and silent. Is it not entirely proper that

As we continue to move forward with our clients campaign plans, we find that the ‘pause button’ set during these past months has been released for many organizations. This has been especially evident with the successful completion of feasibility studies, ongoing campaigns, and engaged strategic planning for institutions throughout North America. Just this week, I

Dr. John Edmond Haggai, founder of Haggai International, publishes a newsletter to friends and donors. It is an excellent read. Dr. Haggai’s own motto is “Attempt something so great for God, it’s doomed to failure unless God be in it.” He and Jerry Panas were well acquainted. One of the newsletters contained a feature entitled

Hand Written Notes Are a Rare Commodity They’re Also More Important Than Ever… John Coleman….Harvard Business Review Personal handwritten notes grow rarer by the day. According to the U.S. Postal Service’s annual survey, the average home only received a personal letter once every seven weeks in 2010, down from once every two weeks in 1987.

A number of years ago Jerry Panas did a self-evaluation on “what passions drive your life. What do you stand for?” He added later: “I discovered my beliefs when I decided one day to put them into writing. A credo of sorts.” After completion, he gave a copy to each staff member of the firm. His

I had just finished talking with Virginia Piper about a new science building for Xavier High School in Phoenix. One of the most charming individuals I’ve ever met, Virginia had a glow and a smile that gave hope in February. Let me take you back. I’m in Virginia’s living room waxing eloquent about the proposed

“The Story of Farmer Fleming” came to Jerry from his good friend, Jim Miller. It is an excellent illustration for all of us who are in development. You don’t always know the impact, or recognize the impact you make on a person’s life. It is well to remember you are in the business of changing