Conversations with Jerry Panas & Brian Saber

What is Success in Fundraising – June 21st, 2018

When we recorded this piece we didn’t expect it to be our last recording, but how fitting to close the series by talking about how to define success.

Quid Pro Quo Fundraising – June 21st, 2018

The dreaded quid pro quo, which in fundraising means board members asking friends and family whose causes they then have to support, was worthy of its own topic. Jerry shares how the field has changed and the work we still have ahead of us. How much of your board members’ fundraising is quid-pro-quo fundraising?

What Does Maybe Mean – June 21st, 2018

What does “maybe” mean? Is that a good answer and how do you investigate further? Maybe often means you’ve asked in that sweet spot – when a gift is doable yet meaningful – but takes thought. Also, we had quite an intimate moment when we compared notes on the most meaningful gift each of us had ever made.

Rapid Questions – May 24th, 2018

One day we agreed that I’d just throw a bunch of classic fundraising questions and Jerry would give quick answers. From “can you take more than two people to a solicitation meeting?” to “what are the key elements of every ask?” this fun session covered a lot of ground.

Asking Styles – April 8th, 2018

Though Jerry and I had worked together for a number of years, I finally got Jerry to take the Asking Style Assessment during one of my visits. You might be surprised by Jerry’s results, as was I, though that was due to my falling back into the same stereotype of a fundraiser our field needs to dispel!