In fundraising. When you authentically celebrate even partial success, you often unlock additional giving.It’s like a mountain climbing team sharing their journey story while still on the mountainside - their authentic enthusiasm often a...

I have an acquaintance who loves to put posts on social media about his wife. “She’s hot,” he will say.When I see his posts, I feel awkward. What ought to be beautiful and admirable is instead a little repulsive.He eve...

"I reviewed with each person the factors that motivated their giving. A recurring pattern was the towering gratification they received from making the gift." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them.Are you on Da...

Some of history's greatest fundraisers have never asked people for money. HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "L...

"There needs to be a near-militant belief in its mission..." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets ThemAre you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pa...

"History has recorded few truly anonymous gifts. Many benefactors, who pretend anonymity, hide after a conferring a gift - much like Virgil's Galatea. She fled...but only after making certain she had been seen by everyone." Jerold Panas, Me...

"It is my experience - confirmed by the million dollar givers - that major philanthropy is spontaneous." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets ThemAre you on David's mailing list? Go to

"As Harold Seymour put it many years ago, no one ever got milk from a cow by sending a letter." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts                                  &...

"For many major donors, sophisticated or fancy campaign literature has as much impact as the sound of one hand clapping." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets ThemAre you on David's mailing list? Go to

Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my em...

At weddings, ministers are fond of rehearsing the historical story of Jesus’ first miracle. He attends a wedding where the host runs out of wine. At the insistence of his mother, he turns six stone jars of water into wine.The belief in m...

Let me introduce you to my friend Jeff Slaughter. He is a missionary, fundraiser, master storyteller and more. Find Jeff at:https://jeffslaughterwrites.com/

As a fundraising consultant, I’ve encountered countless nonprofits who believe they’re telling compelling stories about their work. But when I look at their websites and social media feeds, I’m often left wondering: Where are the stories?

I love Africa and I adore African fundraisers. Your passion, dedication, and tireless efforts to create positive change in your community is truly inspiring. You deserve to get the money you need. There are some things you need to u...

Naming opportunities are a nonprofit's golden ticket to unlocking major donations. This episode reveals the power of offering naming rights to recognize supporters, plus you'll learn 7 key steps to follow to successfully implement this lucrativ...

Describing the need is easy compared with the hard work of finding the descriptive words that paint a picture of the need having been met. If there is one thing I find that leaders don't understand, it is the power o...

When we fail to recognize and celebrate “firsts,” we miss powerful opportunities to strengthen our relationships, build momentum, and create a positive, thriving culture.In families, celebrating firsts – from a baby’s first steps to...

Your vision and mission statements are more than just words on paper - they’re the heart and soul of your nonprofit, guiding every decision you make and every dollar you raise. Invest in getting them right, and watch your impact soar.

Jewish storytellers celebrate unity and brotherhood by telling a story about pouring huge amounts of expensive oil on the top of one of their leader's heads. Their story corresponds to the "rock in the pond" principle.  

One of Dale Carnagie's favorite stories was about fishing. "I love strawberries and cream, but I find for some reason that fish prefer worms."In the same vein, you don't "catch" donors by baiting the hook with what you love...

Organizations and fundraisers go to great pains to make sure donors know that giving to their mission is tax deductible. Is this a major reason why donors give to you?

People who are tens on the leadership scale attract other people who are tens, nines, eights, and lower. Sevens attract other sevens, sixes, fives and so on. Threes can attract other threes, twos, and ones.People who are a five on the le...

If people don't believe in your mission, (and everyone won't), they won't give. But, if they do THEY WILL GIVE YOU THEIR MILLIONS! Reading through Jerold Panas' book, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Get's Them

Six powerful insights into why people give large gifts to you. From Mega Gifts, by Jerry Panas. 

I am reading Mega Gifts by Jerold Panas. After interviewing dozens of people who gave millions and 1,000 successful fundraisers, he examines why people give to charity. The results are surprising.