Jerold Panas
Born: August 09, 1928 – Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Jerold Panas was an American fundraising consultant and author who wrote influential books on philanthropy, major gifts, and nonprofit leadership. Best known for Asking and Mega Gifts, he helped shape modern development practice through advisory work and widely read guidance for charities, universities, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations.
Biography & Author's Journey
Jerold “Jerry” Panas built his reputation at the intersection of nonprofit leadership, persuasion, and philanthropic psychology. He came from Greek-American roots as the only son of a Greek immigrant father, began college on a pre-med track, and then moved decisively toward organizational leadership instead. By his early twenties he was already serving as a YMCA chief executive, an experience that foreshadowed a career spent in mission-driven institutions. Larger administrative roles followed at the National Council of YMCAs and at Westminster College in Princeton, New Jersey. The decisive turning point came in 1968, when he founded Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners, the consulting firm that became the main vehicle for his ideas and influence. ((https://instituteforgiving.org/conversations-jerold-panas/))
Quotes
You May Also Like
Popular Books
Power Relationships
Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas
A guide to building extraordinary professional relationships through 26 laws that drive success and influence in business.
Power Questions
Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas
Master the art of asking strategic questions to build relationships, win business, and influence others effectively.
Power Relationships
Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas
A guide to building extraordinary professional relationships through 26 laws that drive success and influence in business.
Power Questions
Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas
Master the art of asking strategic questions to build relationships, win business, and influence others effectively.
Discover more
Become a successful Corporate Fundraiser
Become a successful Corporate Fundraiser
This plan is essential for nonprofit professionals and aspiring leaders looking to bridge the gap between mission and capital. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for those aiming to master high-stakes corporate partnerships and sustainable organizational growth.
Garry Tan's Books for Visionary Builders
Discover Y Combinator CEO's picks for mastering startups, strategy, and meaningful living.
BeFreed team
Business, Leadership & Personal Growth Skills
Business, Leadership & Personal Growth Skills
This comprehensive plan bridges the gap between individual productivity and executive-level leadership. It is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and managers looking to scale both their personal impact and their business operations.
Master Charisma, Public Speaking & Outreach
Master Charisma, Public Speaking & Outreach
In an era where personal branding and communication are paramount, this plan provides the essential toolkit for high-impact leadership. It is designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring speakers who want to master the science of influence and human connection.
Billionaire Mindset, Social Skills & Power
Billionaire Mindset, Social Skills & Power
This plan is designed for ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs who recognize that technical skill alone isn't enough to reach the top. It bridges the gap between financial psychology and social intelligence to help individuals navigate high-stakes environments with confidence and authority.
Growth, Business, Culture & Life Mastery
Growth, Business, Culture & Life Mastery
This comprehensive guide is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders who seek to harmonize professional scaling with personal excellence. It bridges the gap between technical business mechanics and the psychological mastery required to lead high-performing teams and live a fulfilling life.
Lead by Example & Change Lives
Lead by Example & Change Lives
This learning plan is essential for aspiring and established leaders who want to move beyond management to true influence. It is designed for those seeking to transform their personal character while building the skills necessary to develop others and leave a lasting legacy.
Inspiration, Bio, Memoir & Innovation
Inspiration, Bio, Memoir & Innovation
This plan bridges the gap between historical wisdom and modern innovation for aspiring leaders and creators. It is ideal for anyone seeking to transform personal challenges into a professional legacy through the study of resilience and systematic creative thinking.
Community Voices
"Jerold Panas was one of the giants of fundraising"
— SOFII
"Jerold Panas was one of the great askers of all time"
— Holly Hall
"Jerold Panas was one of the brightest lights in the development profession"
— Inside Philanthropy
"Jerold Panas is a long-time hero of mine"
— Ken Burnett
"Jerold Panas is, in many ways, the writer of fundraising"
— Bob Carter
"Jerold Panas is a joy-filled fundraiser"
— Paul Edwards
"There was only one Jerold Panas, and there never will be another"
— Jeff Jowdy
"Jerold Panas has influenced the entire profession in a way perhaps no other fundraiser has"
— Andrew Watt
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
