Posts by Barry Spencer

Wait For It The Christmas lights at the entrance of my neighborhood ushered in the Christmas season the day after Halloween. This also means the season of delayed gratification for…

Give and Get What you give out is what you receive in return. It is the parable of the seed and harvest in the bible. If you plant seeds of…

Hope Needed now more than ever is hope. Hope in a better life, better community, better relationships, better caring for one another, and more. Hope. One industry that has more…

“News” The news today comes at us fast and furious. It is laced with emotionally charged words regardless of which side of the argument you are on. But think for…

New or Normal? What could be beneficial now more than ever is assurance that the uncertainty of our present time is “normal.” The uncertainty of war in Israel, high inflation,…

This Conversation Matters The planned giving conversation matters for the donor. While annual giving meets immediate needs quicker than planned giving, don’t dismiss how planned giving can help. Too many…

Three Donor Questions “But dad, what do I say?” This is the question my kids ask me when faced with a challenge in their studies, and they don’t even know…

When is the Best Time? The African Proverb asks and answers this question: “When’s the best time to plant a tree?” “Twenty years ago.” “When’s the second best time?” “Today!”…

Generations of Philanthropy Their jeans have always told the story of hard work and good value. In 1866, Levi Strauss, a German-Jewish immigrant, built his first store and the foundation…

Circle of Influence Donors have spent a lifetime developing professional relationships to enhance the success of their business or career. It’s their “circle of influence.” Now, in retirement, that network…