Some words of wisdom from the speakers at the Summit on Philanthropy:

• If you have a vision, things flow along and follow that vision
• Vision without execution is hallucination
• A good project needs a strong emotional component
• Protect your capital and grow your investment wisely over time
• Philanthropy equals exercise and promotion of values — in other words, what are your passions?
• Philanthropy is about investment of your time first (volunteer hours) and then your financial resources
• To live, we must give back to others using our skills and talents in service
• Philanthropy is a way of life, a way of thinking, not just a series of events — be willing to give the clothes off your back and help individuals become better people
• Giving starts with us — diverting our daily discretionary funds (e.g., giving up our snacks/Cokes for a week and convincing others to do the same) toward community efforts
• The way to build a charity is to start one
• The best philanthropic project starts with your family — talk to your spouse/kids and get them involved; remember that “no” is just as important as “yes”; make sure it fits into your strategic life plans/vision
• Nonprofit organisations must know the cost of raising funds
• “Don’t sign up — show up!”
• You don’t have to be Mother Theresa to have a positive impact on your community
• Be civically obsessed and keep the spirit of giving alive and well
• Projects successful because they came out of what the community wanted for itself
• “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” — African proverb
• Your mission is to increase giving.  Why?  To strengthen the community.