A Modern Shift in Major Gift Fundraising Just Happened!

Sign up for the Certified Major Gifts Fundraising Seminar in Oct. 13-15

Get three dynamic days of certified, high-impact training you can put to work right away. Real-time one-on-one coaching, peer-led problem solving, and a faculty-led panel on major donor stewardship—all designed to help you grow with confidence. No travel, no complicated logistics—just focused, actionable learning from the comfort of your own space.

Register early and save $100. Enter SAVE100 at checkout. Register your group of five and save $100 per person, PLUS an additional $100 per person before Early Bird ends on June 6, 2025. Contact us for the group discount code.

The Modern Institute for Charitable Giving is trusted by 12,000+ Alumni major gift fundraisers around the globe.

About the Major Gift Shift

Illustration of people working together, solving giant puzzle pieces, and a woman presenting on a screen, symbolizing teamwork and collaboration.

Equipping major gift fundraisers to build trust, deepen impact, and raise bigger gifts.

In a bold move to reshape the future of major gift fundraising, Fundraising Transformed, a leading international fundraising training and consulting firm, has officially acquired the Institute for Charitable Giving (ICG)—a trusted name in nonprofit education since 1991.

This powerful partnership gives rise to the Modern Institute for Charitable Giving (ModernICG), a dynamic evolution that blends decades of respected tradition with today’s most innovative strategies.

Next Seminar: Sign up now and get certified, high-impact training packed with cutting-edge strategies and time-tested wisdom—designed to help you scale faster, ask bolder, and raise bigger gifts with confidence. Spots are limited, and the opportunity to transform your major gift fundraising starts now.

Register early and save $100. Enter SAVE100 at checkout. Register your group of five and save $100 per person, PLUS an additional $100 per person before Early Bird ends on June 6, 2025.

  • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Fundraising Transformed Acquires Institute for Charitable Giving—Launching ModernICG to Empower a New Era of Major Gift Fundraising

    Detroit, MI – May 6, 2025 — Big news in the fundraising world! Fundraising Transformed, a global leader in nonprofit training and consulting, has officially acquired the Institute for Charitable Giving (ICG)—a name fundraisers have trusted since 1991. And with that, a new chapter begins: The Modern Institute for Charitable Giving (ModernICG).

    This exciting evolution combines the rich legacy of fundraising pioneers Jerry Panas and Bill Sturtevant with today’s most forward-thinking strategies, making major gift fundraising education more dynamic, accessible, and future-focused than ever before. The acquisition, finalized on January 13, 2025, represents a fusion of legacy and leadership in the fundraising space—and a new era of training for nonprofit professionals.

    "We’re honored to carry forward the vision of the fundraising legends Jerry Panas and Bill Sturtevant," said Tammy Zonker, founder and president of Fundraising Transformed. "ModernICG is more than a new name—it’s a bold commitment to provide a comprehensive ecosystem of support for major gift fundraisers at every stage of their journey to create transformational impact. We’re fusing innovation with time-tested wisdom to help fundraisers scale faster, ask bolder, and raise transformational gifts with confidence."

    A Legacy with New Life

    After Jerry Panas passed in 2018, his wife and partner in purpose, Felicity Panas, continued to carry the torch. And now, she’s excited about what’s next.

    “I’m absolutely thrilled to see the Institute evolve into ModernICG under Tammy’s leadership,” said Felicity. “This next chapter honors Jerry and Bill’s legacy while embracing the innovation today’s fundraisers need. It’s exactly the kind of future-forward thinking the sector deserves and needs to thrive.”

    Felicity Panas will continue to operate the beloved ICG bookstore, preserving access to the timeless fundraising resources Jerry Panas helped bring to life. To explore the collection or place an order, visit: instituteforgiving.org/books.

    Why ModernICG? Because Fundraising Has Changed.

    ModernICG isn’t just a new look—it’s a new way of learning. The biggest shift? The move to a fully virtual seminar model, removing the need for travel and making high-quality, hands-on training more accessible and affordable to fundraisers around the globe.

    Participants will experience three days of live, CFRE-certified training, including:

    • One-on-one ParkBenching sessions for personalized coaching

    • Peer-led RoundTables for practical problem-solving

    • Expert-led major donor Stewardship Panels that spark new ideas and approaches

    • A focused, interactive curriculum designed to help you apply what you learn right away

     No travel, no complicated logistics—just focused, actionable learning from the comfort of your own space. 

    What Sets ModernICG Apart?

    ModernICG brings together the best of both worlds—proven fundraising principles and innovative strategies and tools designed for today’s fast-moving philanthropic landscape.  Here’s what sets us apart:

    • A reimagined curriculum built specifically for modern nonprofit challenges

    • A faculty of real-world experts in major gifts, donor psychology, AI, and ethical fundraising

    • 100% virtual seminars for ultimate flexibility and accessibility

    • Signature sessions like Modern Moves ManagementThe Art of the Ask, and Modern Planned Giving

    • New modules on AI in fundraisingyounger donor engagement, and responsible giving strategies

    • Practical training on using AI to boost efficiency and predictive analytics to identify high-potential donors

    • Access to the exclusive Apex Community for continued learning, support, and networking

    • Earn CFRE credits to advance your professional development

    With ModernICG, you’re not just learning—you’re transforming the way you work, think, and lead in the world of major gifts.

    Save the Date: October 13–15, 2025

    ModernICG’s flagship virtual seminar is happening this October—and you won’t want to miss it. Spots are limited for this high-impact, highly interactive experience. If you’re ready to take your major gift fundraising to the next level, now’s the time.

    See the full curriculum and register at modernicg.com

    About Fundraising Transformed

    Founded in 2008 by international speaker and major gift strategist Tammy Zonker, Fundraising Transformed is an international fundraising and training firm that helps fundraisers and nonprofit leaders reach bold goals through innovative, mission-centered fundraising strategies.

    About the Institute for Charitable Giving

    Founded by Jerry Panas and Bill Sturtevant in 1991, ICG served over 12,000 fundraising professionals through its trusted, values-driven training programs, leaving a lasting impact on the philanthropic sector.

    About ModernICG

    A service of Fundraising Transformed, ModernICG is committed to helping fundraisers build trust, deepen donor relationships, and close transformational gifts through dynamic, accessible, and high-impact virtual training.

    Media Contact:
    R. Trent Thompson, CMO

    📧 trent@modernicg.com

    🌐 modernicg.com

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Trusted by 12,000+ Alumni