It is not personal interviews and impassioned appeals, but sound and justifying worth, that should attract and secure the funds of philanthropy.
The people in great numbers who are constantly importuning me for personal interviews in behalf of favourite causes err in supposing that the interview, were it possible, is the best way, or even a good way, of securing what they want.

Our practice has been uniformly to request applicants to state their cases tersely, but nevertheless as fully as they think necessary, in writing.

Their application is carefully considered by very competent people chosen for this purpose.
If, thereupon, personal interviews are found desirable by our assistants, they are invited from our office.
Written presentations form the necessary basis of investigation, of consultation, and comparison of views between the different members of our staff, and of the final presentation to me.
It is impossible to conduct this department of our work in any other way.

The rule requiring written presentation as against the interview is enforced and adhered to not, as the applicant sometimes supposes, as a cold rebuff to him, but in order to secure for his cause, if it be a good one, the careful consideration which is its due--a consideration that cannot be given in a mere verbal interview.
THE REASON FOR CONDITIONAL GIFTS It is easy to do harm in giving money.

To give to institutions which should be supported by others is not the best philanthropy.