Lisa Z. Greer's Blog, page 4

Fundraising Tip of the Week | July 7, 2025

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Your board should be your nonprofit’s biggest cheerleaders—not silent bystanders (or worse, critics).

Board members have a powerful opportunity to advocate for your mission in their networks, communities, and circles of influence. When they speak up with pride, it builds trust, opens doors, and brings in support. But if they’re disengaged—or worse, speaking negatively—it’s time to reassess.

A bo...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | June 30, 2025

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Donors aren’t ATMs. If giving feels like a cold transaction, you’re doing it wrong.

Create an experience instead—one where donors feel connected, valued, and inspired. Think personal stories, impact updates, and moments of gratitude that don’t come with an ask.

Because when donors feel the mission, they stick around for the long haul.

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Are Our Boards Standing in the Way of Needed Change?

A board can be your strongest ally — or your biggest obstacle. Sadly, too often, I see boards doing more harm than good. And we need our boards to be strong, supportive, and passionate about our missions.

Several years ago, I was on a nonprofit board that was, well, challenging. I was relatively new to board participation, so I didn’t speak up when certain confusing things occurred, but in hindsight, I wish I had.

This was a board of an organization that I love and respect — and one that I had par...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | June 23, 2025

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Donors notice more than you think.

When your fundraising staff constantly changes, it sends a signal about your organization: instability, inconsistency, and short-sightedness. More than anything, a revolving door of fundraisers suggests that your organization doesn't recognize the critical importance of hiring and supporting professional fundraisers.

But when you invest in your team—through fi...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | June 17, 2025

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Too often, fundraising is treated like a one-way street. 🚦

But here’s the truth: it’s a two-way relationship. Donors aren’t just ATMs — they’re people with values, questions, and a desire to be part of something meaningful.

Want better donor retention and stronger support? Start by asking not just what your donors can do for you, but what you can do for them. 🤝

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The Real Reason Donors Aren't Coming Back

It’s now widely accepted (although often widely ignored) that most donors don’t give to an organization a second time. It’s been that way for years. That fact alone should shake the foundation of fundraising strategy — yet many nonprofits are still doing the same things while expecting different results.

I was at a conference recently where a participant recited customer retention rates in for-profit businesses as compared to nonprofits. Did you know that the average customer retention rate acros...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | June 9, 2025

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Frugality ≠ Long term success.

Running a nonprofit on a shoestring might sound noble—but it’s not a long-term strategy. Donors want to see impact, and they know real impact requires real investment.

Don’t be afraid to spend wisely. Growth, innovation, and strong teams are worth funding.

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Fundraising Tip of the Week | June 2, 2025

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It’s time to reframe the conversation around nonprofit spending.

Frugality is not the same as effectiveness—and savvy donors know the difference.

Be transparent, be strategic, and don’t be afraid to invest in what it takes to achieve meaningful impact. Donors, as with almost anyone, understand that it takes money and resources (including good staff) to run an organization.

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Frugality ≠ Morality: It’s Time to Rethink How We Judge Nonprofits

Just over 12 years ago, Dan Pallotta gave a now-famous TED Talk called “The way we think about charity is dead wrong.” His message was bold: stop equating frugality with morality when evaluating a nonprofit. With over 4.7 million views, it clearly struck a nerve.

And yet... here we are. Despite Pallotta’s passionate argument—and widespread agreement in the sector—the same questions keep surfacing. Most often: “But how much do they spend on overhead?”

Donors are still fixated on overhead, whether i...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | May 27, 2025

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Language shapes perception.

How you talk about donors — not just to them — matters more than you think. Are you describing donors as partners in impact, or just sources of funding? Subtle shifts in language can lead to big shifts in engagement, trust, and long-term support.

If your team isn’t aligned on this, it’s time to talk. Words matter.

Philanthropy 451 by Saving Giving is a reader-supported...