Lisa Z. Greer's Blog, page 4

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...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | May 19, 2025

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When someone gives you a verbal commitment for a donation, always follow-up with a reminder.

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What Happens When Fundraisers Chase Dates, Not Relationships

Several wonderful nonprofit sector reports were released in the past few weeks — many of them timed to correlate with AFP ICON and other conferences. Some of my favorites (so far!) are AFP’s Fundraising Effectiveness Project, Neon One’s Generosity Report, M+R Benchmarks, DAF Research Collaborative’s National Survey of Donor Advised Fund Donors, OneCause’s Fundraising Outlook Report, and, from the very end of last year, the Lilly School Women’s Philanthropy Institute report, Women Give: 20 Years ...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | May 12, 2025

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One of the biggest—and most avoidable—mistakes nonprofits make? Not making it easy for donors to give.

Whether it is a contribution from a DAF, a check, or some other specific form of payment, your job is to make it easy to contribute.

With over $230 billion currently sitting in Donor-Advised Funds, this is not a minor oversight. Many donors want to support your mission but face friction when y...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | May 5, 2025

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In fundraising, personalization isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Donors have different motivations, interests, and communication preferences. If your outreach strategy treats everyone the same, you're likely missing the mark with many.

✔️ Segment your donor base

✔️ Tailor your messaging

✔️ Meet supporters where they are

When donors feel understood and engaged on a personal level, they’re far more l...

Addressing Donor and Fundraising Fatigue

Just got back from AFP ICON in Seattle and the two biggest subjects everyone was talking about were fundraiser fatigue and AI. I went to a session called Fundraiser Burnout and Attrition with Daryl Upsall and it was one of the best sessions of the conference, with over a dozen participants sharing their personal experiences with fundraiser fatigue.

With everyone scrambling with today's tumultuous climate, and with donors and fundraisers alike being worried and frustrating in the economy, perhaps ...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | April 29, 2025

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In the nonprofit world, we talk often about expanding our donor base and inviting more people to the table. But true inclusivity goes deeper.

It’s not just about who gives—it’s about who has a voice in shaping the mission, the strategy, and the impact.

✔️ Are diverse perspectives reflected in your leadership and decision-making?

✔️ Do all donors feel like valued partners, not just sources of fund...

5 Common Misconceptions About Major Donors

Major donors are a critical part of nonprofit fundraising, but many fundraisers approach them with inaccurate assumptions. These misconceptions can prevent organizations from building genuine relationships with donors and securing the support they need. It’s essential to debunk some of the most common myths fundraisers have about major donors. By understanding the reality behind these myths, nonprofits can better engage with donors and create more meaningful, productive partnerships.

Myth #1: All...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | April 15, 2025

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Too often, organizations go quiet after receiving a gift—waiting until the next campaign to reach out. But in today’s philanthropic landscape, silence can cost you.

Donors want to feel connected. They want to know their support matters and that they’re part of something meaningful. When they give and hear nothing in return, trust begins to erode.

✔️ Keep communication consistent—before, during, ...