Lisa Z. Greer's Blog, page 7

Fundraising Tip of the Week | January 21, 2025

Share this tip with your network

Share

Image not downloading? Check out the tip here -

Fundraising Tip of the Week

Looking for new donors? Start using free tools like EDGAR Online.

Forwarded this tip and want to see more?

Philanthropy 451 by Saving Giving is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Fundraising Tip of the Week | January 2025

Share this tip with your network

Share

Image not downloading? Check out the tip here -

Fundraising Tip of the Week

Now is the time to:

Build your relationships

Focus on the mission

Drown out the noise

Philanthropy 451 by Saving Giving is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

New Year, Bold Moves: Resolutions to Transform Giving in 2025

The new year isn’t just a reset—it’s a launchpad.

As we step into 2025, the giving sector faces new challenges and opportunities. It’s easy to fall into the same routines and campaigns, but what if this year, we aimed higher by embracing change? What if we dared to make philanthropy more personal, more impactful, and more authentic than ever before?

This January let’s skip the tired resolutions and set intentions that truly matter. Here are five actions to guide us:

1. Center the People, Not the Do...

Fundraising Tip of the Week | January 2025

Share this tip with your network

Share

Image not downloading? Check out the tip here -

Fundraising Tip of the Week

Pilot a new fundraising idea! You might start with:

Virtual donor salons

Personalized thank-you videos

Philanthropy 451 by Saving Giving is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

A Final Spark: Redefining Philanthropy

On the 12th day of Saving Giving, my colleagues gave to us… This holiday season, let’s carry the lessons of #SavingGiving forward: Trust begins with transparency, change comes from innovation, and relationships are at the heart of it all.

As Hanukkah begins tonight and Christmas Eve unfolds, we’re reminded that this season is about light overcoming darkness, connection bridging divides, and hope guiding us forward. This unique overlap of holidays mirrors what we’ve explored over the past 12 days—a...

Be Curious. Be Creative.

On the 11th day of Saving Giving, Sami gave to us… Uncovering stories builds connections that last. – Sami Zoss, Zoss Collaborations

“When I worked at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, move-in day was more than just the start of the academic year—it was a celebration of potential and legacy. Move-in day was also the foundation for 'Move-in Miami,' our annual Day of Giving. That year, we had a donor celebrating his 60th anniversary since graduating, and, because it was my job to consider the bond b...

Grief Can Build Philanthropy

On the 10th day of Saving Giving, Eric gave to us… Grief can inspire giving, healing, and connection. – Eric Heininger, EDEN+ Fundraising Consulting

“The holidays come with a variety of feelings and for some of us it includes missing for the first time those who have left us and others who have been gone for sometimes decades.

Grief & philanthropy intersect in surprising and profound ways. Here are a few things to consider about how grief can build philanthropy:

Grief Can Be a Powerful Motivator for...

Stories Meet Data

On the 9th day of Saving Giving, Tamara gave to us… Facts and heart together create powerful donor partnerships. – Tamara Kahn, Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK

When I joined Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK as CEO, fundraising wasn't in my comfort zone. I came in as a strategic leader, focused on operations and transformational change - not as a fundraiser. But I discovered that successful donor partnerships emerge when you combine compelling facts (like in my world: HPV-linked head and neck cancers now ...

Stay Connected To Impact

On the 8th day of Saving Giving, Darren gave to us… Asking isn’t for you—it’s for the people you help. —Darren Ryan, Onwards.org

“If you are ever feeling nervous about asking somebody for money, remember that you aren't asking for yourself. Stay connected to the people you serve and the difference that this gift will make to them. Make this impact real by telling a story about one person who you have helped.”

Connect with Darren on LinkedIn

Lisa’s Reflection:

Darren’s spark cuts to the heart of phila...

Listening Builds Trust

On the 7th day of Saving Giving, Brian gave to us… Listening is the path to success with today’s donors. – Brian Gawor, Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates

“Before you launch a fundraising campaign, spend time to listen to your donors and stakeholders.

Feasibility studies continue to have incredible value, but they’re changing. A good study will definitely test your fundraising campaign priorities and ‘case’ with your constituents, but in today’s data-driven giving environment a good study can now ...