Lisa Z. Greer's Blog, page 7
December 20, 2024
Stay Connected To Impact
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...
December 19, 2024
Listening Builds Trust
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 ...
December 18, 2024
Value Builds Trust
Build trust by providing value before asking for support. – Louis Diez, Donor Participation Project“Provide value before asking for donations."
Connect with Louis on LinkedIn
Lisa’s Reflection:Louis’s advice is simple but transformative: by prioritizing value, we show donors we care about the relationship, not just the transaction. It’s a reminder to focus on connection, trust, and the donor’s experience. Let’s challenge ourselves to offer more val...
December 17, 2024
Mission and Values Fuel Resilience
Staying true to your mission and values fuels resilience and courage. – Pooya Pourak, MatchNice"Always stay grounded in your mission and values — they are the fuel that keeps you going when things get tough. To everyone in the nonprofit sector, thank you for your tireless efforts, compassion, and courage. Your work changes lives and makes the world a better place, and we’re so grateful for all you do."
Lisa’s Reflecti...December 16, 2024
Unified Stories Build Trust
Donors thrive when they feel like active participants in creating change. – Tim Sarrantonio, Neon One“Use your technology to tell a unified story about your impact. Philanthropy thrives when donors feel like active participants in the change they’re supporting. Invest in tools that connect your fundraising, marketing, and program data, so you can share a clear, consistent message that inspires trust and action.
Example from Tim:“The 100th Bomb Group...
December 15, 2024
Self-Care is Essential
Prioritize self-care: you can't pour from an empty cup. – Daisy Lau (Bank), Keck Medicine of USC"I recently was talking with a donor, and he was sharing that his wife was dying. I was not entirely sure of the right thing to say, but I told the donor to remember to also take care of himself during this time.
“And it hit me that in the most challenging times and even the busiest times, we need to take care of ourselves. The donor and I both agreed—f...
December 14, 2024
Fundraisers as Matchmakers
Fundraisers connect people to causes they care about — true matchmakers. Kassie Cosgrove, The Root Agency“Philanthropy stems from connection. People want to give to people and make an impact. As fundraisers, our role is to be connection matchmakers—bringing together a donor's interests, values, and philanthropic dreams with an organization’s priorities and mission. That’s how we foster authentic relationships and meaningful impact.
Reframing fund...
December 13, 2024
Delivering Happiness and Joy
On the 1st day of Saving Giving, Claire Axelrad gave to us…“Giving makes people feel good! MRI studies reveal we get a 'warm glow' jolt of dopamine when merely contemplating giving. When you hesitate to ask, you deprive people of the opportunity to enact their values, find personal meaning, and engage in authentic connections. Stop thinking of asking as 'taking,' and make it about delivering happiness and joy. Stop focusing on the 'fund' part of fundraising and hone in on being a 'philanthropy f...
December 12, 2024
12 Days of Saving Giving
For the first time in years, Hanukkah and Christmas begin together on December 24 (thank you, lunar calendar!) It’s a beautiful convergence that reminds us of the power of light, generosity, and connection with each other. As we reflect on what giving truly means, I’m excited to kick off 12 Days of Saving Giving, a virtual (and much needed) countdown to the holidays.
Over the next 12 days, we’ll dive into the stories, insights, and strategies that are reshaping philanthropy. Why now? Because givi...
