Lisa Z. Greer's Blog

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Your monthly donors may not always be the ones giving the largest gifts, but they are often the most loyal, mission-driven supporters you have.

Their steady contributions keep your work moving forward — especially during the mid-year stretch when other funding might slow down. Treat them like the VIPs they are, because their commitment is what helps sustain your nonprofit all year long. 💙

Remember, monthly donors are highly likely to give you a second donation in a given year.

Philanthropy ...

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You wouldn’t just give money to a stranger, would you?

Too many nonprofits forget the basics: always make sure your name is front and center in every letter, email, or post. If your organization uses initials, make sure it is clear what you do - don’t assume people will just remember.

If donors don’t know who you are, why would they give again?

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

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Are you truly listening to your donors—or just talking at them? Donors want to be heard, valued, and part of the conversation. Real listening builds trust, and trust builds lasting relationships.

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.

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Donors don’t just want to give—they want to know how their gift makes a difference. Show them the real impact their support has on your mission and success. When donors see the results, loyalty grows.

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.

Major gifts are the cornerstone of nonprofit fundraising, yet many organizations continue to overlook the full potential already residing within their donor base. The traditional image of a major donor — wealthy, well-connected, and predictably generous — is rapidly becoming outdated. In reality, today’s transformational givers come from increasingly diverse backgrounds and often remain hidden in plain sight.

To truly unlock transformational giving, nonprofits must rethink not only who they con...

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Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) aren’t a niche topic anymore—they’re shaping today’s philanthropy in a big way. If you or your team don’t understand how they work, it’s time to change that. Five minutes of learning today could transform your fundraising tomorrow.

If you want to chat more with someone who has over a decade of personal experience with DAFs as a donor and as a sponsor, contact Lisa here: https://lisagreer.com/contact-us/

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

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Donors don’t want to feel like ATMs. They want to feel like partners in change.

When you invite supporters into the story—showing them how their gift contributes to a larger movement—you build something far more powerful than a single donation: loyalty.

Inclusion = engagement. Engagement = long-term impact.

How is your nonprofit making donors feel like insiders, not outsiders?

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

I first connected with Chelsea Lientz when she interviewed me for her Johns Hopkins capstone project on Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). Her capstone asked: “What do US-based development professionals think about the explosion of grants contributed through donor advised fund accounts, and how is it impacting philanthropy and the profession of fundraising?” Since then, we have been friends and colleagues, and Chelsea was incredibly helpful during my Seattle AFP ICON presentation.

Our conversations are ...

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Millennials and Gen Z donors are changing philanthropy. They’re not just writing checks — they’re asking:

👉 Where is my money going?

👉 What impact am I making?

👉 Can I trust this organization to be transparent?

If your nonprofit isn’t clear, informative, and impact-driven in its communication, you risk losing the very donors who will shape the future of giving.

✨ Transparency isn’t optional anymore...

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Want to lose a donor fast? Ignore them after they give.

Donors who feel forgotten are unlikely to renew their support—no matter how passionate they once were.

The fix? Stay in touch. Share impact updates, say thank you, and check in without always making an ask.

Consistency builds connection—and connection keeps donors coming back.

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