Lisa Z. Greer's Blog

Share

Real relationships are built through consistent, genuine communication. Share stories, impact updates, and gratitude — not just asks. When donors feel seen and appreciated year-round, they’ll want to stick around for the long haul.

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.

Share

If your online donation process is clunky, confusing, or takes too many clicks — donors notice. And many won’t come back.

Take a few minutes to try your own form as if you are the donor. Is it intuitive? Fast? Mobile-friendly? If not, it’s time for an update. A smooth, simple experience shows respect for your donors’ time — and can make all the difference between a one-time gift and a loyal supporter.

Philanthropy 451 by Saving Giving is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts an...

I learned two new terms this past week — “happiness hack” and “chugger”. I love the “happiness hack” one, as I’m thrilled to see that research is showing how professional fundraisers can bring meaning, purpose and a sense of happiness into people’s lives — by doing their job.

The term “chugger”? Not so much. Turns out a “chugger” combines the words “charity” and “mugger” to connote a “street fundraiser” who is aggressive and invasive. The term started in the UK several years ago.

We often wonder...

Share

Most of your donors aren’t hanging around just for the tax breaks - they’re here because they believe in your mission.

But they still want recognition and gratitude for their gifts. So show it - with a genuine and timely thank you note (or call) that shares the impact of their gift.

Donors who feel valued for their support and donations will keep giving.

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

Share

Modern donors, especially young donors, don’t want to feel like members of an elite club - they want to feel like partners in your mission.

Make giving inclusive, transparent and collaborative and watch how your organization 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.

Share

If the only time your donors hear from you is when you’re asking for money, they’ll notice — and not in a good way. Donors want to feel valued, not used.

Show donors you value them by sharing impact updates, relating behind-the-scenes stories, and expressing gratitude between appeals.

That’s how you build trust (and keep your emails out of the trash folder).

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

Introducing “Burning Questions” — a new Philanthropy 451 feature! (Why Burning Questions? Why Philanthropy 451? See bottom of the article for an explanation.)

In this bi-monthly feature, Lisa tackles burning questions from across the nonprofit world — from donors seeking clarity, to fundraisers facing tough choices, to board members striving for greater impact.

Each column offers practical, candid insights to help everyone in the philanthropic ecosystem better understand one another — and do more ...

Share

Most nonprofits never think to ask DAF account holders for monthly donations — but why not?

Setting up recurring gifts through a DAF can create a steady, reliable stream of funding that sustains your work all year long. Don’t miss out on this untapped opportunity to deepen donor commitment and strengthen your nonprofit’s future.

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.

Share

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 ...

Share

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...