Call for Entries! Apply for funding by January 17th, 2025.
Lisa Greer
Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Philanthropist, Fundraising Coach
In early 2012, Lisa Zola Greer and her husband Josh experienced a transformative life
change as they became members, almost overnight, of the 1%, sparking a desire to share
their new wealth with impactful and compelling charitable causes. As newcomers to the
world of charitable giving, Lisa and her husband found themselves frustrated and shocked
by the impersonal interactions, scripted engagements, and dated methods pervasive in the
nonprofit sector. This initial exposure prompted Lisa, an accomplished businesswoman, to
look deeper into the industry to determine if her experience was unusual. She was
surprised to discover that her experience reflected that of most donors today, regardless of
means, and that the way most fundraising is conducted is antiquated, inefficient, and in
the long term, unsustainable.
After several years studying the sector, continually experiencing the same issues, and
recognizing that millions of donors shared the same negative experience with giving, Lisa
decided to promote fundamental change in how fundraising is done by teaching nonprofits
how to do better. Her methodology focuses on teaching nonprofit fundraisers how to build
long-term, authentic, and mutually productive relationships between donors and
nonprofits. To be successful, Lisa stresses the importance of seeing donors as people —
instead of simply as a source of revenue. In changing this mindset and building authentic
relationships, more donors will support more organizations, and the sector will be
revitalized, resulting in increased opportunities for growth and impact.
Today, Lisa writes, teaches, and advises fundraisers throughout the world on incorporating
the donor perspective into all their fundraising activities. As a fundraising coach, nonprofit
changemaker, major donor, and author of the bestselling book Philanthropy Revolution.
Lisa is on a mission to “Save Giving”. Her second book, The Fundraiser’s Handbook, will
be released in 2024. Between her books, her teaching, and her highly successful blog,
Philanthropy 451, Lisa helps nonprofits see a clear path to sustainable and long-term
success — supported by data, statistics, and interviews.
With her guidance and unique approach, the nonprofit world will witness engaged and
energized donors, efficient organizations, and a more honest, sustainable philanthropic
culture that fosters lasting and mutually respectful relationships between charities and the
donors that support them.