Lisa Greer

Lisa Zola Greer is a fundraising coach, nonprofit changemaker, major donor, and author of the bestselling book Philanthropy Revolution. She is on a mission to “Save Giving” by providing a clear path to success supported by data, statistics, and interviews. With her help and direction, the nonprofit world will see more engaged and energized donors, more sustainable organizations with increased impact, and a more honest philanthropic culture that will create a larger and more loyal donor pool.

Currently, Lisa serves as commissioner of the California State Commission on the Status of Women and Girls where she sits on the Executive Committee. She also serves on the international board of the New Israel Fund, Alliance for Middle East Peace, and the Executive Committee of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors, as well as the Beverly Hills Community Charitable Foundation. She has also served as commissioner and chair of the Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commission and trustee of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, and she has served as a board member of many organizations, including the LA District Attorney’s Crime Prevention Foundation, Make-a-Wish of Greater Los Angeles, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, and others.

Earlier in her career, Lisa was a studio executive at NBC and Universal Studios, and she founded and led several companies in the digital media and entertainment businesses. Lisa cofounded and sits on the board of Tandem Careplanning, a new business that elevates the homecare experience for both care seekers and caregivers. A native of Los Angeles, Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

With her husband Josh, the Greers have hosted over 200 charitable salons and events at their home in Beverly Hills, and they are passionate, involved donors to many causes that are meaningful to them and their friends and family.

Lisa is the proud mother of three millennials, two Gen Zers, and two dogs.


All Books

The Essential Fundraiser’s Handbook

Lisa Greer

Publication Date: July 9, 2024

$17.95 Tradepaper

ISBN: 9781939096159

Description:

After a financial windfall, businesswoman Lisa Greer discovered many nonprofits were inefficient and outdated in their fundraising. Shocked by their dysfunction, she dedicated her career to revamping the nonprofit sector. As a major donor and bestselling author of “Philanthropy Revolution,” Greer now presents her new book, THE ESSENTIAL FUNDRAISER’S HANDBOOK: A Guide to Maximizing Donations, Retaining Donors, and Saving the Giving Sector for Good.

In this book, Greer addresses the impending historic wealth transfer in the US and offers fundraisers concrete steps to reverse declining donations. Drawing from her extensive experience and research, she provides actionable strategies for nonprofits to identify, retain, and increase financial supporters. THE ESSENTIAL FUNDRAISER’S HANDBOOK is both a critique and a roadmap for achieving long-term sustainability in the nonprofit sector.

You will learn:

  • How to activate and retain the millions of Millennials and Gen Z who want to give but don’t know where to start
  • How to use the for-profit, wildly successful subscription model to build a monthly giving program
  • The do’s and don’ts of fundraiser etiquette and what donors should expect from their charitable interactions
  • When galas make sense and when they are a waste of money
  • How the industry ignores people of color and women, and the billions of dollars being left on the table
  • How to understand and access the $230 billion in Donor Advised Funds
  • How to build a more inclusive, active, and supportive board of directors




ADVANCE PRAISE

“Lisa’s second book, The Essential Fundraiser’s Handbook, is an absolute game changer for anyone working in the field of philanthropy… Lisa’s insights into the evolving landscape of philanthropy are invaluable. She pushes readers to think beyond the traditional approaches and embrace innovative techniques to guarantee success… Throughout the book, Lisa explores various topics, such as the $234 Billion Opportunity of Donor-Advised Funds, the significance of adding millennials to boards, retaining recurring donors, and different types of giving. Her comprehensive approach ensures that readers gain a well-rounded understanding of the fundraising landscape. The Essential Fundraiser’s Handbook is more than just a guide; it’s a mentor, a trusted companion for anyone seeking to excel in fundraising. I highly recommend this book to fundraisers of all levels, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey.  Lisa’s wisdom and expertise will undoubtedly help you advance your organization’s mission and achieve the success you strive for.”
Kassie Cosgrove, Senior Development Officer, Loyola University New Orleans