Philanthropy Revolution: How to Inspire Donors, Build Relationships and Make a Difference

by Lisa Greer, Larissa Kostoff

Overview

In the first book on philanthropy written from a donor’s perspective, businesswoman and philanthropist Lisa Greer lifts the lid on our charitable sector, with an authentic account that describes exactly how outdated the sector has become and why it’s at risk of collapse.

Weaving in her story of instant wealth and philanthropy, Lisa showcases the latest research, as well as dozens of interviews with donors, nonprofit professionals and leading academics in the field. She also provides much-needed ethical solutions that apply to any business, including:

• Upfront ways to ask for money
• Effective communications strategies
• Ways to be transparent from the outset
• How to curate meaningful events

Philanthropy Revolution is the handbook all fundraisers, nonprofits and donors should be using to create trusting, authentic partnerships that can be sustained long-term. Philanthropy is changing dramatically and it needs nothing short of an intervention to succeed. In this book, Lisa Greer shows us how to 'save giving' by providing a clear path to success. With her help, the nonprofit world will see its donors energized, its charities better supported and its impact increased, all while building a more honest philanthropic culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780008658533
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	05/21/2024
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	303,295
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Lisa Zola Greer is an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist who has managed her family’s giving for the last decade.

Lisa has served on dozens of boards and commissions, including the Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commission, the international board of the New Israel Fund, the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Los Angeles District Attorney Crime Prevention Foundation.

Lisa also founded two healthcare-related companies and a strategic advisory firm specialising in digital media and entertainment. As a Hollywood studio executive, Lisa managed the online businesses at NBC and Universal Studios, while also launching pioneering ventures into music webcasting. Lisa is a mother of five and lives with her husband Joshua and their two youngest children in Los Angeles.

Table of Contents

Prologue: No Choice but to Change 1

Introduction: Welcome to the 1% 7

1 Philanthropy is in Trouble: What Those Hundreds of Billions Are Hiding 25

2 Donors and their Motives: The Old Rules Don't Apply 49

3 Fake Friends and Unequal Power: How to Connect When it's Complicated 81

4 Money Talks: Authentic Ways to Deal with the 'Ask' 113

5 Investing beyond the Dollar: The Risks and Rewards of Donor Participation 147

6 What Money Can't Buy: Trust, Good Governance, and Better Boards 181

7 Good Communication: The Real Work of Relationships 217

8 Events for a New Era: Because We All Want Something More Meaningful 259

9 Giving Thanks and 'saving Giving': Welcoming a New Era Together 291

Sources and Further Reading 311

Acknowledgments 325

Editorial Reviews

‘The perfect combination of heart and truth… Lisa reminds us of a powerful lesson: to never forget the importance of authenticity, transparency, and trust.’
Karine Jean-Pierre, Author of Moving Forward, Commentator for NBC and MSNBC, Senior Advisor and National Spokesperson for MoveOn.org

‘A rare insight into how it feels to be a donor—essential reading for anyone who seeks to serve this growing sector of philanthropy.’
Seth Godin, Author of This is Marketing

‘With panache, wisdom, boldness, and humility, Lisa Greer has written THE book on philanthropy. A guide such as this has never been more needed!’
David N. Myers, Kahn Professor of Jewish History, UCLA

‘The combination of the post-pandemic landscape and the largest wealth transfer in history presents an existential threat to the 1.5 million+ nonprofits in the U.S. This book provides practical, urgent guidance on how to cultivate meaningful, lasting relationships to not only survive these twin threats but thrive.’
Bart Houlahan, Co-founder of B Lab

‘A must-read for those who are passionate about achieving real and effective change.’
Neil Blair, The Blair Partnership, agent to J.K. Rowling

‘Lisa paints an enlightening and refreshingly frank portrait of the misaligned incentives in the world of giving—and how we can fix it. It is destined to become a roadmap for a new generation of practical idealists.’
Kate Mulling, Co-founder of Thrive Market and Zach Frechette, Co-founder of Good magazine

‘At a time when profound changes will challenge the nonprofit world, Lisa’s book offers donors and recipients a rich menu of constructive and practical suggestions to enrich and strengthen the relationships between the nonprofit and the donor.’
Mel Levine, former US Congressman, President of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners

From the Publisher