Philanthropy Revolution

How to Inspire Donors, Build Relationships and Make a Difference

By: Lisa Greer, Larissa Kostoff

Narrated by: Sarah Borges

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philanthropist Lisa Greer lifts the lid on our charitable sector, with an authentic account that describes exactly how outdated the sector has become and why it’s at risk of collapse.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.

©2020 Lisa Greer and Larissa Kostoff (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic 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

A must read for all nonprofit leaders and fundraisers!!

Loved this book, especially all the modeling of key phrases and best practice.
Bravo! Lindsay

“Saving Giving” is on Us

A relationship between a donor and a fundraiser is a delicate dance. While there is plenty of data available thanks to research, the day-to-day in a typical development office is often filled with assumptions about what the donors may think or feel. Lisa’s book is a revelation as she shares her unique donor experience. It features anecdotal stories that make you laugh at first to then have you ponder - why does this keep happening? There's plenty of advice on what to do and what not to do when working with donors and the book is a great refresher on the most recent data in the field of fundraising. While open and clear communication with donors provides solutions for many of the issues outlined, the main call to action is to reevaluate our approach to fundraising at large now that we are in the midst of a generational shift. The title of the last chapter sums it all up – “Saving Giving” is on Us.

Must read!

This is what we need to know as fundraisers and NPOs. If you are either, please read this book to improve your organization. So glad I found Lisa’s books!

Philanthropy Revolution is a must read for any Major Gift Officer.

As a Major Gifts fundraiser, I am always looking to get new perspectives and view points in order to make better connections. Most of the training, podcasts and books that I’ve attended, listened to or read have been from a fundraisers point of view. While beneficial, they don’t capture the side of the donor. Lisa’s stories and suggestions/solutions have both affirmed some of my strategies, and caused me to rethink just as many of not more. Her stories and experiences will help fundraisers see the picture from the donors standpoint, and believe lead to more meaningful and impactful connections. I know they have for me.

Step Into the Donor's Shoes

I am a professional fundraiser and I love the way Lisa Greer is working to improve the donor and fundraiser relationship. I highly recommend this book for fellow fundraisers.

Insipid performance ruins good content

I found myself being so irritated by the simpering tone of the performer (style very similar to Keith Morrisen’s narration of Dateline) that I to take long breaks from this book and constantly remind myself that the content what much more thoughtful and direct than the over the top and laden with ‘deep’ meaning narration. If you like that style or can look over it easily, the audiobook is a good choice. Otherwise, get a physical copy so you don’t have to combat the tone.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Philanthropy Revolution by Lisa Z G. offers a refreshing and candid perspective on the world of philanthropy, turning many traditional notions on their head. As both a philanthropist and someone who has spent years observing the complexities of charitable giving, Greer provides readers with a firsthand look at how the current philanthropic system often fails both donors and recipients.

One of the book's strengths lies in Greer’s willingness to speak frankly about the disconnect between nonprofit organizations and their donors. She highlights how outdated fundraising strategies can alienate potential supporters, while also emphasizing the importance of transparency and trust in building meaningful, long-lasting relationships between donors and charities.

The book is a must-read for anyone working in the nonprofit sector, philanthropists seeking to make a greater impact, or even those curious about how the world of charitable giving operates behind the scenes. Greer’s call for a "revolution" is timely and vital, offering a roadmap for transforming philanthropy into a more inclusive and effective force for good.