Fundraising is Funny

In this episode we dive into the sometimes cringeworthy world of performative allyship. Join us as we unpack the difference of waving the DEI banner in fundraising while sometimes sidestepping the real, hard work of inclusion. 👊 Punchline: We have to be fearless in standing up to our leadership. If we want to be inclusive, what are we actually doing to help? Ask tough questions and start bringing...

Get ready to dive into everyone’s favorite topic: those cringe-worthy, facepalm moments we all wish we could erase from existence. You know, the kind that make you want to melt into the floor? Yeah, we’ve been there, too. Tune in for our personal horror stories that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and maybe feel a little better about your own. 👊 Punchline: We're all human, and embarrassing things happ...

Brace yourselves for a fun ride down a tech rabbit hole where we discuss the different ways people approach and think about technology, and how hilariously frustrating it can be. We share humorous stories about tech mishaps and misunderstandings. 👊 Punchline: Technology is just a tool, but if you don’t know how to use it, it can feel more like a torture device. Patience and crystal-clear communic...

Sometimes you just need to let it all out! In this lighthearted rant and rage session, we discuss the highs, lows, and downright ridiculousness of fundraising life. Remember it's okay to vent, and we'll be here to listen every step of the way. 👊 Punchline: Fundraising is hard work. It's essential to take a step back, destress, and rethink our strategies. Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website...

What can we learn from a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $517,000 to throw a frat party? Turns out, a clever and comedic call to action can have donors throwing down cash faster than a solo cup at a kegger. Let’s dive into how a little humor, emotion, and simplicity turned an ordinary ask into a viral fundraising success. 👊 Find humor and emotion in everyday moments. Keep your messages short,...

When a donor's actions clash with your organization's core values, how do you respond? In the nonprofit world, standing up for what's right can feel daunting, especially when donations are on the line. But here's the truth: You can say no. You can uphold your principles. Join us as we explore the power of drawing the line and always standing up for what truly matters. You can say no. Hold on to yo...

Have you ever based a fundraising decision off of a single article or statistic presented in a study? Data is all around us, and statistics are often presented as "best practice" or "latest trends", but are they, really? 👊 Punchline: Be careful when you read headlines. Ask questions, know the source, check for bias, and verify the statistics being presented before you act. Bingo Card Connect with...

Comparison is the thief of joy. Many nonprofits look at what other organizations are doing and try to replicate their success, expecting the same results. But you are not them, and your donors are not their donors. 👊 The punchline: There is no easy button for improvement. The only competition you have is who you were yesterday. Use your resources to make incremental changes and strive to be the b...

We spend a lot of time keeping score with our donors: retention rates, upgrades, downgrades, renewals—the list goes on. We categorize donors and expect certain behaviors without setting clear expectations. But at what cost? 👊 The punchline: Stop keeping score with your donors. Prioritize meaningful metrics and invest in sustainable relationships by shifting from transactional to transformational...

In this nostalgic and entertaining episode filled with Muppet trivia, we draw funny paralells between Muppet characters to the diverse roles and personalities found in the fundraising world. 👊Punchline: Success in fundraising demands a cast of diverse characters. Embrace and celebrate each individual for their unique contributions, recognizing that everyone plays a vital role in achieving our col...

Our supporters donate more than money - they often donate their time and talents, too. How do we honor and recognize volunteers in our work? 👊Punchline: Don't be afraid to have conversations about volunteers. Establish clear expectations and plans for them, and make sure you communicate, communicate, communicate! Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect...

Fundraising is funny, but it should also be FUN! Some of the stories we carry are heavy, and fundraising can be very hard work. But, it is work filled with the joy of seeing generous people help others. How can we infuse joy and laughter into our work? 👊 Punchline: Embrace joy. Encourage humor. Laugh! Have fun, within boundaries, and understand that workplace culture is important, and it starts w...

Who are the most generous people in the world? Spoiler: It isn't the uber wealthy! It's time to shift from chasing money to chasing humanity. 👊Punchline: Our missions are a promise to our communities. How dare we not involve them in our work. Stop chasing billionaires and start focusing your efforts on the people who are already engaged with your organization. Connect with Fundraising is Funny We...

What happens when donors feel like their generosity goes unnoticed? Sparked by a fiery op-ed, we take on the complexity of donor opinions and expectations. 👊Punchline: We don't get to exist in a vaccum. Transparency is required, and that means communicating with our donors. Don't forget we are all on the same team—we need each other to solve the problems of the world. Connect with Fundraising is...

The future is here. Artificial Intelligence is starting to infiltrate every industry—including the nonprofit world—and it's here to stay. What is the good, bad, and ugly of using this new technology in fundraising? 👊Punchline: There is no easy button when it comes to AI in fundraising. Embrace the technology, but remember it can't replace human connection. AI is not a saving grace, it is a tool m...

The nonprofit industry is notoriously resistant to change. We don't like it. It makes us uncomfortable. And we hold on to dated (and sometimes downright laughable) practices because of it. It's time to evaluate "the way we've always done things" and embrace modern tools and methods to drive meaningful change. 👊Punchline: When it comes to change, focus on areas of high effort and low return. Where...

Ahhh technology. It's taken the nonprofit world by storm, and has provided some amusing tech fails along the way. In an industry full of shiny new tools, many nonprofits adopt new tech with hopes it will revolutionize their fundraising. The truth is, the tools can only do so much. We have to think critically and invest in training in order to avoid some rather amusing pitfalls. 👊 Punchline: We ha...

LYBUNTS, SYBUNTS, and first-time donors — what does it all mean? Our nonprofit jargon is often perplexing, especially in the wild world of data segmentation. Get ready to unravel the comedic tapestry woven by the intricacies of our everyday lingo! 👊 Punchline: Our everyday jargon can be difficult to interpret. Establish common definitions and be open to answering questions about them. Connect wit...

Have you ever felt like you're on a secret mission, but the only secret is what you're actually supposed to be doing? Collaboration is challenging, and the key is effective communication—on all sides of the coin. 👊 Punchline: Clear communication isn't just kind, it's your lifeline in the workplace. Don't just nod and smile – ask questions, get expectations straight, and remember, a little bit of...

The power and influence of women in generosity is on the rise, and so is their desire to be recognized differently. There are so many problems with formal salutations in fundraising, so why are we still using them? 👊 Punchline: Move away from default gendered salutations and provide options for how donors wish to be addressed. Listen to donors and respect their preferences. Resources: DRG Greetin...

We're gearing up for Season 2 of Fundraising is Funny—but before we laugh together, we're getting brutally honest about the absurd challenges we face every day in the nonprofit industry. Inspired by the iconic Barbie monologue, Lynne and Clay share why it's literally impossible to be a fundraiser.

There may be some legitimate reasons to uninvite someone to an event, but in this episode we dive into what NOT to do. This story has us asking serious questions about the fundraising profession + how we treat those who leave our organizations but still have a passion for our mission.  👊 Punchline: Be kind and generous no matter what situation presents itself.  Resources Mentioned: Jen Chang and...

How to know if a nonprofit is a healthy place to work? Go to the nonprofit in person! A happy office is a good office 🥳 👊 Punchline: What are we spending our time on? What are we prioritizing? How do we think about the other people we work with? The office culture is everyone's responsibility. Resources Mentioned: Jen Chang and Dr. Adrian Sargeant at the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy C...

Branding guidelines don't stop the world from spinning. Fundraising is funny because sometimes we hold more tightly to organizational standards than we do to serving those who are fueling our mission. 👊 Punchline: Don't mistake your priorities. Question the things you cling to if they're creating a negative experience for those you serve.  Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | I...

A feeling of belonging is important, but if we don't see ourselves, how do we belong? 👊 Punchline: You can create false belonging all you want to with membership cards, lapel pins, and tote bags, but it’s about creating a feeling of belonging. Resources Mentioned: Jen Chang and Dr. Adrian Sargeant at the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn...