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Fundraising is Funny

Fundraising is Funny

Every week you can join Lynne Wester and T. Clay Buck to share laughs (and cringe-worthy case studies) as we unpack the most ridiculous (and positively shocking) situations that happen within our sector. Because sometimes we just have to laugh at ourselves in order to learn. 

Because here’s the thing. We believe in the power of generosity to change the world. And something tells us you do too. At the root of each of these stories is a serious ethical question, a system or structure or person that allowed it to happen, or an outdated practice just ready for disruption. 

Because c’mon… fundraising is funny.

Have a funny story to share? We want to hear it! Click the microphone to leave us a voicemail.

Recent Episodes

Oct. 8, 2024

R&R

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 eve…
Sept. 24, 2024

A Beautiful Bromance

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 int…
Sept. 10, 2024

I Don't Even Like Cats

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: …
Aug. 27, 2024

When Good Data Goes Bad

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? 👊 P…
Aug. 13, 2024

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

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 pun…
July 30, 2024

Keeping Score: The Gingerale Episode

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? …

About the Hosts

Lynne Wester Profile Photo

Lynne Wester

Principal and Founder, Donor Relations Group

The queen of donor relations has entered the chat. Lynne Wester strongly believes that donor relations is the key to unlocking fundraising success and that organizations must be as dedicated to the donor experience as they are to the ask itself. She and her teammates at the the Donor Relations Group lead with gratitude and partner with nonprofits on a variety of initiatives from assessment through implementation…(believe us when we say you need to check out their website for some epic training and resources). Sometimes referred to as the Olivia Pope of fundraising, she brings her southern accent and crucial honesty to advance equity and impact in the sector.

T. Clay Buck Profile Photo

T. Clay Buck

Founder and Consultant, TCB Fundraising

For more than 30 years, Clay’s established himself as the great individual giving oracle (our words, not his) bringing modern thinking and insight to data and development systems, copywriting and content development, and strategic planning. (And he’ll be more than happy to share with you how all of those seemingly different functions are actually parts of the same dynamic system that work together.) This Certified Fundraising Exec (CFRE) Master Trainer and founder of TCB Fundraising makes his home in Las Vegas alongside his husband where they are owned by three retrievers who have mastered the art of the ask – especially at dinner time.