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,…
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…
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…
"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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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!
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:…
Who Do We Know Who Knows Oprah? 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.…
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 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…
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.…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
Is there ever grounds to uninvite someone to your event? If so, we know how NOT to handle it. 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…
How to know if a nonprofit is a healthy place to work. You know you are in a bad workplace when everywhere you turn there are passive aggressive signs. A happy office is a good office. How to know if a nonprofit is a healthy place to work? Go to…
Your brand is not more important than your customer. 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…
Don't make assumptions about generations. And just because something works for one mission, doesn't mean it will work for you. A feeling of belonging is important, but if we don't see ourselves, how do we belong? Do we see ourselves in a membership card? You can create false belonging. A…
We've noticed a pattern in development shops that just might be contributing to our poor retention rates + stifling our growth. The answer lies in understanding the T-Rexes and kangaroos around us. Let's create an environment where we can work together. Fundraising shops can be a zoo! And we know…
There's an art to communication. We all approach it differently, so seek to understand the other party and have grace when conflict arises. Urgency is not the same for all. Ever had someone badger you over an "urgent" email that wasn't at all on your radar? We thought so. Because…