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Fundraising is Funny

Fundraising is Funny

by Lynne Wester and T. Clay Buck

Latest episode
Performative Allyship

About this podcast

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each of these stories is a serious ethical question, a system or structure or person that allowed it to happen, or an outdated practice just ready for disruption.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.

Episodes

The newest 20 of 41 episodes

  • Performative Allyship · 24 min · Season 2 Episode 20In 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…
  • Take Your Seats · 28 min · Season 2 Episode 19Get 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…
  • EXCELing At Our Jobs · 28 min · Season 2 Episode 18Brace 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…
  • R&R · 31 min · Season 2 Episode 17Sometimes 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…
  • A Beautiful Bromance · 30 min · Season 2 Episode 16What 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…
  • I Don't Even Like Cats · 25 min · Season 2 Episode 15When 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…
  • When Good Data Goes Bad · 31 min · Season 2 Episode 14Have 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"…
  • Comparison is the Thief of Joy · 29 min · Season 2 Episode 13Comparison 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…
  • Keeping Score: The Gingerale Episode · 28 min · Season 2 Episode 12We 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…
  • The Muppet Fundraising Show · 26 min · Season 2 Episode 11In 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…
  • Volunteers: Cheers and Challenges · 26 min · Season 2 Episode 10Our 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…
  • Shenanigans and Schnacks · 26 min · Season 2 Episode 9Fundraising 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…
  • Who Do We Know Who Knows Oprah? · 25 min · Season 2 Episode 8Who 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…
  • Opinions and Expectations · 28 min · Season 2 Episode 7What 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…
  • AIn't We Funny (The AI Episode) · 26 min · Season 2 Episode 6The 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…
  • Axes and Chainsaws · 28 min · Season 2 Episode 5The 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…
  • Is There An App For That? · 26 min · Season 2 Episode 4Ahhh 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…
  • Can You Translate That For Me? The Importance of Defining Fundraising Terms · 25 min · Season 2 Episode 3LYBUNTS, 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…
  • How Do I Buy YOU A House? · 26 min · Season 2 Episode 2Have 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…
  • Beyond Pink and Blue: The Barbie Episode · 27 min · Season 2 Episode 1The 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…

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