Fundraising is Funny

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 have to think critically about what tech can do for us and remember that it is a tool, not a magic wand! Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang Season 2 of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” Click here to listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron. DonorPerfect DonorPerfect is an all-in-one fundraising software solution that helps you manage and track relationships with donors, raise money on and offline, and automate administrative tasks – all with a single nonprofit CRM. DonorPerfect has been serving the nonprofit community for over 30 years. Clients love them, board members trust them, and industry experts (like us!) recommend them. Right now, we recommend you check out their monthly giving success kit, a free guide to creating and growing your own recurring giving program.  iWave iWave is the leading provider of award-winning fundraising intelligence for nonprofits. With iWave’s powerful solutions, you’re not just getting incredible wealth screening and analytics that help you learn more about your donors with pinpoint accuracy, you can identify new donors through prospecting, find out more about your corporate and foundation donors, and gain tremendous insight into the most effective cultivation and engagement approaches – all powered by the industry’s largest philanthropic giving database. Visit iwave.com to learn more! Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.  Wired Production Group With more than 30 years of experience, Wired Production Group is the leading provider of full-service event solutions. They are award-winning event professionals who create unforgettable live, virtual, and hybrid experiences. They do more than just provide event and video production services - they create an experience that their clients will never forget. Their team stages creative projects across a broad range of markets and delivers a strategic process built to enhance, engage, and entertain your audience.

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 with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang Season 2 of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” Click here to listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron. DonorPerfect DonorPerfect is an all-in-one fundraising software solution that helps you manage and track relationships with donors, raise money on and offline, and automate administrative tasks – all with a single nonprofit CRM. DonorPerfect has been serving the nonprofit community for over 30 years. Clients love them, board members trust them, and industry experts (like us!) recommend them. Right now, we recommend you check out their monthly giving success kit, a free guide to creating and growing your own recurring giving program.  iWave iWave is the leading provider of award-winning fundraising intelligence for nonprofits. With iWave’s powerful solutions, you’re not just getting incredible wealth screening and analytics that help you learn more about your donors with pinpoint accuracy, you can identify new donors through prospecting, find out more about your corporate and foundation donors, and gain tremendous insight into the most effective cultivation and engagement approaches – all powered by the industry’s largest philanthropic giving database. Visit iwave.com to learn more! Wired Production Group With more than 30 years of experience, Wired Production Group is the leading provider of full-service event solutions. They are award-winning event professionals who create unforgettable live, virtual, and hybrid experiences. They do more than just provide event and video production services - they create an experience that their clients will never forget. Their team stages creative projects across a broad range of markets and delivers a strategic process built to enhance, engage, and entertain your audience.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.

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 grace goes a long way. Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang Season 2 of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” Click here to listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron. DonorPerfect DonorPerfect is an all-in-one fundraising software solution that helps you manage and track relationships with donors, raise money on and offline, and automate administrative tasks – all with a single nonprofit CRM. DonorPerfect has been serving the nonprofit community for over 30 years. Clients love them, board members trust them, and industry experts (like us!) recommend them. Right now, we recommend you check out their monthly giving success kit, a free guide to creating and growing your own recurring giving program.  iWave iWave is the leading provider of award-winning fundraising intelligence for nonprofits. With iWave’s powerful solutions, you’re not just getting incredible wealth screening and analytics that help you learn more about your donors with pinpoint accuracy, you can identify new donors through prospecting, find out more about your corporate and foundation donors, and gain tremendous insight into the most effective cultivation and engagement approaches – all powered by the industry’s largest philanthropic giving database. Visit iwave.com to learn more! Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.  Wired Production Group With more than 30 years of experience, Wired Production Group is the leading provider of full-service event solutions. They are award-winning event professionals who create unforgettable live, virtual, and hybrid experiences. They do more than just provide event and video production services - they create an experience that their clients will never forget. Their team stages creative projects across a broad range of markets and delivers a strategic process built to enhance, engage, and entertain your audience.

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 Greetings and Salutations Guide Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang Season 2 of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” Click here to listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron. DonorPerfect DonorPerfect is an all-in-one fundraising software solution that helps you manage and track relationships with donors, raise money on and offline, and automate administrative tasks – all with a single nonprofit CRM. DonorPerfect has been serving the nonprofit community for over 30 years. Clients love them, board members trust them, and industry experts (like us!) recommend them. Right now, we recommend you check out their monthly giving success kit, a free guide to creating and growing your own recurring giving program.  iWave iWave is the leading provider of award-winning fundraising intelligence for nonprofits. With iWave’s powerful solutions, you’re not just getting incredible wealth screening and analytics that help you learn more about your donors with pinpoint accuracy, you can identify new donors through prospecting, find out more about your corporate and foundation donors, and gain tremendous insight into the most effective cultivation and engagement approaches – all powered by the industry’s largest philanthropic giving database. Visit iwave.com to learn more! MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Wired Production Group With more than 30 years of experience, Wired Production Group is the leading provider of full-service event solutions. They are award-winning event professionals who create unforgettable live, virtual, and hybrid experiences. They do more than just provide event and video production services - they create an experience that their clients will never forget. Their team stages creative projects across a broad range of markets and delivers a strategic process built to enhance, engage, and entertain your audience.

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 Dr. Adrian Sargeant at the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Keela This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by Keela. Keela is the complete software solution for nonprofits looking to grow revenue, centralize and manage data, accurately track performance and deepen donor engagement. Learn more at www.keela.co

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 Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Keela This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by Keela. Keela is the complete software solution for nonprofits looking to grow revenue, centralize and manage data, accurately track performance and deepen donor engagement. Learn more at www.keela.co

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 | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Keela This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by Keela. Keela is the complete software solution for nonprofits looking to grow revenue, centralize and manage data, accurately track performance and deepen donor engagement. Learn more at www.keela.co

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 | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Keela This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by Keela. Keela is the complete software solution for nonprofits looking to grow revenue, centralize and manage data, accurately track performance and deepen donor engagement. Learn more at www.keela.co

Fundraising shops can be a zoo! And we know your shop has all kinds of work styles. No one has to get eaten. 👊Punchline: When it comes to organizational values and outcomes we should all be pulling toward the same goal. Assume positive intent. Take care of your people and find a balance that works for you.  Resources Mentioned: Lynne's book: T-Rexes vs Kangaroos Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.

Ever had someone badger you over an "urgent" email that wasn't at all on your radar? We thought so. Because humans are funny like that. We all have different ways of communicating and preferred (and not so preferred) methods for doing so. 👊 Punchline: If you aren't communicating well with someone, ask them about their preferred style and adapt as necessary. We can meet in the middle - our favorite part of any sandwich! 🥪 Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Find Good Jobs Jobs Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.

We've seen a lot of hilarious things in our careers and on thing's certain - auctions never cease to amaze! From the countless hours of staff time consumed to the most random auction items, we've just gotta laugh. 👊 Punchline: How much time (and stuff) is wasted when we aren't intentional in our fundraising efforts? Evaluate what you're doing and be mindful of the message we're sending.  Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.

What are the gimmicks in our industry that have always made you laugh? (We know a few just popped into your head) 👊 Punchline: Honor your mission and your beneficiaries by not making it gimmicky and tell the truth. Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.

Have you had one of those situations where somebody has used numbers either against you or just not in a way that made sense for you? Tune into this episode as we share how to combat the number blues. 👊 Punchline: The reality is, what we measure as organizations can mean different things. Don't compare yourself to an organization that isn't doing the exact same thing. You only have to be better than or as good as your last year. Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.

There's no way around it. We gotta laugh at the fact that billions of dollars are sitting in donor advised funds (DAFs) and not going to charities - or else we'll cry. And how are we reporting, stewarding and tagging them in our database? 👊Punchline: Due diligence is key when working with DAFs, just like it is with any gift. Be conscious of a third party involved in the relationship, watch those signals and align data accordingly. It just might signal your next major gift or planned giving donor. Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.

Remember that time you came across a contact report that made your eyes bug? 👀 We've all been there. But boy howdy, we're chatting through one example that had us questioning how/why they exist and how to cultivate with honor. 👊Punchline: Contact reports exist to show how a relationship is evolving. As you're reporting, remember personal ethics and dignity in our profession. Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.

"Low Hanging Fruit?" 🤨 Let's face it, our sector's words are weird. And littered with bizarre acronyms. And after awhile, we kinda get used to them until a newbie enters the picture and says, "ummm, please define." Those who are generous are the best of us, and some of our jargon gets in the way of us remembering that 👊Punchline: Do we think about the way we talk about donors?  Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.

Repeat after us: no donor is the same. And digging in beyond surface-level data can illuminate why two gents who own castles in England are two very different humans with different interests and giving motivations. 👊Punchline: Assumptions can sink relationships without the proper context. Digging into your data to understand the heart of a donor is game-changing for long-term connection. Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.

Oh mercy. It's the signage conversation we've all experienced (and may carry the emotional scars to prove it🤕). Whether it's tracking correct spelling, ensuring we've uncoupled appropriately, or "where the heck did maintenance put my donor wall after the renovation?!" - there's much to learn from the way we name spaces and honor donors. 👊Punchline: Assess where value and stewardship can be best expressed for the masses. You may be spinning your wheels on that bronze bust when an impact report may be the most profound (and affordable!) answer. Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  Givebutter Taking a quick moment to share more about our sponsor: Givebutter, the all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that’s empowering millions of changemakers like you to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to bring together multiple tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, CRM, email marketing, text messaging, and more—all for free, thanks to their 100% transparent tip-or-fee model.  As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories including donor management and auctions, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers.  If you're a nonprofit, school, team, or any kind of group looking to raise money, sign up for your free Givebutter account to get started in minutes. Head to givebutter.com to claim your free account today.

A recent survey shows 100% of nonprofits need to be asking bigger and better questions. Do you have a culture of surveying, and are you (gulp) asking questions that you already have in your database? 👊Punchline: Asking questions in short form + with a point + have actionable items = feedback GOLD. Connect with Fundraising is Funny Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Lynne + DRG Group Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Clay + TCB Fundraising Website | LinkedIn  Our Amazing Sponsors Bloomerang This season of Fundraising is Funny is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf.  After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Executive Director Josh Smith described their experience, “We love Bloomerang. It saves time. It’s helped us raise more funds.” To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/funny.  MSP Cultivate This episode is brought to you by MSP Cultivate. New challenges arrive on your desk every day. New trends in communications are popping up faster than you can follow them, and technology affects everything you do. Our friends at MSP Cultivate help you find the right strategy and execution to help you accomplish your most fundamental goal: engaging and connecting with your donors. Learn more at www.mspcultivate.com.  iWave iWave is the leading provider of award-winning fundraising intelligence for nonprofits. With iWave’s powerful solutions, you’re not just getting incredible wealth screening and analytics that help you learn more about your donors with pinpoint accuracy, you can identify new donors through prospecting, find out more about your corporate and foundation donors, and gain tremendous insight into the most effective cultivation and engagement approaches – all powered by the industry’s largest philanthropic giving database. Visit iwave.com to learn more!