Humor is a powerful tool to connect with your audience, stand out from the crowd, and create memorable impressions. But how can you use humor effectively in your fundraising campaigns without offending, confusing, or boring your donors? In this article, you'll learn some tips and examples of how to make your fundraising campaigns unforgettable with humor.
The first rule of humor is to know who you're talking to. Different types of humor appeal to different people, depending on their age, culture, background, values, and preferences. You don't want to make jokes that are insensitive, inappropriate, or irrelevant to your audience. Instead, you want to use humor that resonates with them, reflects their interests and concerns, and shows that you understand them. For example, if you're raising funds for a senior center, you might use humor that pokes fun at the challenges and joys of aging, rather than humor that mocks or stereotypes older people.
Think of your audience like a quirky cast of characters you're writing jokes for. The hipsters, the history buffs, the dog-lovers – they all dig different laughs. So, how do you crack their codes? Here's the lowdown: Teens giggle at fart jokes, boomers at Dad puns. Adapt your humor to their funny bone vintage. What tickles one culture's ribs might offend another. Research cultural sensitivities and avoid humor that lands with a thud. Are they tech geeks or bookworms? Tailor your jokes to their interests and inside jokes. They'll know you speak their language! Touchy subjects deserve a gentle touch. Jokes that mock someone's values will backfire faster than a wet firework. Respect is the punchline you always want to land.
The second rule of humor is to be yourself. Don't try to copy someone else's style or force yourself to be funny if it's not natural for you. Humor works best when it comes from your own personality, voice, and perspective. You want to show your donors that you're genuine, human, and relatable, not fake, robotic, or pretentious. For example, if you're raising funds for a wildlife conservation project, you might use humor that shows your passion and enthusiasm for animals, rather than humor that sounds scripted or rehearsed.
The third rule of humor is to be relevant. Humor should serve a purpose in your fundraising campaign, not distract from it. You want to use humor that supports your message, highlights your impact, and motivates your donors, not humor that dilutes your message, undermines your credibility, or confuses your donors. For example, if you're raising funds for a disaster relief effort, you might use humor that shows your resilience and optimism, rather than humor that minimizes or trivializes the situation.
The fourth rule of humor is to be creative. Humor can help you stand out from the crowd and capture your donors' attention in a crowded and competitive fundraising landscape. You want to use humor that surprises, delights, and engages your donors, not humor that bores, annoys, or offends them. For example, if you're raising funds for a school, you might use humor that involves your students, teachers, and parents, rather than humor that relies on clichés or stereotypes.
The fifth rule of humor is to be strategic. Humor should be used wisely and sparingly in your fundraising campaign, not randomly and excessively. You want to use humor that enhances your campaign, not overshadows it. You need to consider when, where, and how to use humor, depending on your goals, audience, and channels. For example, if you're raising funds for a health care cause, you might use humor in your social media posts or emails, but not in your donation page or thank you letter.
Humor, when tasteful, timely and appropriate can be a bonding agent for any group of people. Some cultures and campuses are inherently easier to infuse humor. Frankly, it is a lot easier when it starts at the top- the CEO/ President and senior cabinet leaders can set the pace or sabotage this endeavor. I have been fortunate to have worked under some great leaders who modeled appropriate humor well. If you are the top , don’t take yourself too seriously !