It’s Okay to Make Them Laugh

by Bryn George | July 8, 2024

Fundraisers want our donors to feel inspired, impacted, and moved by the urgency of our mission. But have we ever asked ourselves, “How do we make them laugh?”

It’s not about making jokes.

Instead, it’s about making a personal connection with donors to reach a level where sharing a laugh becomes natural.

I understand that some of us work for missions that deal with serious, weighty issues, making it hard to see where light, casual conversations might fit. But what if humor could open a door, make someone feel more at ease, or draw someone in through a personal connection?

A mentor of mine once tried to connect with a donor prospect and invite her to an organization’s event. The donor seemed somewhat resistant and commented that it appeared to be a “younger crowd.” My quick-witted mentor responded jokingly, “Well, I’ve had one knee replaced, and I’m working on the next.”

The donor recognized the shared experience with my mentor, which helped her feel more comfortable. Ultimately, she attended the event.

Not feeling quick-witted?

Are you unsure if someone would appreciate humor? That’s okay. Remember, the goal is to make a genuine relational connection.

Some practical ways to do this include starting a conversation or email with a personal story. For example: “Were you able to enjoy this great weather? My enjoyment was stunted when I almost stepped on a snake during a hike.” or “I hope your weekend was cleaner than mine,” with a picture of your kid covered in spaghetti.

Quick stories about your pets, kids, weather, sports, or travel experiences are easy ways to make connections.

Under your email signature, you could add “Fun Facts.” I like to list fun facts about myself —my favorite sports team, my favorite vacation spot, my favorite cheeseburger in NYC. Several donors responded, “That’s my favorite, too!”

Stand out by being relational.

These ideas might seem silly and a waste of time, but I promise that the donor will appreciate the ‘humanness’ of your outreach. These days, people are inundated with sales calls and media, and that human touch helps make your communication a standout one. 

You won’t regret making a donor laugh. It could be the perfect start to a warm conversation.