"F" is for Fundraising

Bingo!
(image by jaycoxfilms)

I told you I wasn’t done with this topic yet – hooray! The first three words on this list are truly heinous, while the last two are really more like victims of their times. All of them burn my toast ‘til it’s black…

1. Appetite:  I know what you’re thinking…”eating disorder!” No! It’s not the foodie usage that I loathe. It’s when someone’s deep into the corporate-speak and says something to a funder like: “does your foundation have an appetite for this issue?” Yarg! Tell me there isn’t a happy medium between that phrase and saying “does this issue blow your skirt up?” There must be something.

2. Resonate:  What’s there to love about this word? It’s kind of like “appetite” above. I’ll give you a toonie to avoid it forever, unless you really are talking about producing a deep, full, reverberating sound (thank you Random Google Definition).

3.Remiss:  Ahhh, reminds me of the olden days when I’d sit around with my then-major gifts boss. This one’s used when you are telling a donor, who already gave a gift, about the Way Better Project you have now. So you acknowledge that she’s already given, but then say “it would be remiss of me not to tell you about this other opportunity too.” Sometimes that is the absolute truth! But mostly I think we need to never say that word.

4. Non-profit:  “Holy Hannah!” I hear you thinking, “But she works in the non-profit sector!” Yes I know, but what kind of message does this word really send? It starts off with a negative, with an apology, with lameness. You’d never know this ill-named sector brings in billions of dollars and employs zillions of people – all to do good! Dan Pallotta says it best in his latest book Charity Case. Don’t be frightened by the photo on his site, he knows what he’s talking about. Why not say “social sector” instead?  People will know you’re not talking about a cotillion.

5. Strategic plan:  Definitely a victim of its times. Strat plans are necessary and, on rare occasions, useful, but we all curl up and die when we hear the phrase. See for yourself on BCDC idea’s cute video Sh*t Nonprofit People Say. 

There will be more words later. Bingo out.

– Siobhan

You’re probably familiar with this game from playing it with your favourite co-worker during strategic planning retreats. I’m talking about those “corporate-speak” words that are widely adopted in most office settings, but that are left out of normal human intercourse. That’s right, I said intercourse.

When we talk to people about funding our great projects – through proposal writing or direct mail or online – it’s important to talk to them in plain language. Forget about those I’m-trying-to-impress-the-boss words! Hunt them down and dig them out of your otherwise-awesome writing! Have a look at the worst offenders listed here and consider the more human translations in your donor communications.

1. Communications. Did you see how I just used it in the sentence before? And didn’t I sound a bit poncy right there? I should have just used the word I meant: “writing.” If there’s a real word that’s simpler than the five-syllable one you just wrote, use it instead. You’ll sound more real.
2. Dialogue. Why?! Think about how often you use a word when talking to your friends over a bottle of Mission Hill merlot (you’re welcome MH!). Strive to use words that you’d use when talking to a friend – assuming you don’t have a lot of friends who are serving time. The most criminal uses of “dialogue” are as a verb and/or together with “stakeholders”. Example: “Part of the strategic planning process involved dialoguing with our stakeholders.” How about calling me when the shuttle lands? Replace: “Part of the strategic planning process involved talking to people connected to the charity.”
3. Stakeholders: But it’s such a handy word in the social sector world, right?! Well, it has a colonial vibe and should be avoided. Try “allies” instead.
4. Synergy. I want to break my thumbs every time I hear this word. It may be my least favourite. That’s right, this list is in random order. You’ll have to look it up yourself, as I’m not even sure what it’s supposed to mean.
5. Operationalize. I got a spell-check underline on that one, but we used it at the last two places I worked! You’re just going to have to craft a phrase instead to avoid sounding like a total knob.
6. Iteration, iterative and interate. I know a high-paid consultant who uses this word in all its versions the same way other people use “the.” Replace with “repeat” or “emphasize.”

Remember: Be real and authentic. Use your own voice, not the voice of Corporate Dork, and you will draw supporters in with your down-to-earth charm.

Bullsh*t Bingo: the poisonous mushroom of the social sector

I’m not done on this topic by a long shot.

– Siobhan