Detailed Summary of Episode 97: REACTION: Craziest Fundraising Advice on the Internet!

Release Date: July 23, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast
• Hosts: Jim Dempsey and Jason Galicinski
• Description: As the #1 podcast for nonprofit leaders, the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast provides practical solutions to daily fundraising and development challenges. With over 5,000 nonprofits assisted and more than $2 billion raised globally, hosts Jim Dempsey and Jason Galicinski focus on cultivating the right mindset and implementing effective development strategies to help nonprofits become fully funded.

Episode Overview

In Episode 97 titled "REACTION: Craziest Fundraising Advice on the Internet!", hosts Jim Dempsey and Jason Galicinski delve into some of the most unconventional and ineffective fundraising strategies circulated online. Through a series of Facebook posts, they critique misguided approaches, highlighting the stark contrast between poor fundraising tactics and their proven methods, specifically the "Perfect Vision Dinner."

Section 1: Introduction to the Episode [00:00 - 00:52]

• Jason Galicinski kicks off the episode:

  "[...] the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast."
  (00:00)

• Jim Dempsey shares his initial reaction to a controversial fundraising approach:

  "To be honest with you, I would hate to be this person's spouse..."
  (00:10)

Section 2: Unveiling Crazy Fundraising Tactics [00:53 - 12:02]

A. The "UN Event" Gimmick [02:03 - 10:21]

• Jason introduces the first Facebook post:

  "For Christmas, I'm giving you the opportunity to get out of attending a fundraiser event..."
  (02:03)

• Jim's Analysis:

  "I've seen these before and they are totally failures."
  (02:29)

  He elaborates on past attempts by ministries to use similar tactics, such as the "UN dinner," which ultimately failed to raise funds and even resulted in financial losses due to printing costs.

• Notable Quote:

  "It's making fun of fundraising events."
  (05:42)

B. The "Simple Math Coupons" Approach [12:02 - 16:19]

• Jason presents another dubious fundraising method involving selling coupons:

  "50 coupons sold. $250 made. 100 coupons sold. $550 made..."
  (12:08)

• Jim's Skeptical Response:

  "Wow. And, man, I am. This motivates me to go out and send all my people out in the streets to sell coupons."
  (12:43)

  He humorously critiques the inefficiency and unrealistic expectations of such strategies.

• Notable Quote:

  "No, it's selling coupons. So I think..."
  (13:01)

C. Misuse of the Ice Bucket Challenge [14:00 - 16:19]

• Jason brings up a particularly insensitive example:

  "Last summer, I was the only person I knew who didn't do the ice bucket challenge. Five months later, I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease."
  (14:18)

• Jim's Reaction:

  "I was a little afraid that I might might end right there."
  (19:52)

  He condemns the use of guilt as a motivator, emphasizing the emotional harm it can cause.

• Notable Quote:

  "He's trying to get them to give using guilt."
  (15:27)

Section 3: Critique of Fancy Gala Fundraising Events [16:37 - 25:37]

A. The "Big Fancy Gala" Snafu [16:37 - 25:37]

• Jason introduces a lengthy example of a poorly planned gala:

  "A big fancy gala... They tell you how to negotiate, how to save $8,000 before choosing their menus."
  (16:39)

• Jim's Satirical Reading:

  "[...] Pre established gifts at each solicitation level to build momentum and draw out other gifts."
  (20:05)

  He mocks the overcomplicated and shallow aspects of such events, highlighting the lack of genuine connection and reliance on superficial tactics like alcohol to pressure donors.

• Notable Quotes:

  "Lead them to feel nothing but regret and a severe hankering for a McDonald's and Diet Coke..."
  (19:52)
  "Motivation by guilt. That doesn't."
  (24:47)

Section 4: Promoting the Perfect Vision Dinner [25:37 - 32:14]

A. Contrasting with Proven Strategies [25:37 - 32:14]

• Jason and Jim pivot to discuss their effective approach:

  "We are very focused for 21 weeks on putting together a vision casting event."
  (26:17)

• Key Differences Highlighted:

  • Vision Casting vs. Guilt-Tripping: Emphasis on inspiring donors with a compelling vision rather than manipulating them through guilt.
  • Relationship Building: Focus on cultivating genuine relationships and fostering long-term partnerships.
  • Strategic Planning: Detailed preparation and strategic execution to ensure fundraising success without resorting to unethical methods.

• Notable Quotes:

  "We don't do any of these things, Jason. And to be honest with you, I'm very proud to say we don't do any of that."
  (26:11)
  "It's all about winning people to our cause, keeping them through cultivation and lifting them to higher levels of giving."
  (30:35)

B. Success Stories and Testimonials [32:14 - 33:35]

• Jason shares a testimonial from John of the Niagara Gospel Mission:

  "He was more excited about the connections that the dinner did, the friends that he got..."
  (31:12)

• Jim underscores the impact of their approach:

  "It's incredible what you can do when you get a room filled with people who have the ability to make change happen."
  (31:49)

Section 5: Conclusion and Call to Action [33:16 - 33:35]

• Jason wraps up by encouraging listeners to engage with their mentorship program:

  "If you're interested in, let's get in touch..."
  (32:07)

• Jim reinforces the invitation:

  "It's really by invitation only. It's for people who seriously, legitimately, truthfully want to raise money for their organization."
  (32:40)

• Final Remarks:

  "Thanks for going along with it."
  (33:30)

Key Takeaways

1. Avoiding Manipulative Tactics: The hosts strongly discourage using guilt or insincere methods to pressure donors, emphasizing respect and genuine connection.

2. Importance of Vision and Strategy: Effective fundraising relies on a clear, compelling vision and strategic planning rather than superficial event gimmicks.

3. Building Genuine Relationships: Success stems from cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, focusing on long-term partnerships and mutual goals.

4. Ethical Fundraising Practices: Upholding integrity and authenticity in all fundraising endeavors ensures sustainable support and positive community impact.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jim Dempsey on Disrespectful Fundraising:

  "He is making fun of fundraising... It must think this is funny, but to me, all he's doing is disrespecting me because he doesn't care enough about me."
  (07:28)

• Jim on Genuine Motivation:

  "What motivates me is something that's actually accomplishing something of value and presumably something that's making a difference for the kingdom."
  (16:23)

• Jason on Relationship-Focused Fundraising:

  "It's all about relationships. It's all about friend raising."
  (30:36)

• Jim on Their Proven Approach:

  "We have dinners with opportunities. And this fund a need... are going to take an organization to the next level."
  (27:42)

Conclusion:

In this episode, Jim Dempsey and Jason Galicinski provide a critical examination of ineffective and unethical fundraising strategies circulating online. Through humor and candid discussion, they advocate for a respectful, vision-driven approach to fundraising, exemplified by their "Perfect Vision Dinner." This episode serves as both a cautionary tale against poor practices and a testament to the effectiveness of their proven methods in achieving sustainable funding and meaningful donor relationships.