How might we put the FUN back in fundraising?

Unlike the for-profit sector, where business models are well-defined and widely understood, the social sector lacks a common funding model lexicon.

Furthermore, many social sector organizations operate as implicit two-sided markets, with those benefiting from a service often being distinct, at least in part, from those funding it. These factors make it challenging to design and communicate compelling strategies to potential funders.

Do you think of fundraising as an F* word: an unnecessarily competitive, tedious, time sucking, soul crushing exercise? Do you crave inventive ways to connect with your greatest supporters and turn them into funders in a way that’s authentic for all? Do you want your fundraising to better serve your mission (instead of taking time away from it)? If you answered YES to any of these questions… this game is for you.

This game:

1. attempts to create a funding model lexicon for the social sector - organizations, individuals and movements alike.

2. is designed to challenge and inspire you to think of creative approaches OUTSIDE of traditional grant-based fundraising & investment.

3. is biased towards action - allowing you to explore, play and experiment with different ways of creating, delivering and capturing value in a safe space where there’s no failure, only learning and FUN!

Contents:

• instructions

• 20 funding model cards illustrated with examples + 2 blank cards

• 12 blank madlib (fill-in-the-blank) cards

• 1 bonus experiment design template and prioritization tool to test emerging ideas and continue learning

Printing: For best results, print double-sided with long edge binding on A4-sized card stock paper (matte recommended). After printing, carefully cut along the dotted line.

No refunds: Due to the digital nature of this product, which can be downloaded immediately, it is not possible to offer refunds.

Our team LOVED this jam. It gave us space that’s generative and allowed us to look at so many possibilities before narrowing them down to models we’re super excited about testing. Manon Vergerio, Head of Data & Advocacy, Unlock NYC