Nonprofits are many things -- selfless and resourceful life-saving agencies that give the underdogs reason to hope. But…funny? That’s typically nowhere to be found on the mission statement.
The lack of snickering in the charity industry is what inspired John Suart, a nonprofit marketing consultant in Ontario, to found his satirical blog, Non-Profit Humour (H/T Philanthropy.com). Modeled after the Onion, NPH –- which recently celebrated its first birthday –- solely churns out made up stories that poke fun at the world of 501c3s.
“We started this because our founders realized that it was about time someone made people in the non-profit world laugh,” Suart writes on the site. “If you are offended by the Non-Profit Humour Blog, get a life.”
Considering no one has yet tackled the nonprofit industry, Suart’s site is ripe with options for material.
In the post, “Survey says non-profit social media has improved from ‘Tediously Dull’ to ‘Slightly Boring,'" the blog takes a jab at the dry tweets and Facebook posts charities tend to send out into the world.
“Last year, most charity social media was about as exciting as watching paint dry,” the July 23 post reads. “This year, it’s like watching a TV documentary on the history of paint drying – perhaps one narrated by a famous actor.”
Non-Profit Humour seems to be strategically choosing its topics. A study released by Bridgespan in March concluded that nonprofits don’t really know how to gain and connect with followers.
"In the rush to 'go social,' many nonprofits are failing to think through their strategy," the authors note in "Tweeting For A Better World."
While the blog is taking on a refreshingly funny tone, some of the posts –- i.e. the one about Chicken Little’s new charity that aims to prevent the sky from falling -- are falling a bit, er, flat.
“Foxy told me that the only way people would pay attention to the sky falling down would be if they were educated about it. Then he said he’d be happy to help us create a charity to raise money to do just that. I was so relieved,” said the trusting and naïve Little.