At the ISAR Ednannia Civil Society Home, we hosted a vibrant Stand-meet-up for fundraisers on Laughter, Kindness, and a Harmonica. Stand-up comedian Vasyl Baidak shared his experience and advice on how to raise funds for victory in an ever-changing environment.
The key insights of the meeting: the era of simple fundraising is over, and to stand out in today’s cynical competition, creativity is a must. Tap into your unique experiences (even if it’s just a story about a haircut!), try unexpected formats (hello, auctions where a joke might fetch more than something practical! 😄), and do not be afraid to pack serious topics in a way that is digestible for social media.
Here are a few more takeaways from Vasyl Baidak:
💡 Not media famous? Start personal. Your uncle is on the front line? That’s a story. Tell it. It could become your first fundraising post.
💡 Creativity isn’t about memes — it’s strategy. Instagram wants cute cats? Give it a parody video — but slip in a fundraiser for drones between the jokes.
💡 An auction isn’t selling — it’s play. Turn it into a show. The thrill gets people donating. Start at 10 UAH — and watch it take off.
💡 Trust is everything. Earn it with honesty, clear reporting (yes, those “boring but crucial” updates with receipts and photos!), and by being real, not just a persona.
💡 Everyone’s tired? Your job is to spark curiosity. People scroll mindlessly, algorithms don’t care — but humor, sincerity, and creativity still cut through.
And Vasyl Baidak’s main advice? Don’t give up. Even when donations drop (and they will — because of the news, the weather, or who knows what), keep experimenting. Keep creating. And always remember why you’re doing this.
Watch the fantastic and inspiring meeting
The event took place with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine - a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden.
