It’s proven: we like to do fun things. We also like to take shortcuts with dull or tedious tasks (generally speaking). Not everyone takes the shortcuts in life, but if you have a choice between four flights of stairs and an elevator, most people are going to choose the elevator.
However, what if you made taking the stairs fun. Volkswagon put this “fun theory” to the test when they made a piano out of a staircase:
They also made throwing out trash and recycling fun. By simply adding a sound effect or making a game out of recycling, they’ve generated more interest and consequently, more impact.
For non-profits, the fun theory can be the difference in minimal impact or long-term sustainability. By injecting fun into your initiatives, you can create a lasting impact on your audience and those you support. Instead of starting with the money, start with the fun.
For instance, take jet skiing. Why not create a course whereby jet skiiers donate X amount of dollars for each hoop they go through. It drums up support in a fun, impactful way. It’s not enough to ask for money, put a little fun into the mix and people are more willing to help out.