What Parks & Recreation Taught Me About Fundraising
One of my favorite workplace comedies, Parks & Recreation, aired on NBC from 2009–2015. The documentary-style fan favorite followed the lives of a group of parks and recreation employees.
It’s a go-to in my house, often playing in the background and looped on repeat when I need a good laugh. What I didn’t realize until this year is that its characters actually come together to form what would be an incredibly well-rounded and successful fundraiser.
Let’s start with Leslie. As the deputy director of the department, Leslie carries most of the weight. She’s organized, determined, and more than anything, persistent. She doesn’t stop until the job is done, and does whatever it takes to get it done right. She deeply believes in the work she does, famously saying, “I care. I care a lot. It’s kind of my thing.” Fundraising becomes so much easier when someone genuinely believes in the work they’re raising money for. Mission alignment isn’t just a thing between organizations and funders—it should absolutely be the case between organizations and their fundraisers.
Then we have Ron, who shows up with focus and integrity. Fans still quote one of his lines that can be perfectly applied to fundraising: “Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.” It’s easy to become distracted by all of the moving pieces, but a solid fundraiser knows when and where their attention belongs. While he doesn’t always love interacting with people, he says what he means and follows through on his word—qualities that make a top major donor officer.
Ben’s financial acumen would be perfect for developing budgets, and his analytical thinking for overseeing post-award compliance. Though they may not be the most exciting aspects of a fundraiser’s job, they’re necessary for ensuring ethical practices, and ultimately, repeat funding.
If innovation had a name, it would be Tom. Constantly reinventing himself, Tom is not afraid to try something new. Funders love fresh, innovative ideas. They receive hundreds, if not thousands, of grant proposals each year. Every fundraising request competes against lots of other organizations doing genuinely good work, so your proposal needs to stand out. It needs to answer three questions: “Why this problem?” “Why now?” and most importantly, “Why you?” This is exactly the same way Tom sells himself and his businesses.
A good fundraiser also understands that fundraising is about building relationships, not only about money. Ann’s friendliness and loyalty would make her the ultimate cultivation expert. She listens to learn and understand, not just to hear. Her responses are thoughtful, and often reflect back what she’s hearing from others.
Everywhere Donna goes, she shows up with the bold confidence needed to ask someone for money. She knows her worth, the same way a fundraiser knows the worth of what they’re fundraising for. She wouldn’t be scared to sit in silence after making the ask, and definitely wouldn’t be scared to challenge a donor’s hesitation.
Something sometimes undervalued is the role authenticity plays in fundraising. No funder or donor wants to feel like they’re talking to a used car salesman. April would make a donor feel respected simply by showing up as herself and treating them as a partner, not a human ATM listening to an overly rehearsed pitch.
Hearing “no” is something you have to get used to. Andy’s resilience is needed to keep pushing forward anyway. A rejection doesn’t necessarily mean you did something wrong. Sometimes there simply wasn’t enough money, or a funder’s priorities shifted. Andy wouldn’t let it get to his ego. He would get back out there and try to find the right funder for the ask.
This work takes time. Showing up consistently, Jerry embodies the idea that sometimes relationship building is about quietly being there. He knows that listening and staying quiet can be a power move. Jerry would be perfect for ongoing stewardship. Protecting the ongoing funder relationship may seem unglamorous, but it’s the quiet piece of the puzzle that makes long-term partnerships possible.
Finally, a good fundraiser is optimistic about their work. If Chris were applying for a grant, he’d do so with his signature positive outlook and smile and the genuine belief that change is possible.
Together, the cast is the perfect embodiment of a successful fundraising professional.
People often say “be the Leslie Knope of whatever you do.”
Leslie alone isn't the perfect fundraiser. It takes a little Leslie, Ron, Ben, Tom, Ann, Donna, April, Andy, Jerry, and Chris.
