The Lego That Saved My Keyboard (And What It Can Teach You About Fundraising)

Let me tell you a story about a broken keyboard.

One of the two legs on my keyboard snapped clean off. Probably the kids, honestly. Or maybe me. Either way, my once-reliable tool was suddenly out of commission, wobbling like a rookie skater on thin ice.

For a while, I tried to fix the problem with a Dallas Stars hockey puck, but every time the keyboard shifted, it dipped precariously. Annoying and unstable—not exactly a winning setup.

In a moment of desperation (or genius), I grabbed the super glue. Did it work? Nope. The leg refused to stick, mocking me with its stubborn refusal to reattach. That’s when I had my lightbulb moment: a Lego. I snapped one on, and guess what? Problem solved. My keyboard was back in action, supported by the unexpected heroism of a tiny plastic brick.

So, what does this have to do with fundraising? More than you might think.

In fundraising, as in life, things will break. Your donor retention strategy might flop. That big campaign idea could fall flat. Sometimes, the perfectly planned solution (hello, super glue!) won’t work. That’s when it’s time to think outside the box—or in this case, reach for the Lego.

Your supporters’ needs and motivations are constantly shifting. A thank-you email that worked like magic last year might be met with crickets this year. The trick isn’t to force the old solution to stick; it’s to adapt, get creative, and find the tool that works in the moment.

At Nonprofit Bestie, we’re all about turning wobbly fundraising into rock-solid strategies. Maybe your retention rates are dipping every time you turn around, or your follow-up system is as frustratingly unreliable as a keyboard propped on a hockey puck.

That’s where we come in.

Let’s make this practical. Take a look at your donor retention strategy:

If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated, you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you need templates, coaching, or an honest look at what’s not working, Nonprofit Bestie has your back. We’ll help you adapt, get creative, and find the perfect fix—no super glue required.

Take a moment to think about your biggest “broken keyboard” in fundraising. Is it donor retention? Event planning? Communications?

What’s your version of the hockey puck—the solution that sort of works but leaves you frustrated?

Here’s the challenge: Identify one wobbly area and brainstorm a Lego-like fix. Bonus points if it’s creative, unexpected, or just plain clever. Need help? That’s what we’re here for.

And hey, if all else fails, try an actual Lego. It worked for me.