What “A Bug’s Life” Can Teach Us About Fundraising
On my 9.5-hour flight home from Italy, I decided to rewatch one of my favorite Pixar movies from the ’90s, A Bug’s Life. I was also working on this week’s newsletter, so my mind was half on fundraising. And that’s when I realized– that movie is actually about fundraising! Well, not exactly. But it does offer some valuable inspiration about donor stewardship and campaign strategy.
For those who haven’t seen it (or haven’t watched since the VHS era), A Bug’s Life follows Flik, a well-meaning but accident-prone ant who’s desperate to help his colony break free from the control of a gang of bullying grasshoppers. His unconventional plan to recruit a group of circus bugs for help seems misguided at first, but ultimately leads to empowerment, collective action, and a whole lot of growth.
It turns out, this animated tale about a misfit ant and a band of unlikely allies offers more than nostalgic entertainment- it’s packed with lessons for fundraisers, especially those of us trying to do things differently.
Here are five takeaways that stuck with me:
1. Humor builds connection
From the clumsy caterpillar Heimlich to the chaotic circus troupe, humor carries the film. Fundraising often leans heavy on urgency, need, and impact. But humor can be a powerful tool for connection and building trust with your donors.
A stewardship note with a playful tone, a Giving Tuesday email that makes someone laugh, or a light-hearted social post can go a long way toward making your organization feel more human. Be funny (where appropriate). Be yourself. The most meaningful donor relationships are about genuine connection, not transaction.
2. Creativity matters more than convention
Flik’s ideas are dismissed as too risky, until they save the colony. Sound familiar?
Fundraisers are often pressured to stick with what’s “proven to work.” But sameness rarely inspires. In the age of AI, so many appeal letters and social posts sound eerily similar. A bold campaign theme, an unexpected format, or an unconventional thank-you gift might be the very thing that makes your organization stand out. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
3. Second chances lead to breakthroughs
Flik makes a mess of things. But he’s given another shot, and ends up saving the day.
Not every campaign will hit its mark. Not every appeal will surpass its initial goal. But fear of failure can’t be the thing that stops us from innovating. Some of your best fundraising ideas will come from a first try that didn’t go quite right. Iteration isn’t a luxury, it’s part of the job.
4. When communication breaks down, lead with clarity
Flik thinks he’s hiring warriors. The bugs believe they are putting on a show. The middle of the movie is a comedy of errors rooted in miscommunication.
We’ve all been there. Whether you’re managing direct reports, working with consultants, or collaborating with board members and volunteers, clear communication is everything. Be specific over Slack. Reiterate goals in writing. Confirm next steps after Zoom calls. Misunderstandings happen, but how quickly you fix them is what counts.
5. Perseverance wins
The ants don’t have the resources. They don’t have the strength of the grasshoppers. But they have something more powerful: numbers, grit, and a belief that things can change. Once they realize they outnumber their oppressors, everything shifts.
In fundraising, you’ll get no’s. You’ll get no-shows. Many of your outreach emails will go unanswered. But if you stay persistent, rally your community, and keep showing up, momentum will build. Fundraising is a long game- and perseverance, paired with people power, is one of your greatest assets.
Conclusion
I wasn’t looking for lessons on fundraising when I picked this particular offering from the Pixar canon- really! And lessons of humor, creativity, grit, good communication, and perseverance apply to the human experience even beyond our beloved nonprofit sector.
Maybe that’s the most important reminder of all: that even when the odds feel stacked, there’s strength in numbers and in believing that the work we’re doing matters.
As Flik defiantly tells the grasshoppers in the film’s turning point:
“Ants don’t serve grasshoppers. It’s you who need us! We’re a lot stronger than you say we are. And you know it, don’t you?”
That same message rings true in our sector. Nonprofits aren’t passive players. Fundraisers aren’t order-takers. Donors aren’t just wallets. We’re collaborators, visionaries, and changemakers. So let’s lead like Flik- imperfectly, boldly, and always in community.