How much is a sense of humour worth?

I've been very encouraged by the pleasant comments about our silly little spoof video. Everyone's been very supportive and I'm sure we've also sold a few hoodies off the back of it. However, a question was raised at our team meeting today that got me thinking. At what point does something, that isn't directly intended to support our volunteers or generate income, become a "waste of donor's money"?

We walk a fine line as a youth organisation between what is 'good' because it directly effects and/or invests in young people and children and what is 'good' because it appeals to young people and their interests. On this particular occasion, I think this latest video "ticks enough boxes" (especially as it was made as a work experience project as well as a marketing opportunity) to justify its own existence. But what about a stupid video made just for the sake of raising a smile and showing our playful, (to quote Matt's own words) "more human side"? Can an individual donor feel aggrieved that we are frittering away their generous gift or does this sort of thing actually help people to connect easier with the people who serve the mission and calling of Urban Saints? After all, if Urban Saints could be run much cheaper by using robots, would that make it the correct decision to replace the staff with them?!

It would be interesting to hear some perspectives on this - especially as all different charities are run and funded differently and because people have very strong feelings about what charities should and shouldn't do with their donations. Ultimately, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and to make the choice about whether they start (or stop) giving towards an organisation like Urban Saints. But is there a danger that when can both be 'under-' and 'over-' sensitive to this all at the same time?!