What if fundraising was as simple and fun as a 5th-grade project? In today’s episode, we sit down with Patrick Kirby, founder of Do Good Better Consulting and host of The Official Do Good Better Podcast, to talk about his newest book, Fundraise Like a 5th Grader. Patrick brings his signature energy and humor to share why embracing a childlike approach to fundraising can lead to big wins for nonprofits.

We also dive into 2025 fundraising trends, the dangers of “we’ve always done it this way” thinking, and the simplest ways nonprofits can raise more money this year. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just starting, this conversation is packed with insights you can use today!

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:

• The inspiration behind Fundraise Like a 5th Grader
• Why overcomplicating fundraising is holding nonprofits back
• The biggest fundraising trends for 2025
• The most common fundraising mistakes (and how to fix them!)
• Why breaking old habits is critical for nonprofit success

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Guest Links & Resources:

📖 Get Fundraise Like a 5th Grader: Do Good Better Consulting
💡 Learn more about Patrick Kirby: Do Good Better Consulting
🎙 Listen to The Official Do Good Better Podcast: [Podcast Link]
📲 Follow Patrick on LinkedIn | Twitter

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🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!

Ready to join them?

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Everyone is busy. Whether it’s emails, reports, or social media, most people skim rather than read in depth. So how can we write in a way that ensures our message gets through?

In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Rogers, a Harvard Kennedy School professor, behavioral scientist, and author of Writing for Busy Readers. Todd shares the cognitive science behind effective communication and offers six actionable principles to help nonprofit professionals, educators, and leaders write clearly and concisely.

We also explore:
✅ The psychology behind why people skim instead of read
✅ A simple checklist to make writing more engaging and effective
✅ A free AI tool that helps writers refine their messages
✅ How nonprofits can apply these strategies without oversimplifying complex ideas

If you’ve ever struggled with getting your emails read, crafting compelling donor messages, or writing reports that don’t get ignored—this episode is for you.

About Todd Rogers:

Todd Rogers is Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (research homepage). He is a behavioral scientist who studies how to better communicate with families, students, consumers, employees, and voters. Todd has co-founded two social enterprises: the Analyst Institute, which uses behavioral science to improve voter communications, and EveryDay Labs, which helps school districts reduce student absenteeism by communicating more effectively with families. He is also Senior Scientist at ideas42 and Academic Advisor at the Behavioural Insights Team.

At Harvard, Todd has won teaching awards every year for the past decade. His course, The Science of Behavior Change, is consistently among the most popular courses at Harvard Kennedy School. He is also the faculty chair of the executive education program Behavioral Insights and Public Policy, and he serves as faculty director of the Harvard Behavioral Insights Group, a network of more than 60 Harvard faculty whose research uses behavioral science for public good.

Todd has published in top journals in psychology, economics, political science, education, organizational behavior, management, marketing, public health, and medicine. Todd has been featured in numerous national media outlets, both as an author of opinion articles and in stories highlighting his work and expertise.

Resources Mentioned:

• Todd Rogers’ Book: Writing for Busy Readers
• Free AI email editing tool: Writing for Busy Readers AI
• Todd Rogers’ research homepage: Harvard Kennedy School

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

In times of uncertainty—whether due to political shifts, economic downturns, or crises—strong nonprofit boards are more essential than ever. But how can boards step up, adapt, and lead with equity, inclusion, and power-sharing at the forefront?

In this episode, I sit down with Christal M. Cherry, Principal & CEO of The Board Pro, to explore how nonprofit boards can navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster leadership that drives real impact. Christal brings years of experience coaching and training boards, and she’s passionate about ensuring boards reflect the communities they serve.

We also dive into:

✔️ The biggest mistakes boards make during times of crisis
✔️ How to create a board culture of trust, transparency, and inclusion
✔️ The power dynamics that often hold boards back—and how to fix them
✔️ Why diversity and lived experience matter in board leadership
✔️ How to keep fundraising strong in the face of uncertainty

If your nonprofit’s board is struggling to lead effectively through turbulence, this episode is a must-listen!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

🔹 What “turbulent times” look like for nonprofits today
🔹 The role of a board during uncertainty—and how to step up
🔹 Why some boards freeze instead of taking action—and how to overcome it
🔹 How to ensure your board reflects the community it serves
🔹 Practical ways to empower board members to be bold, engaged leaders
🔹 How to fundraise effectively, even in the face of political and economic challenges
🔹 The future of nonprofit governance—where do we go from here?

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Connect with Christal Cherry:

🌐 Website: www.theboardpro.com
📩 LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/christalmcherry
📖 Read Collecting Courage, a collection of stories from Black fundraisers

Enjoying the Podcast?

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!

Ready to join them?

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts