Fundraising doesn’t have to feel heavy, complex, or awkward. Sitting down with Patrick Kirby, Founder of Do Good Better Consulting and two-time bestselling author, we unpack how joy, clarity, and genuine relationships can turn stalled efforts into real momentum. Patrick’s energy is contagious, but his playbook is practical: name the real problems (too few donors, quiet boards, stale events), pick one to fix, and take action you can control, like meaningful meetings and follow-ups that tell a clear story of impact.
We dig into why enthusiasm is not a gimmick but an advantage. Donors want to feel purpose, not pressure. Patrick shows how to shift from “selling” to aligning values, inviting people into a vision they can see and touch. You’ll hear the fifth-grader mindset that inspired his book — be bold, be honest, be curious — and the memorable “dog rule”: never ask for a major gift until you know the donor’s dog’s name. It’s a reminder that development is human first, always.

If you’re looking for strategies to grow donors, energize your board, refresh events, and reclaim the joy of fundraising, this conversation brings both the spark and the steps.

Welcome to the Agency for Change podcast.

Connect with Patrick and Do Good Better at:

· Website – http://dogoodbetterconsulting.com/