Fundraise Like a 5th Grader
ON SALE MARCH 17th, 2025!
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Patrick Kirby's NEWEST Book!
Remember 5th grade? When you were bold enough to ask for what you wanted, curious enough to ask “why” a hundred times. Resilient enough to bounce back from every tumble? Turns out, the traits of a 5th grader are exactly what you need to become a fundraising powerhouse.
In Fundraise Like a 5th Grader, Patrick Kirby takes you on a laugh-out-loud journey to rediscover the fearless, creative, and optimistic mindset you had at age 10. Packed with hilarious anecdotes, practical tips, and real-world fundraising wisdom, this book will transform how you think about connecting with donors, rallying your team, and making a lasting impact.
From embracing boldness to building authentic relationships, each chapter dives into a kid inspired trait that will revolutionize your approach to fundraising—without the boring buzzwords or cookie-cutter strategies. Whether you’re a nonprofit newbie or a seasoned pro, this book is your permission slip to stop playing it safe and start fundraising with the fearlessness of a 5th grader. Because the next big “yes” is just around the corner—you just have to ask like a kid who believes anything is possible.
Advanced Praise for Fundraise Like a 5th Grader!
“Like laughter on a playground, Fundraise Like a 5th Grader is an absolute joy to read. It will push you in the best way to just jump!”
- Billi Jo Zielinski, President & CEO of Make-a-Wish North Dakota
“All fundraising teams should add this to their reading list!”
- Sami Bedell-Mulhern, CEO & Founder of The First Click
“This book is a palette cleanser and needed reset for any nonprofit leader!”
- Courtney Bakken, Senior Director of Community Impact at GIVE MN
“...a masterful blend of humor, inspiration, and practicality that reminds us to ditch the boring and embrace the bright side.”
- Jane Wagemaker - Patrick’s ACTUAL Middle School English Teacher
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Tell me all about Fundraise Awesomer!
This humorous how-to is for any fundraising professional looking to elevate their relationships with current and prospective donors. Patrick's bite-sized nuggets of wisdom on time management and the importance of gratitude is a must-have source of do-good inspiration and a template for structuring your work week in a way that optimizes your time and talents.
Fundraise Awesomer breaks down the work week into daily, purpose-driven tasks. Mondays are for Planning. Tuesdays are for Doing. Wednesdays are for Documenting. Thursdays are for Celebrating. Fridays are for Appreciating. You'll learn quickly how it works and instantly become a more prepared, productive and prosperous development professional!
Praise for Fundraise Awesomer!
“Patrick’s unique perspective on fundraising, irreverent take on the way things have always been in the philanthropy industry, and accessible sense of humor, makes this a fun, and totally relatable read for both the grizzled nonprofit vet and the bright eyed do-gooder newbie.”
-Scott Bintz, Entrepreneur and Best Selling Author of “Principles to Fortune”
"It's rare to find a book that offers practical business strategies wrapped in witty anecdotes and hilarious euphemisms, but that's what Patrick Kirby delivers in Fundraise Awesomer. Get a simple, easy-to-implement framework that will make you so excited about finding your next donor, you might even pump a fist in the air."
-Rebecca Undem, Speaker and Author of “How Mommy Got Her Groove Back”
“If there was a more enthusiastic human being for helping nonprofits achieve greatness and help reignite their passion for fundraising, I’ve yet to meet that person. This book is a perfect reflection of Patrick’s mission to lift up everyone in the nonprofit world, written in a funny, authentic and entertaining way.”
-Mark Lindquist, Nationally Acclaimed Motivational Speaker, Author and Entertainer
“This book should not just be in the hands of the development directors, but presidents, CEO’s, Executives and Board Members. It is a perspective and road map for everyone involved in fundraising!”
- Nukhet Hendricks, Executive Director of Homeward Animal Shelter
“A brilliant, fun strategy laid out by an audaciously positive professional with years of successful fundraising experience. Written in Patrick's inimitable style, you can hear and feel his enthusiasm in every word. This book will help you and the world to do well by doing good."
– Marc deCelle, Best Selling Author of “How Fargo of You”
Fundraise Awesomer - video proof of the coolest book ever!
Have you ever dreamed of reading a book that puts the FUN in fundraising? A book that doesn't sound like a snooty academic professor wrote it as part of his or her doctorate requirement? A book that has internet memes all over? Congrats! Look no further! Your dream has come true!
Come take a gander and the greatest book about fundraising ever written with a word that doesn't exist in the English language in the title!