Fundraising.AI

The Framework

Fundraising.AI

Episode 43

THE PODCAST

Episode 43 - AI in Fundraising: Embracing Innovation, Responsibility, and Community

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OVERVIEW

Starting today’s conversation, Nathan and Scott discuss practical takeaways from recent conferences, including Scott’s experience at the AFP Kindleberger Forum, where he saw firsthand how AI can empower small nonprofits with limited resources. They also explore the unique advantages smaller organizations have in adopting AI, given their agility and innovative potential. They propose forming nonprofit AI clubs to foster collaboration and share knowledge within the sector. 

The two delve into the growing integration of AI in everyday tools, such as using AI to summarize PDF documents and leveraging ChatGPT’s new features for greater efficiency. They share personal anecdotes, like Nathan using ChatGPT to translate in real-time, illustrating AI’s potential to streamline tasks. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations, with a thought-provoking discussion on balancing human values and AI’s impact on relationships. Emphasizing responsible adoption, Nathan and Scott close with a call to action for the fundraising community to embrace AI thoughtfully, as they believe it can amplify missions and support professional growth in powerful ways. 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

  • [03:06] Takeaways from Recent Conferences
  • [04:34] Challenges and Opportunities for Small Nonprofits
  • [09:38] AI Integration and Everyday Use
  • [12:59] Advanced Features of ChatGPT
  • [20:54] The Blend of Human and AI
  • [24:43] Conclusion and Call to Action

TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY

  • Use ChatGPT for quick content creation, brainstorming, and outreach templates.
  • Use tools like Adobe Acrobat's AI to quickly summarize reports or articles.
  • Start or join an AI club within your nonprofit community to exchange ideas and best practices.
  • Participate in AI and fundraising events to stay updated on trends and tools.
  • Don't just use AI—make it part of your long-term strategy to amplify mission impact.
  • Try features like Canvas, voice mode, or in-depth searches to enhance productivity.
  • Small nonprofits can often implement AI faster—begin with basic tools, then expand as needed.
  • Utilize AI translation in real-time to bridge language gaps with donors or volunteers.
  • Educate teams on ethical AI practices and consider the social impact of AI decisions.
  • Encourage feedback and share your AI experiences with others in the fundraising sector for collective learning.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

FAVORITE QUOTES

  • "We see the power of AI tools to amplify mission, to help support you in your career, no matter what your job is." - Nathan Chappelle
  • If you don't know how to use AI to benefit your work, all you have to do is ask it." - Nathan Chappelle
  • "Always, always, always understand that responsible AI is everyone's responsibility." - Nathan Chappelle
  • "Just because you've always done it this way doesn't mean you have to do it this way. For small nonprofits or even individual users, AI is about pushing the limits, exploring on your own, and almost having it prove to you what it can do before assuming it can't." - Nathan Chappelle
  • "The ubiquitous nature of AI is that it's being infused into everything." - Nathan Chappelle
  • "Be sure that you're using AI tool safely, consulting with people who can help you understand security and privacy." - Nathan Chappelle
  • "Use generative and predictive AI to make the most of the limited resources you have." - Scott Rosenkranz
  • "It's people who actually need a solution who are coming up with the solution." - Scott Rosenkranz
  • "In larger organizations, a designated person often fills certain roles, so there's less need to rely on AI to get things done. the downside of the small shop is they don't have that culture where they can bounce ideas off." - Scott Rosenkranz
  • "Nonprofits have book clubs—I'd love to see an AI club where everyone meets weekly for 30 minutes to say, 'Here's what I did. How would you have done it differently? What are your thoughts?'" - Scott Rosenkranz

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MEET YOUR HOSTS

Nathan Chappell

As a thought leader, public speaker, author and inventor, Nathan is one of the world’s foremost experts on the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and philanthropy. Nathan serves as Senior Vice President of DonorSearch AI, where he leads AI deployments for some of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations. Nathan’s subject matter expertise has been featured in several publications, including Fast Company, University of Notre Dame and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. In 2021, Nathan founded Fundraising.Ai as a member-centric collaboration of nonprofit professionals with a focus on data ethics, data equality, privacy and security, sustainability. Nathan presented the first TEDx on the topic of artificial intelligence and the future of generosity in 2018. Nathan is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and holds a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from University of Notre Dame, an MBA from University of Redlands, a certificate in International Economics from University of Cambridge and a certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT.

Scott Rosenkrans

Scott Rosenkrans is the Assistant Vice President of DonorSearch Ai and has been with the organization for three years. He began his journey in the nonprofit sector twelve years ago as a prospect researcher. He quickly became fascinated with data as he noticed the organization that he previously worked for was amassing a wealth of information but was unsure how to efficiently use the data and resources to its full potential. This led him to become interested in predictive modeling and data analytics. During this time, he began to create an immense commitment to delivering tailor-made machine learning models to nonprofits.

The thing that Scott loves most about working for DonorSearch is the ability to prioritize what is best for the client and nonprofit sector above all else. He believes that growth is our most important core value because the DSAi team continuously evolves and brings a unique perspective that provides value to our clients. He stays ahead of industry trends because of his insatiable drive to constantly try out new things.

Favorite nonprofit: Shriner’s Children Hospital because of their extreme commitment to providing exceptional medical care, while also alleviating the financial burdens on families.