FundraisingAI

Nathan Chappell, Scott Rosenkrans
  • 4.9 (8)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
FundraisingAI Podcast

The need for change in the fundraising sector has never been greater. But innovations in technology are evolving faster than our ability to understand them.  Are these advances good or bad?  Do they have unintended consequences? And what is the application to the fundraising sector? That’s what we’re here to find out. Welcome to the FundraisingAI podcast, your up-to-date resource for beneficial and responsible AI for the global fundraising community. In our podcast, we explore the intersection where philanthropy meets technology, delving into beneficial and responsible AI practices and their impact on fundraising. Join us for engaging discussions with industry experts and thought leaders, where we uncover: Latest Trends in AI Development: Updates on advancements in AI technologies and their applied application to the global fundraising sector. Transparent Fundraising Strategies: Using AI beneficially to build trust and accountability in donor relationships. AI for Social Impact: Harnessing AI technologies to drive meaningful change and amplify impact. Data Privacy and Security: Safeguarding donor information in an increasingly digital world. Beneficial and Responsible AI Development: Crafting algorithms that prioritize fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. Collaborative Initiatives: Exploring partnerships that promote responsible AI adoption and innovation. Whether you’re a nonprofit professional, fundraiser, or technology enthusiast, Fundraising.AI equips you with actionable insights and best practices to navigate the evolving landscape of fundraising and AI. Join us on this journey towards creating a more generous future for all.

  1. Human Values in an AI-Driven World with Kelly Hecht

    5 DAYS AGO

    Human Values in an AI-Driven World with Kelly Hecht

    This episode explores the double-edged nature of AI, reflecting on its power to accelerate life while emphasizing the importance of conscious, thoughtful AI use to preserve human values. Meet Kelly Hecht, an executive advisor at Amazon Web Services (AWS), who focuses on the global healthcare and nonprofit sectors. She is dedicated to helping customers harness technology to drive mission impact and promote innovation in their industries. During today's conversation, Kelly reflects on the growing impact of AI on daily life. She shares the pressure of navigating an increasingly fast-paced world due to AI, likening it to being on a never-ending hamster wheel. Kelly stresses the importance of being conscious and deliberate in integrating AI into life to prevent feeling overwhelmed. She also emphasizes the value of learning from past technological shifts to understand AI's current effects. In discussing connection and information overload, Kelly agrees with Nathan on the overwhelming nature of constant AI-driven interaction. She mentions how AI algorithms, though applicable, contribute to the competition for attention and connection, which can sometimes be mentally taxing. AI's role in amplifying information overload has directly affected her mental health, leading to an internal struggle to find balance. Moreover, Kelly strongly advocates for intentionality and curiosity in AI usage. She talks about embracing uncertainty and the benefits of being open-minded about AI's evolving role. By cultivating curiosity, Kelly believes individuals can stay ahead without losing essential human qualities like empathy and strategic thinking. She also highlights the need to balance AI-driven efficiency and human values. Setting boundaries, maintaining awareness, and using AI consciously are crucial to ensuring it enhances life rather than dominates it. Kelly underscores the role of leadership in fostering a culture of curiosity and adaptability, especially in an AI-driven world. Finally, she shares practical advice on how to use AI intentionally, recommending that people set daily checkpoints to reflect on AI's role in their day and use the time saved for meaningful purposes. Kelly stresses the importance of respect and thoughtfulness in AI use, ensuring they align with personal and professional goals. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [00:41] Episode Introduction – Meet Kelly! [05:31] The Impact of AI on Human Life [09:03] Rapid Pace of AI and Information Overload [15:09] Intentionality and Curiosity in AI Use [32:36] Practical Tips for Using AI with Intentionality TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY 1.      Take regular breaks to evaluate AI's impact on your tasks. 2.      Use tools to filter and prioritize important info. 3.      Stay open to learning new AI trends, but don't rush. 4.      Define when and how to use AI at work or home. 5.      Use AI to serve your goals, not overwhelm them. 6.      Use automation only where it adds real value. 7.      Use AI to enhance, not replace, human connections. 8.      Save time with AI but reinvest it in meaningful ways. 9.      Choose AI tools that align with your values. 10.  Be willing to change how you use AI as it evolves. Resources: Connect with Kelly: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelleyhecht/ Mentioned in the episode: The Curiosity Code: Unlocking Your Superpower in the AI Age: linkedin.com/pulse/curiosity-code-unlocking-your-superpower-ai-age-Nathan Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai

    38 min
  2. Role of AI in Enhancing Donor Engagement with Salvatore Salpietro

    SEP 4

    Role of AI in Enhancing Donor Engagement with Salvatore Salpietro

    Revolutionize the donation process, making it smarter, more efficient, and deeply personalized, all while ensuring transparency and trust within the nonprofit sector!  This episode features Salvatore Salpietro, the Chief Community Officer at FundraiseUp, a tech company that enhances charitable giving by optimizing donation processes. Their platform helps nonprofits boost engagement and revenue through improved conversion rates, modern payment options, and personalized donor experiences. Moreover, Fundraise Up partners with global organizations like UNICEF USA and The Salvation Army UK.  Sal begins today's conversation by sharing his role in fostering community engagement and recounts his transition from the tech industry to the nonprofit sector. Sal narrates the origin story of Fundraise Up, rooted in the founders' frustration with complex donation processes, which led them to create a more user-friendly and AI-powered platform that optimizes donor experiences at scale.  The discussion moves to the challenges and benefits of AI in fundraising, where Sal and the hosts, Nathan and Scott, emphasize the importance of making donations seamless to prevent donor abandonment. They explore how AI enhances efficiency and personalization in fundraising while addressing ethical concerns surrounding AI use in the nonprofit sector. Sal explains Fundraise Up's commitment to transparency, privacy, and ethical practices, ensuring their AI models are built on anonymous data to avoid bias.  Looking ahead, Sal predicts that AI will revolutionize nonprofit operations by creating efficiencies and improving outcomes rather than transforming the sector entirely. He also mentions the upcoming Fundraising AI Global Summit, where he will present unexpected AI outcomes that drive impact.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [03:13] Fundraise Up's Origin Story and Mission  [05:09] Sal's Journey to Fundraise Up  [07:56] Use of AI in Fundraising  [23:21] Ethics, Privacy, and Transparency in AI Use  [26:32] Future of AI in the Nonprofit Sector  [34:37] Upcoming Fundraising AI Global Summit   Connect with Salvatore: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/salvatoresalpietro/ Website: fundraiseup.com Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai

    42 min
  3. AI in Action: How AI is Revolutionizing Nonprofit Strategies and Success

    AUG 28

    AI in Action: How AI is Revolutionizing Nonprofit Strategies and Success

    Today's episode delves into the evolving landscape of AI adoption within the nonprofit sector, revealing how AI is revolutionizing fundraising by turning data into actionable insights.  Nathan and Scott kick off today's conversation by discussing the growing presence of AI at industry conferences, such as APRA-PD 2024, where the conversation has shifted from theory to practical applications and success stories. They underscore the significance of AI in prospect development while highlighting a noticeable reduction in hesitancy towards predictive AI—though concerns about generative AI persist.  The duo also tackles barriers to AI adoption, such as fears of job replacement and skepticism about AI's accuracy. Through real-world examples, they illustrate how AI can streamline tasks like prospect research, freeing up valuable time for strategic initiatives.  Scott and Nathan emphasize the importance of starting with clear AI use cases sharing case studies that showcase the tangible benefits of AI in the sector. They also discuss the impact of tools like xAI and Grok AI, balancing the potential for innovation with the need for transparency and accountability in AI-generated content.  Practical tips abound in this episode, from creating content folders to training AI tools to developing style guides that ensure consistency. The conversation concludes with a call to action for nonprofits to adopt AI proactively and responsibly, setting the stage for transformative change in the sector.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [01:18] AI Adoption in the Nonprofit Sector  [04:48] Barriers to AI Adoption in Prospect Development   [09:12] Case Studies and Practical AI Applications   [14:19] AI Tools and Their Impact on Nonprofits   [22:28] Practical Tips for AI Adoption in Nonprofits   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai

    37 min
  4. AI's Impact on Nonprofit Strategy: Balancing Innovation and Humanity with Brittany Shaff

    AUG 21

    AI's Impact on Nonprofit Strategy: Balancing Innovation and Humanity with Brittany Shaff

    In a landscape where AI revolutionizes nonprofit fundraising, this episode highlights its role as a game changer, blending advanced technology with the human touch! Meet Brittany Shaff, the Founder and CEO of Shaff Fundraising Group, a consultancy specializing in strategic philanthropy and engagement management. With twenty years of experience across nonprofit and corporate sectors, Brittany excels in fundraising, marketing, and analytics. Her firm partners with nonprofits, independent schools, higher education institutions, and healthcare organizations to provide personalized consulting that drives successful fundraising and engagement. During today's conversation, Brittany explores how AI, particularly generative and predictive models, transforms how nonprofits engage with donors, personalize content, and optimize their strategies. She discusses the balance between leveraging AI and maintaining the human touch in nonprofit communications, emphasizing that AI should enhance, not replace, organizations' core mission and vision. Brittany also addresses the importance of content marketing, differentiating it from brand and product marketing, and highlights how AI can be a powerful tool for creating impactful, personalized messaging at scale. She shares insights on the need for nonprofits to adapt and embrace AI tools while maintaining a genuine connection with their audience. Throughout the conversation, Brittany underscores that success in the nonprofit sector isn't about outdoing others but advancing your mission and achieving meaningful growth. She also reflects on her fascination with new AI platforms and tools, sharing how staying informed about technological advancements fuels her passion for innovation in the sector. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [04:50] AI as a Game Changer [08:06] The Future of Content Marketing and Nonprofit Engagement [16:19] Essential Steps for Leveraging AI in Nonprofit Engagement [21:20] Defining and Elevating Content Marketing with AI [23:21] Balancing AI with Humanity [24:42] Generative AI as the New Heartbeat of Engagement and Innovation [26:38] Collaboration Over Competition in Nonprofit AI Integration [28:00] Harnessing AI Tools TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY Begin integrating AI tools in your nonprofit operations to stay competitive. If needed, consult with AI and marketing experts to maximize effectiveness. Evaluate current content to understand what resonates with your audience. Use AI to create personalized messaging at scale for greater impact. Ensure AI enhances but doesn't replace personal engagement. Optimize content for both search engines and AI-driven platforms. Regularly research emerging AI tools for potential benefits. Use AI for improved data analysis and understanding of donor behavior. Align AI strategies with your nonprofit's core mission and vision. Track the effectiveness of AI tools and adjust strategies based on results. Resources: Connect with Brittany: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brittany-n-shaff-bcre-cfre/ Website: shafffundraisinggroup.com/ Mentioned in the episode: The Evolution of Search: From SEO to Generative Engine Optimization for Nonprofits - A 10-Step Implementation Guide: shafffundraisinggroup.com/post/the-evolution-of-search-from-seo-to-generative-engine-optimization-for-nonprofits-a-10-step-imple

    35 min
  5. Predicting the Future and Shaping Efficiency in Fundraising with AI

    AUG 14

    Predicting the Future and Shaping Efficiency in Fundraising with AI

    Embrace a future where AI reshapes nonprofit strategies with adaptability and strategic insight!  In today's episode, Nathan and Scott explore how tools like ChatGPT have evolved over the past 18 months, becoming integral in goal setting and efficiency. With AI now capable of predicting human behavior with 85% accuracy, Nathan and Scott highlight the significance of these advancements, emphasizing the potential to save up to 50% of staff time in organizations.  The discussion includes insights from Conor Grennan's study, showcasing AI's remarkable ability to understand and forecast human actions. They contrast this with earlier technologies like Clippy, noting how modern Gen AI offers a much more advanced and nuanced approach. The episode also tackles ethical considerations, addressing concerns about AI's power to predict and influence opinions with up to 87% accuracy.  Nathan and Scott announce their upcoming book on AI for nonprofits, set to provide a thorough guide for responsible AI use. They reflect on the digital divide and the importance of preparing organizations for AI integration. The episode further explores prompt engineering and conversational AI, recommending resources like Allie Miller's LinkedIn course.  Concluding with a focus on change management, Nathan and Scott discuss the necessity for adaptability and strategic planning in the nonprofit sector to leverage AI effectively. Their conversation underscores the need for continuous learning and curiosity to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [01:37] From Novelty to Necessity: The Evolution of GPT in Predicting Human Behavior  [04:51] How GPTs are Redefining AI and Human Behavior Prediction  [08:24] Complexities of Human Interaction and Autonomous Technology  [13:41] AI for Nonprofits: From Skepticism to Strategic Implementation   [18:01] Moving Nonprofits from Conviction to Strategic Integration  [21:47] AI Expertise and Disillusionment  [25:02] AI Evolution and the Role of Prompt Engineering  [28:58] Future with Strategic Adaptability and Innovation  TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY  Aim to save 50% of staff time using AI tools.  Use AI's 85% accuracy in predicting behavior to enhance strategies.  Utilize Gen AI for personalized responses and context understanding.  Consider the ethical impacts of AI in predicting and manipulating behavior.  Read upcoming books on AI for nonprofits for comprehensive insights.  Be aware of and plan for disparities in AI adoption within the nonprofit sector.  Take courses like Allie Miller's on prompt engineering to enhance your skills.  Invest in voice assistants and chatbots for better interaction and accuracy.  Develop a strategic roadmap for AI integration that aligns with organizational values.  Foster agility and adaptability in your workforce to keep pace with AI advancements.  Resources:  Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/  LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Website: fundraising.ai/    Mentioned in the episode:  Allie K MIller's Linkedin Learning AI Course  ChatGPT4 accurately predicts human behavior in social experiments at 85%, across genders, races, and political affiliations.  AI Adoption Is Driving Real Top - And Bottom-Line Impact For Enterprises (Gartner)  Gen AI is hitting a trough of disillusionment (Gartner Hype Cycle)  A new AI Pendant created to combat loneliness  AI-first organizations  More departures at OpenAI  OpenAI's GPT-5 is coming out soon. Here's what to expect.

    38 min
  6. AI's Role in Education and Nonprofits: Balancing Technology and Humanity with Lily Loughridge

    AUG 7

    AI's Role in Education and Nonprofits: Balancing Technology and Humanity with Lily Loughridge

    In this episode of the FundraisingAI podcast, hosts Nathan Chappell and Scott Rosenkrans welcome Lily Loughridge, a rising senior at Stanford University, who brings a unique perspective from her studies in computer science and psychology. The discussion navigates the dynamic landscape of artificial intelligence and its implications for the global fundraising sector, addressing both the excitement and apprehension that come with rapid technological advancements.  Lily Loughridge stands out not only for her academic achievements but also for her entrepreneurial spirit. She co-founded Stanford Women in Technology Entrepreneurship and has been an active advocate for female founders. Her experiences range from leading a tutoring charity to interning with Liberty Global's Technology Ventures arm, focusing on AI and energy demands. This diverse background gives her a well-rounded view on how AI intersects with various fields and the importance of responsible AI governance.  Listeners will gain valuable insights into the ethical considerations and potential unintended consequences of AI, especially in education and nonprofit sectors. Lily shares personal anecdotes and examples, such as AI's role in autonomous vehicles, skincare startups, and even behavioral psychology research with monkeys. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in how AI can be harnessed for good while maintaining a balance with human values.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  [06:23] Future of Careers with AI – Lily shares her insights on how the career landscape looks like as a senior at Stanford.  [10:35] Impact of AI on Education – How the impact of AI differs in computer science versus psychology and how the academia is responding to the use of AI.  [13:41] Symbolic Systems Major and Its Importance  [16:19] AI in Politics: The Case of AI Steve and AI in democracy and decision making.  [21:20] How the potential career paths for undergraduates have changed due to the influence of AI tools.  [23:27] Lily shares her perspective on the possibility of new career paths being created as a result of AI.  [26:41] Lily’s favorite AI tools  [34:29] Stanford Women in Tech Entrepreneurship – Lily shares the story behind starting Stanford Women in Tech Entrepreneurship and the results gained by the community.  RESOURCES  Connect with Lily  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lily-loughridge  Stanford Women in Tech Entrepreneurship: www.swite.org    Connect with Nathan and Scott:  LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell  LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans  Website: fundraising.ai

    42 min
  7. The Promise and Peril of Autonomous Fundraising

    JUL 31

    The Promise and Peril of Autonomous Fundraising

    In this riveting episode, Nathan and Scott dive deep into the provocative topic of autonomous fundraising and its potential to reshape the nonprofit sector. They explore the controversial idea of replacing human fundraisers with AI-driven bots, highlighting the pros and cons with compelling arguments and real-world examples!  The conversation starts with a discussion about the persuasive power of AI, referencing studies showing AI's superior ability to influence and engage compared to humans. Nathan and Scott then debate the implications of this for fundraising, where bots could outpace humans in efficiency and reach. They touch on the economic advantages, such as reduced costs and the ability to manage larger donor pools, while acknowledging the risks of donor manipulation and the erosion of trust.  The episode also tackles the crucial question: should we prioritize revenue over relationships? Nathan and Scott further argue that although AI can mimic empathy and build rapport, it lacks genuine human connection for long-term donor retention and trust. They discuss the dangers of AI going awry, from delivering harmful advice to damaging the fabric of human-centered philanthropy.  Drawing from their extensive experience and insights, Nathan and Scott emphasize the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach to fundraising. They explore how the misuse of AI could contribute to the ongoing generosity crisis and the loneliness epidemic, underscoring the need for thoughtful integration of technology in the sector.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [02:15] The Rise of Autonomous Fundraising: Pros, Cons, and Future Implications  [04:28] The Ethics and Efficiency of Autonomous Fundraising  [12:33] AI in Fundraising: Ethical Considerations, Human-Centric Approaches, and the Future of Philanthropy  [16:21] Should AI Replace Human Fundraisers?  [20:03] The Ethical and Practical Dilemmas of Autonomous Fundraising  [25:51] Revenue Over Relationships: The Risks of Replacing Human Fundraisers with AI  [29:56] Innovation vs. Human Connection – A Debate on the Future of Giving  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai Mentioned in the episode:  The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma: amazon.com/Coming-Wave-Technology-Twenty-first-Centurys

    36 min
  8. Beyond Donations: How Furniture Bank is Leveraging AI to End Furniture Poverty with Dan Kershaw

    JUL 24

    Beyond Donations: How Furniture Bank is Leveraging AI to End Furniture Poverty with Dan Kershaw

    Some people struggle with things that you may find difficult to believe. Furniture poverty is one of the hidden struggles people face in the USA and Canada. There are a considerable number of people who can barely afford furniture because it's the third most expensive thing people have to spend their money on. There are a lot of organizations that address this invisible struggle among people, and Furniture Bank is one of them. Furniture Bank is a charitable organization founded in 1998 whose mission is to end furniture poverty. As a registered charity and a social enterprise, Furniture Bank redistributes gently used furniture and housewares from community donors to families and individuals who are facing furniture poverty. Collaborating with over 150 community agencies, Furniture Bank helps economically vulnerable people such as women and children leaving shelters, the formerly homeless, Indigenous peoples, those dealing with mental health issues, newcomers, refugees, and many others. They help 4000 families every year to receive the goods they need to build the homes they need. Dan Kershaw is the executive director at Furniture Bank. He first started working with startups, where he learned to get used to constantly changing. He joined the nonprofit sector, where, according to him, he started a career with meaning. Dan joined us today to talk about how generative AI can help improve the work of charitable organizations. Starting the conversation, Dan explains what a furniture bank is and how an organization like that helps people who struggle with a lack of furniture, along with the social, physical, and mental damages that can happen because of this hidden difficulty. Then Dan explains that AI, as of now, cannot do all the work that is related to furniture but can create a lot of opportunities that they've never had before in this sector. He then talks about how AI can be taught to listen to different stories behind donated furniture and help them navigate the process because sometimes furniture holds sentimental value for people. AI isn't here to give you the perfect solution immediately. It's here to help you achieve a great outcome. In this phase of the conversation, Dan shares his thoughts on ethics and policies related to generative AI in different organizations. Furthermore, Dan explains how hard it is to find donors if a charity organization wants to invent an AI internally. He also recommends people use free generative AI models to ask what they know about the issues they are trying to solve as an organization. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [01.58] Dan's journey to Furniture Bank. [06.36] Social, physical, and mental damages caused by the lack of furnishings. [08.16] Dan explains how the Furniture Bank Operates. [12.50] Furniture Bank's social enterprise model. [14.00] Early stages of digital development at the Furniture Bank. [18.29] How can AI be trained to listen to different sentimental moments related to furniture and help people with their donations? [25.47] Generative AI, ethics, and company policies. [31.04] Dan talks about the Furniture Bank's annual campaign in 2022. [36.50] Thought experiment with AI. Resources: Connect with Dan LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/dankershaw/ Website - furniturebank.org/ Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The need for change in the fundraising sector has never been greater. But innovations in technology are evolving faster than our ability to understand them.  Are these advances good or bad?  Do they have unintended consequences? And what is the application to the fundraising sector? That’s what we’re here to find out. Welcome to the FundraisingAI podcast, your up-to-date resource for beneficial and responsible AI for the global fundraising community. In our podcast, we explore the intersection where philanthropy meets technology, delving into beneficial and responsible AI practices and their impact on fundraising. Join us for engaging discussions with industry experts and thought leaders, where we uncover: Latest Trends in AI Development: Updates on advancements in AI technologies and their applied application to the global fundraising sector. Transparent Fundraising Strategies: Using AI beneficially to build trust and accountability in donor relationships. AI for Social Impact: Harnessing AI technologies to drive meaningful change and amplify impact. Data Privacy and Security: Safeguarding donor information in an increasingly digital world. Beneficial and Responsible AI Development: Crafting algorithms that prioritize fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. Collaborative Initiatives: Exploring partnerships that promote responsible AI adoption and innovation. Whether you’re a nonprofit professional, fundraiser, or technology enthusiast, Fundraising.AI equips you with actionable insights and best practices to navigate the evolving landscape of fundraising and AI. Join us on this journey towards creating a more generous future for all.

Information

  • Creator
    Nathan Chappell, Scott Rosenkrans
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    FundraisingAI

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