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July 16, 2025 57 mins

In this episode we’re joined by AI educator, strategist, and nonprofit veteran Josh Hirsch. With nearly two decades of experience in the sector and a deep background in digital communications, fundraising, and training, Josh brings both wisdom and cutting-edge insights to a conversation that’s all about demystifying AI for nonprofits. We explore how generative and predictive AI are transforming everything from fundraising strategy to donor communication, programming, and internal operations. But more than that, Josh helps us understand how to talk to the tools—and why that’s the secret sauce for unlocking their full potential.

From building donor personas and campaign strategies to brainstorming new solutions in a time of federal funding loss and organizational uncertainty, this episode offers a hopeful and practical roadmap to what’s possible.

Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 

 

This Episode Brought to You by: 

Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com

Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 

 

The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 

 

Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com

 

DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/

 

Speakers

Samantha Swaim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

 

Kristin Steele

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

 

Josh Hirsch

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshahirsch/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedudecreates

 

| RESOURCES |

Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting

Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/

Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book

Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com

Fundraise Up Institute: institute.fundraiseup.com

The Fundraising Elevator Episode with Nathan Chappel: https://youtu.be/IbzBcMvMTpY

The Fundraising Elevator Episode with Anne Murphy: https://youtu.be/qOegycFoLsw

The Fundraising Elevator Episode with Mallory Erickson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xImo3K5P1I

Napkin: https://www.napkin.ai/

Hemingway App: https://hemingwayapp.com

Fundraising.AI: https://fundraising.ai/

Midjourney: https://www.midjourney.com

Chat GPT: https://chatgpt.com

 

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