February 10, 2025 • 11 mins
Can AI really enhance human connection in fundraising, or is it just a high-tech distraction? Let's tackle this question head-on, revealing how AI can be a transformative force in the nonprofit sector. This episode isn't about replacing the personal touch — it's about using AI to deepen it. As I prepare for my upcoming session at the AFP Icon conference in Seattle, I'll guide you through the ethical integration of AI, showing how it can streamline repetitive tasks and allow us to focus on what truly matters: building genuine relationships and crafting compelling stories that resonate with donors.
This isn't just tech-talk; it's a hands-on challenge to experiment with AI. Whether you're drafting emails or summarizing reports, I encourage you to explore its potential in your fundraising efforts. And remember, it's not about being perfect — it's about understanding and leveraging AI as a strategic assistant. Together, we'll discuss how AI aligns with organizational values and enhances our capacity to make meaningful impacts. With curiosity and strategic intent, let's embrace AI and transform the way we connect with our communities, making our work smarter and more human than ever before.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Keith Greer, CFRE (00:05):
Hey, there, hi, and welcome back ambitious
fundraisers.
You're listening to let's TalkFundraising, the podcast where
we dive deep into the ideas,strategies and insights that
help you make a bigger impact inthe nonprofit world.
I'm Keith Greer, your host, andtoday we're tackling a topic
that's stirring up a lot ofemotions in the sector AI and
(00:25):
fundraising.
I know AI brings up a mix ofexcitement and anxiety.
There's the thrill of what'spossible, but also the fear that
it might change the way weconnect with our donors, the way
that we build relationships andeven the way that we do our
jobs and I get it.
I've been thinking about this alot lately as I put the
finishing touches on myconference session for AFP, icon
(00:48):
, in Seattle this April.
I'll be speaking on the lastday of the conference and my
session is called Ready SetEthical AI Preparing your
Organization for AI andFundraising.
If you're attending Icon, I'dlove to see you there.
Attending icon, I'd love to seeyou there.
It's going to be a conversationabout how to use AI in ways that
strengthen, not replace, therelationships that make
(01:09):
fundraising so powerful.
But if you're not sure about AIyet, or maybe even a little
skeptical, then this episode isfor you.
Today, we're going to unpackthe fear surrounding AI in
fundraising, talk about whythose fears are valid and then
shift our perspective on howtools like ChatGPT can actually
help you become a stronger, moreeffective fundraiser.
(01:30):
Ai isn't here to take our jobs.
It's here to help us worksmarter, refine our strategies
and free up more time for thedeep human connections that
matter most.
So let's talk fundraisingconnections that matter most.
So let's talk fundraising.
Before we dive into the fearsand concerns around AI, let's
(01:54):
take a step back and look at whythis conversation is happening
right now.
Ai isn't just some futuristicconcept.
It's already here and it'sevolving at really an
unbelievable pace.
The AI tools we have today aremiles ahead of what was possible
just a year ago, and they'reonly going to get better.
We're reaching a point where AIisn't just an option for
fundraisers.
It's setting a new standard forwhat it means to be a
(02:16):
professional in the field theprofessional in any field, and
that's not just my opinion.
Nathan Chappell and ScottRosenkranz, who host the
Fundraising AI podcast, put itkind of bluntly Fundraisers who
use AI will replace fundraiserswho don't.
Now, that quote might sound alittle intense, but let's be
clear about it it's not about AIreplacing people.
(02:38):
It's about fundraisers whoembrace AI gaining a huge
advantage over those who don'tembrace AI, gaining a huge
advantage over those who don't.
It's like the shift fromhandwritten ledgers to databases
, or from mass mailings topersonalized digital campaigns.
Ai is simply the next evolutionin how we work, and the
fundraisers who learn to use itwell are going to be the ones
(02:58):
who thrive.
Now let's talk about theelephant in the room, the fear
around AI and fundraising.
Because, let's be real, ifyou've been feeling uneasy about
all of this, you're not alone.
There are some big concerns outthere.
People worry that AI-generatedwriting will feel robotic and
inauthentic, that it'll stripaway the personal connection we
work so hard to build with ourdonors.
(03:20):
Fundraising is all aboutrelationships, so if AI starts
drafting donor emails or writingthank you letters, does that
make our communication feel lesshuman?
Then there's the job securityquestion.
If AI can write appeals,analyze donor data and even
suggest fundraising strategies,does that mean fewer fundraisers
(03:40):
are going to be needed?
Will AI start replacing peopleare going to be needed?
Will AI start replacing people?
These are real concerns and Iwant to take a moment to
validate them, because thisepisode isn't about dismissing
those fears.
It's about understanding them.
Technology always brings change,and change is hard.
It's normal to feel somediscomfort when we're standing
at the edge of something new,but here's the key AI isn't here
(04:04):
to take away what makesfundraising special.
It's here to help us do what wedo best even better.
So instead of asking will AIreplace fundraisers, maybe the
better question is how canfundraisers use AI to strengthen
relationships, work smarter andhave an even greater impact?
Here's the shift in perspectivethat I want you to consider.
(04:27):
Ai isn't here to replace us.
It's here to support us.
It's a tool, not a threat.
Think about all of therepetitive tasks that eat up our
time as fundraisers.
We're writing the same types ofemails over and over again,
sorting through donor data,trying to come up with the
perfect way to phrase somethingwhen we're staring at a blank
(04:47):
page.
Ai can take those tasks off ofour plate so that we can focus
on what truly matters Buildingrelationships, having deeper
conversations with donors andcrafting strategies that drive
real impact.
If anything, ai has thepotential to bring more humanity
into our world.
And why is that?
Because when we are not boggeddown by the small,
(05:10):
time-consuming tasks, we havemore time for personal
connections.
Imagine being able to spendmore time calling donors just to
check in, not because we'rerushing to hit a fundraising
goal, but because we genuinelywant to know how they're doing.
Ai helps make that possible.
So, instead of seeing AI assomething that replaces the
human touch, let's start seeingit as our superstar sidekicks.
(05:33):
It's like having an assistantwho can brainstorm with us,
draft ideas and give us astarting point so that we can
then bring in our expertise, ourpassion and our unique voices.
Then bring in our expertise,our passion and our unique
voices.
The truth is, ai is really onlyas good as the person using it.
It's a tool that enhances ourskills, but it doesn't replace
them.
We are still the strategists.
(05:55):
We are still the relationshipbuilders, the storytellers.
Ai just helps us do thesethings faster, smarter and,
ultimately, with a bigger impact.
Helps us do these things faster, smarter and, ultimately, with
a bigger impact.
And all right.
Now that we've kind of reframedAI as the superstar sidekick,
let's talk about how to actuallystart using it in a way that
feels comfortable, ethical and,most importantly, effective.
(06:23):
The key here start small.
You don't have to overhaul yourentire fundraising strategy
overnight.
Instead, think of AI as a toolyou can gradually integrate into
your workflow.
Try using it for simple,low-stakes tasks, like
brainstorming subject lines foran email campaign and see if
open rates perform better.
Try drafting a first pass of adonor acknowledgement letter or
summarizing donor data to spottrends.
(06:44):
This isn't about replacing yourvoice.
It's about giving you a headstart so you can focus on
refining and personalizing themessage.
And that brings me to acritical point Strategic
oversight.
You are in the driver's seat.
Ai can generate ideas, but youbring the expertise, the emotion
and the human connection thatmakes fundraising powerful.
(07:06):
If you just copy and pasteAI-generated text without
reviewing it, you will lose theauthenticity that makes donor
relationships meaningful.
That makes donor relationshipsmeaningful.
But if you use AI as a thoughtpartner, guiding it with strong
prompts and then adding yourpersonal touch, you can create
communications that feel bothefficient and deeply genuine.
(07:27):
And let's talk about ethics.
Ai tools are powerful, but theyaren't magic.
They only know what they'vebeen trained on and they don't
understand context, the way thatwe do.
That means we have to becareful, especially when it
comes to our donor data.
Before you feed any informationinto an AI tool, ask yourself
(07:48):
is this information public orsensitive.
Never input private donordetails into an AI system unless
you're absolutely sure it'ssecure.
Would I be comfortableexplaining this to a donor?
Transparency matters.
If AI is helping craft yourmessaging, own that.
Let it be an enhancement, not ahidden shortcut.
At the end of the day, ai isn'there to replace thoughtfulness.
(08:13):
It's here to give you morespace for thoughtfulness.
The more you experiment, thebetter you'll understand what AI
does well, where it needs yourexpertise and how you can use it
to become an even strongerfundraiser.
I think it takes really about20 hours of dedicated time
playing with an AI tool toreally understand it.
(08:34):
Now let's fast forward a bit andimagine what's possible when we
fundraisers embrace AI as oursuperstar sidekicks.
Picture this Instead ofspending hours drafting the same
types of emails, you use AI togenerate a strong first draft,
giving you more time to pick upthe phone and have real
conversations with donors,instead of manually combing
(08:56):
through spreadsheets to figureout who to reach out to.
Ai quickly analyzes your donordata and helps you identify the
people most likely to beinspired by your next campaign.
Instead of struggling to findthe right words, ai helps you
craft personalized messages thatmake each donor feel seen and
valued.
This isn't about losing humanconnection.
(09:17):
It's about creating more of it.
Ai gives you the space to bemore thoughtful, to be more
strategic and to be more presentwith your donors.
It helps you tell betterstories, craft deeper narratives
and build relationships thatare even more meaningful,
because, at the end of the day,fundraising has never been about
(09:38):
the transactions.
It's about the connections, andwhen used well, ai doesn't take
the humanity out of fundraising.
It elevates it.
So here's my challenge for youthis week Try one small thing
with AI.
Maybe you use ChatGPT to drafta first-pass thank-you email,
brainstorm, social mediacaptions, or maybe you're
(10:00):
summarizing a long report.
Just dip your toe in and seewhat it can do.
The goal is not perfection,it's exploration.
And remember, you're not doingthis alone.
We are all figuring out how AIfits into fundraising, and the
best way to learn is together.
There are so many greatresources out there to help you
(10:21):
get started.
And if you want to dive deeper,I'd love for you to join me at
AFP Icon in Seattle this April.
On the last day of theconference, I'll be leading a
session called Ready Set EthicalAI preparing your organization
for AI in fundraising.
We'll go beyond the buzzwordsand talk about how to integrate
AI in a way that aligns withyour mission, your values and,
(10:43):
most importantly, your donors.
If you're going to Icon, don'tmiss it.
And at the end of the day, aiisn't here to take over
fundraising.
It's here to help us do what wedo best build relationships,
tell powerful stories and make areal impact.
And the fundraisers who lean in, who embrace these tools with
(11:03):
curiosity and strategy, they'regoing to be the ones who thrive.
Thanks for spending this timewith me today on let's Talk
Fundraising.
I can't wait to hear how you'restarting to use AI to elevate
your work.
Let's keep moving forwardtogether.
Hey, there, hi, and welcome back ambitious
fundraisers.
You're listening to let's TalkFundraising, the podcast where
we dive deep into the ideas,strategies and insights that
help you make a bigger impact inthe nonprofit world.
I'm Keith Greer, your host, andtoday we're tackling a topic
that's stirring up a lot ofemotions in the sector AI and
(00:25):
fundraising.
I know AI brings up a mix ofexcitement and anxiety.
There's the thrill of what'spossible, but also the fear that
it might change the way weconnect with our donors, the way
that we build relationships andeven the way that we do our
jobs and I get it.
I've been thinking about this alot lately as I put the
finishing touches on myconference session for AFP, icon
(00:48):
, in Seattle this April.
I'll be speaking on the lastday of the conference and my
session is called Ready SetEthical AI Preparing your
Organization for AI andFundraising.
If you're attending Icon, I'dlove to see you there.
Attending icon, I'd love to seeyou there.
It's going to be a conversationabout how to use AI in ways that
strengthen, not replace, therelationships that make
(01:09):
fundraising so powerful.
But if you're not sure about AIyet, or maybe even a little
skeptical, then this episode isfor you.
Today, we're going to unpackthe fear surrounding AI in
fundraising, talk about whythose fears are valid and then
shift our perspective on howtools like ChatGPT can actually
help you become a stronger, moreeffective fundraiser.
(01:30):
Ai isn't here to take our jobs.
It's here to help us worksmarter, refine our strategies
and free up more time for thedeep human connections that
matter most.
So let's talk fundraisingconnections that matter most.
So let's talk fundraising.
Before we dive into the fearsand concerns around AI, let's
(01:54):
take a step back and look at whythis conversation is happening
right now.
Ai isn't just some futuristicconcept.
It's already here and it'sevolving at really an
unbelievable pace.
The AI tools we have today aremiles ahead of what was possible
just a year ago, and they'reonly going to get better.
We're reaching a point where AIisn't just an option for
fundraisers.
It's setting a new standard forwhat it means to be a
(02:16):
professional in the field theprofessional in any field, and
that's not just my opinion.
Nathan Chappell and ScottRosenkranz, who host the
Fundraising AI podcast, put itkind of bluntly Fundraisers who
use AI will replace fundraiserswho don't.
Now, that quote might sound alittle intense, but let's be
clear about it it's not about AIreplacing people.
(02:38):
It's about fundraisers whoembrace AI gaining a huge
advantage over those who don'tembrace AI, gaining a huge
advantage over those who don't.
It's like the shift fromhandwritten ledgers to databases
, or from mass mailings topersonalized digital campaigns.
Ai is simply the next evolutionin how we work, and the
fundraisers who learn to use itwell are going to be the ones
(02:58):
who thrive.
Now let's talk about theelephant in the room, the fear
around AI and fundraising.
Because, let's be real, ifyou've been feeling uneasy about
all of this, you're not alone.
There are some big concerns outthere.
People worry that AI-generatedwriting will feel robotic and
inauthentic, that it'll stripaway the personal connection we
work so hard to build with ourdonors.
(03:20):
Fundraising is all aboutrelationships, so if AI starts
drafting donor emails or writingthank you letters, does that
make our communication feel lesshuman?
Then there's the job securityquestion.
If AI can write appeals,analyze donor data and even
suggest fundraising strategies,does that mean fewer fundraisers
(03:40):
are going to be needed?
Will AI start replacing peopleare going to be needed?
Will AI start replacing people?
These are real concerns and Iwant to take a moment to
validate them, because thisepisode isn't about dismissing
those fears.
It's about understanding them.
Technology always brings change,and change is hard.
It's normal to feel somediscomfort when we're standing
at the edge of something new,but here's the key AI isn't here
(04:04):
to take away what makesfundraising special.
It's here to help us do what wedo best even better.
So instead of asking will AIreplace fundraisers, maybe the
better question is how canfundraisers use AI to strengthen
relationships, work smarter andhave an even greater impact?
Here's the shift in perspectivethat I want you to consider.
(04:27):
Ai isn't here to replace us.
It's here to support us.
It's a tool, not a threat.
Think about all of therepetitive tasks that eat up our
time as fundraisers.
We're writing the same types ofemails over and over again,
sorting through donor data,trying to come up with the
perfect way to phrase somethingwhen we're staring at a blank
(04:47):
page.
Ai can take those tasks off ofour plate so that we can focus
on what truly matters Buildingrelationships, having deeper
conversations with donors andcrafting strategies that drive
real impact.
If anything, ai has thepotential to bring more humanity
into our world.
And why is that?
Because when we are not boggeddown by the small,
(05:10):
time-consuming tasks, we havemore time for personal
connections.
Imagine being able to spendmore time calling donors just to
check in, not because we'rerushing to hit a fundraising
goal, but because we genuinelywant to know how they're doing.
Ai helps make that possible.
So, instead of seeing AI assomething that replaces the
human touch, let's start seeingit as our superstar sidekicks.
(05:33):
It's like having an assistantwho can brainstorm with us,
draft ideas and give us astarting point so that we can
then bring in our expertise, ourpassion and our unique voices.
Then bring in our expertise,our passion and our unique
voices.
The truth is, ai is really onlyas good as the person using it.
It's a tool that enhances ourskills, but it doesn't replace
them.
We are still the strategists.
(05:55):
We are still the relationshipbuilders, the storytellers.
Ai just helps us do thesethings faster, smarter and,
ultimately, with a bigger impact.
Helps us do these things faster, smarter and, ultimately, with
a bigger impact.
And all right.
Now that we've kind of reframedAI as the superstar sidekick,
let's talk about how to actuallystart using it in a way that
feels comfortable, ethical and,most importantly, effective.
(06:23):
The key here start small.
You don't have to overhaul yourentire fundraising strategy
overnight.
Instead, think of AI as a toolyou can gradually integrate into
your workflow.
Try using it for simple,low-stakes tasks, like
brainstorming subject lines foran email campaign and see if
open rates perform better.
Try drafting a first pass of adonor acknowledgement letter or
summarizing donor data to spottrends.
(06:44):
This isn't about replacing yourvoice.
It's about giving you a headstart so you can focus on
refining and personalizing themessage.
And that brings me to acritical point Strategic
oversight.
You are in the driver's seat.
Ai can generate ideas, but youbring the expertise, the emotion
and the human connection thatmakes fundraising powerful.
(07:06):
If you just copy and pasteAI-generated text without
reviewing it, you will lose theauthenticity that makes donor
relationships meaningful.
That makes donor relationshipsmeaningful.
But if you use AI as a thoughtpartner, guiding it with strong
prompts and then adding yourpersonal touch, you can create
communications that feel bothefficient and deeply genuine.
(07:27):
And let's talk about ethics.
Ai tools are powerful, but theyaren't magic.
They only know what they'vebeen trained on and they don't
understand context, the way thatwe do.
That means we have to becareful, especially when it
comes to our donor data.
Before you feed any informationinto an AI tool, ask yourself
(07:48):
is this information public orsensitive.
Never input private donordetails into an AI system unless
you're absolutely sure it'ssecure.
Would I be comfortableexplaining this to a donor?
Transparency matters.
If AI is helping craft yourmessaging, own that.
Let it be an enhancement, not ahidden shortcut.
At the end of the day, ai isn'there to replace thoughtfulness.
(08:13):
It's here to give you morespace for thoughtfulness.
The more you experiment, thebetter you'll understand what AI
does well, where it needs yourexpertise and how you can use it
to become an even strongerfundraiser.
I think it takes really about20 hours of dedicated time
playing with an AI tool toreally understand it.
(08:34):
Now let's fast forward a bit andimagine what's possible when we
fundraisers embrace AI as oursuperstar sidekicks.
Picture this Instead ofspending hours drafting the same
types of emails, you use AI togenerate a strong first draft,
giving you more time to pick upthe phone and have real
conversations with donors,instead of manually combing
(08:56):
through spreadsheets to figureout who to reach out to.
Ai quickly analyzes your donordata and helps you identify the
people most likely to beinspired by your next campaign.
Instead of struggling to findthe right words, ai helps you
craft personalized messages thatmake each donor feel seen and
valued.
This isn't about losing humanconnection.
(09:17):
It's about creating more of it.
Ai gives you the space to bemore thoughtful, to be more
strategic and to be more presentwith your donors.
It helps you tell betterstories, craft deeper narratives
and build relationships thatare even more meaningful,
because, at the end of the day,fundraising has never been about
(09:38):
the transactions.
It's about the connections, andwhen used well, ai doesn't take
the humanity out of fundraising.
It elevates it.
So here's my challenge for youthis week Try one small thing
with AI.
Maybe you use ChatGPT to drafta first-pass thank-you email,
brainstorm, social mediacaptions, or maybe you're
(10:00):
summarizing a long report.
Just dip your toe in and seewhat it can do.
The goal is not perfection,it's exploration.
And remember, you're not doingthis alone.
We are all figuring out how AIfits into fundraising, and the
best way to learn is together.
There are so many greatresources out there to help you
(10:21):
get started.
And if you want to dive deeper,I'd love for you to join me at
AFP Icon in Seattle this April.
On the last day of theconference, I'll be leading a
session called Ready Set EthicalAI preparing your organization
for AI in fundraising.
We'll go beyond the buzzwordsand talk about how to integrate
AI in a way that aligns withyour mission, your values and,
(10:43):
most importantly, your donors.
If you're going to Icon, don'tmiss it.
And at the end of the day, aiisn't here to take over
fundraising.
It's here to help us do what wedo best build relationships,
tell powerful stories and make areal impact.
And the fundraisers who lean in, who embrace these tools with
(11:03):
curiosity and strategy, they'regoing to be the ones who thrive.
Thanks for spending this timewith me today on let's Talk
Fundraising.
I can't wait to hear how you'restarting to use AI to elevate
your work.
Let's keep moving forwardtogether.
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