Human-Centered Fundraising: Leveraging AI Without Being Artificial

11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

In the race to reimagine advancement and “do more with less,” virtually everyone is navigating the question of whether and how to make use of AI. In this session, we will explore practical ways to harness the transformative power of AI without abandoning one of our profession’s fundamental truths: philanthropy is about human beings. We will demonstrate how thoughtful use of AI can supercharge human productivity–not replace it. We will discuss how carefully-designed applications of AI can enhance human connection–not eliminate it.

This won’t be a theoretical survey of AI’s potential. It will be a candid conversation about what’s already working, where AI can deliver real impact today, and how leaders can develop and refine an approach that works for them–and their teams. We will highlight real-world examples of institutions that are realizing significant gains through the use of an AI and machine learning engine designed specifically and exclusively for fundraisers at educational institutions. These examples will stretch across numerous functional areas including annual giving and pipeline development, prospect research, and major and principal gifts.
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Speakers: Matthew T. Lambert and Kestrel Linder

Autonomous AI Fundraising: How we Raised $1M in 6 Months with Pioneering Leaders

12:00 PM to 12:30 PM

The advancement industry faces an insurmountable challenge: institutions can neither afford nor find enough frontline fundraisers to meaningfully engage all rated donors and prospects with 1:1 engagement. To address this frontline staffing reality, innovative leaders are turning to digital labor through autonomous fundraising as a transformative solution. This groundbreaking panel unites the first advancement leaders to ever implement autonomous fundraising to share their compelling results in various stages of deployment. These pioneers will discuss how each of their Virtual Engagement Officers (VEOs) are working with targeted portfolios of donors to address the greatest areas of opportunity for their individual organizations. The discussion will explore their communities' reaction to fully autonomous AI fundraising and share both results and learnings in an unprecedented and candid conversation. Attendees will gain practical insights into implementing autonomous fundraising, including change management strategies, emerging best practices, and real-world data showcasing the impact on donor engagement and giving. They’ll also hear from these leaders about their perspective on the future of digital labor and their visions for comprehensive 5-year digital workforce strategies that complement their frontline fundraising team. Join us to learn from those who have successfully navigated this transformative journey and glimpse the future of advancement, where human and digital labor collaborate to achieve unprecedented reach and results.

Speakers: Jason Diffenderfer, Brooks Hull, Matthew T. Lambert, Adam Martel, and Jennifer Shimp-Bowerman