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FundraisingAI: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Nathan Chappell, Scott Rosenkrans
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Today39 min
Episode 99 - Can AI Personalize Donor Engagement at Scale? The Rise of N-of-1 Philanthropy
In a world where AI evolves at lightning speed, many people and organizations still find themselves stuck on the sidelines. Today's discussion explores why so many teams face "analysis paralysis" when choosing the right tools. Rather than getting overwhelmed by shiny new software, the focus shifts to practical solutions: staying curious, mastering core tools, and using agentic AI to handle heavy administrative tasks. From personalized communication to building streamlined one-person workflows, this conversation highlights how smart automation can transform daily productivity. Furthermore, Nathan and Scott share bold predictions for 2027, emphasize the need for basic data safety standards, and call for a "pro-boundaries" balance between high-tech efficiency and intentional offline time. Ultimately, today's episode offers a grounded roadmap for taking control of AI, helping you cut through the noise, boost your impact, and stay clear in a fast-changing digital landscape. HIGHLIGHTS [02:29] The Speed of Technological Evolution [12:19] N1 Philanthropy, the New Book Coming on November 17 [17:15] Reflections on the Fundraising Summit [29:36] Predictions for 2027 [33:56] Human Agency and Boundaries 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: N1 Philanthropy: Precision, Connection, and the Future of Generosity: n1philanthropy.ai/ Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good: https://www.amazon.com/dp/139431664X The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity's Greatest Challenges: goodreads.com/en/book/show/61314727-the-generosity-crisis
- 4 weeks ago54 min
Episode 98 - Beyond AI Adoption: Building the Hybrid Human-AI Advancement Team with Joe Manok
What if AI has the ability not only to make your organization faster but also to make it fundamentally different? AI adoption is surpassing tools and individual workflows, leading into organizational redesign, governance, and the future of work. Starting from building trust with staff and balancing AI readiness with ethical parameters to integrating specialized AI agents, the sole focus is on practical transformation. This episode explores what happens when advancement teams simply move beyond augmenting existing processes. Today we’re joined by Joe Manok, Vice President for University Advancement at Clark University, author of ‘Becoming AI Ready,’ and a leader in AI-driven advancement and organizational transformation. When a fundraiser encouraged him to pursue higher education and introduced him to the world of philanthropy, he was working in Beirut, Lebanon. Joe held fundraising roles in New York and at MIT before joining Clark after studying computer science and working in advancement at the American University of Beirut. At present he explores how AI can transform the way organizations work, fundraise, and serve their communities. HIGHLIGHTS [02:10] Introduction and background to Joe Manok[07:27] Rethinking traditional advancement models rather than optimizing them[10:43] The balance between readiness and restraint[17:21] Change management and trust[21:18] Using AI to redesign the organization and give productivity gains back to employees[27:28] The responsibility for judgment, relationships, and governance[35:08] The results of AI-enabled capacity, organizational redesign, new talent, persistence, and a broader institutional strategy[39:48] From implementing AI internally to sharing and institutionalizing what has been learned[44:06] Experimentation, failure, iteration, and the willingness to examine unsuccessful initiatives[46:14] The importance of human judgment and oversight in high-stakes AI use cases like compliance RESOURCES Becoming AI-Ready: Designing Future Nonprofit Teams by Joe Manok amazon.com/Becoming-AI-Ready-Designing-Future-Nonprofit/dp/B0H1NBYVCY/ Connect with Joe LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/joemanok/
- Sep 30, 202632 min
Episode 97 - The $1B Solo Nonprofit with Meena Das
Imagine a world where one person and a cluster of algorithms run a billion-dollar charity. It sounds like science fiction, but as AI reshapes philanthropy, this hyper-efficient reality may be closer than we think. Meena Das, an expert in nonprofit data ethics and human-centered technology, grounds this radical vision in human reality. Drawing on her extensive work helping organizations navigate data, diversity, and governance, she challenges the sector to look beyond mere technical capability and ask deeper questions about power dynamics, accountability, and equity. Today's conversation explores whether reallocating fundraising overhead to frontline care could solve global crises, or if reliance on automated efficiency risks eroding trust and democratic philanthropy. While a one-person machine could raise billions, Nathan and Meena emphasize that money alone cannot dismantle systemic issues without strong governance, human connection, and community-led oversight. Finally, Meena stresses that the nonprofit sector must proactively claim its seat at the tech policy table to ensure technology serves humanity rather than replacing it. HIGHLIGHTS [03:58] The Billion-Dollar Nonprofit Thought Experiment[04:59] Technical Possibility vs. Moral Responsibility[11:57] Success, Accountability, and the Generosity Crisis[14:58] The Moral Responsibility to Solve Problems[22:23] Is a Billion-Dollar Nonprofit Inevitable?[27:00] Nonprofit Sector Agency and Responsible Governance Resources: Connect with Meena: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/meenadas/ Website: namastedata.org/
- Aug 20, 202643 min
Episode 96 - A Better Way: Donor-Centric AI with Derric Bakker
As AI changes the way nonprofits connect with donors, the big question is: can technology make fundraising more personal, not less? Derric Bakker, CEO at DickersonBakker, explores how fundraising has moved from personal, relationship-based work to more transactional communication. He shares how AI can help nonprofits bring personalized donor experiences to more people, not just major donors. The discussion covers key ideas such as listening to donors, personalizing messages, showing genuine thanks, building trust, respecting donor timing, and focusing on long-term relationships. Derric also highlights the importance of using AI responsibly. Nonprofits should be honest when AI is involved and should never use technology to trick or pressure donors. Trust is at the heart of successful fundraising, and once it is lost, it can be difficult to rebuild. The conversation also looks at how nonprofits can use AI to scale personal communication while keeping the human side of fundraising strong. Overall, the message is simple: use AI to strengthen relationships, not replace them. The future of fundraising should combine smart technology with genuine human connection. HIGHLIGHST [02:00] Derric's Professional Journey [06:07] The Shift Toward Transactional Fundraising [10:37] Genesis of A Better Way to Fundraise [16:46] Core Principles of Relationship Fundraising [21:17] AI Ethics and Maintaining Donor Trust [35:19] The Future Outlook for Fundraising Resources: Connect with Derric: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derricbakker/ Website: betterwaychampions.org/ Website: dickersonbakker.com/ Mentioned in the episode: A Better Way to Fundraise - Treat Every Donor Like a Major Donor: How AI is Enabling Major Giving at Scale - And Reshaping the Future of Philanthropy: amazon.com/Better-Way-Fundraise-Reshaping-Philanthropy Better Way Champions — Resources and a growing community of nonprofit leaders working to rethink the future of fundraising: BetterWayChampions.org Better Way Champions on Substack — Derric's latest writing on fundraising, philanthropy, AI, and the changes reshaping our sector: https://betterwaychampions.substack.com/subscribe
- Aug 12, 202639 min
Episode 95 - Building Ethical, Transparent AI Models for Fundraising with Daniel Basco
Today, let's explore how good data, clear goals, and trust are the real keys to getting value from AI. Meet Daniel Basco, Senior Director, iWave & Data Intelligence at Kindsight. Starting the conversation, Daniel shares his career journey from public policy and economics to data science and fundraising. He talks about his work with governments, nonprofits, and now Kindsight, where he leads data science and AI product development. The conversation explores how AI and machine learning have improved over the years, making it easier to test ideas and work faster. Daniel explains why organizations need clean, reliable data and why it is important to understand how AI reaches its conclusions. He also discusses the need to reduce bias and use AI ethically. Furthermore, Daniel talks about the benefits of combining different data sources to improve results and how AI can help nonprofits make better decisions and improve daily work. He discusses the importance of teamwork, experimenting with new ideas, and continuing to learn as AI evolves. He also shares how he uses Claude to communicate ideas more clearly, brainstorm faster, and save time in his daily work. HIGHLIGHTS [01:47] Daniel's Career Journey [07:12] Challenges and Evolution in AI and Machine Learning [11:26] Data Utilization and Predictive AI in Nonprofit Sector [18:17] Transparency and Trust in Nonprofit AI Models [29:01] Future of AI in Nonprofit Sector [35:23] Personal Reflections and Favorite AI Tools Resources: 2025 Donor Perceptions of AI Report: kindsight.io/resources/ebooks/2025-donor-perceptions-of-ai-report Connect with Daniel: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniel-basco Website: kindsight.io/
- Aug 5, 202642 min
Episode 94 - Building a More Confident Fundraising Sector with Mallory Erickson
In a world where change is happening faster than ever, the biggest challenge is not just finding new tools; it is helping people feel ready to use them. In today's episode, Nathan talks with Mallory Erickson, the creator of Practivated, the first fundraiser readiness platform. Mallory shares the story behind Practivated and explains that it was created to solve real problems in the fundraising sector, including fundraiser burnout, declining participation, and the need to better support professionals. She explains that her goal was not just to build a technology product, but to create a solution that helps people grow their skills and confidence. Furthermore, Mallory discusses the challenges of AI adoption, including fear, resistance to change, and the difficulty leaders face when trying to introduce new ideas. She explains how Practivated helps people build AI confidence through role-play, coaching, and feedback. The conversation also explores why practice is important for turning knowledge into real action and why curiosity is more valuable than trying to have all the answers. [04:05] Solving the Right Problem [09:18] Balancing Realism and Awareness [16:13] The Real Innovation Barrier [22:27] Trust Before Technology [29:04] Confidence Is Curiosity [38:18] Practice as a Path to Progress Connect with Mallory: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com Website: practivated.com
- Jul 28, 202645 min
Episode 93 - AI Is a Capability, Not just a Technology with Judah Phillips
Have you ever considered what the bigger risk is? Adapting the wrong AI tool or waiting too long to get started? Since predictive, generative, and agentic AI continue to alter how organizations operate, understanding how these different technologies complement one another is of utmost importance. This conversation revolves around the measurable impact of AI, while addressing concerns from making advanced analytics accessible to nonprofits of all sizes to using AI for smarter fundraising decisions. Join us and learn why incomplete or messy data shouldn’t stop you from using AI, how predictive AI uncovers opportunities, and why treating AI as a strategic capability rather than another tool can help organizations to enhance efficiency, increase revenue, and stay at the very top of an increasingly AI-driven world. Our guest today is Judah Phillips, the Chief AI and Product Officer at Market Holdings LLC and the General Manager and co-founder of Squark AI, a no-code platform for predictive analytics, forecasting, and decision intelligence. Beyond his professional role, Judah founded the Boston Generative AI Meetup, one of the world's largest in-person AI communities, and Boston AI Week, a citywide AI festival. He is also the author of multiple books related to analytics, e-commerce, and AI. His work specializes in bridging AI strategy, commercialization, governance, investment, and community building to accelerate AI adoption. In this conversation, Nathan and Judah mainly discuss the developing relationship between predictive, generative, and agentic AI and how it affects the fundraising landscape, also what the future holds for AI and why it’s important to build AI capabilities early on. HIGHLIGHTS [01:23] Introduction and background to Judah Phillips. [06:48] Judah’s journey on the development of Squark AI. [20:46] Making sophisticated capabilities accessible to everyone, not just building models. [25:52] Using predictive AI to solve real fundraising challenges. [38:37] The future convergence of predictive AI, generative AI, and agentic AI. [45:00] The importance of adopting an AI mindset before the technology moves too far ahead. RESOURCES Connect with Judah Phillips LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/judahphillips/ Website - squark.ai/
- Jul 22, 202628 min
Episode 92 - Giving USA and AI in Fundraising
AI is changing the way we work, create, and make decisions, but are we ready for the changes ahead? From privacy concerns to powerful new AI tools, this conversation explores what the future may look like! Discussing Meta's privacy concerns, including a new Instagram update, Nathan and Scott stress the need for people and organizations to better understand how their data is used. The conversation also looks at Microsoft layoffs and the importance of training employees with new skills instead of only replacing jobs. Then Sam - ChatGPT joins the discussion to explain new AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic and how they can help people work faster and smarter. In conclusion, Nathan and Scott mention that different AI tools have distinct strengths, so users should choose the right tool for each task. HIGHLIGHTS [00:00] Giving USA Annual Symposium [03:31] This week's AI Advancements [04:47] Meta's Privacy Concerns [08:32] AI Needs Guardrails [09:18] Microsoft Recent Layoffs [19:06] OpenAI and Anthropic's New Models [23:56] Choose the Right Tool for the Job 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: Shrug Philanthropy: linkedin.com/pulse/shrug-philanthropy-nathan-chappell
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About FundraisingAI
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.
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