FundraisingAI

<p>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 <a href="https://fundraising.ai/podcast">FundraisingAI podcast</a>, your up-to-date resource for beneficial and responsible AI for the global fundraising community.</p><p>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:</p><ul> <li>Latest Trends in AI Development: Updates on advancements in AI technologies and their applied application to the global fundraising sector.</li> <li>Transparent Fundraising Strategies: Using AI beneficially to build trust and accountability in donor relationships.</li> <li>AI for Social Impact: Harnessing AI technologies to drive meaningful change and amplify impact.</li> <li>Data Privacy and Security: Safeguarding donor information in an increasingly digital world.</li> <li>Beneficial and Responsible AI Development: Crafting algorithms that prioritize fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.</li> <li>Collaborative Initiatives: Exploring partnerships that promote responsible AI adoption and innovation.</li> </ul><p><br /></p><p>Whether you’re a nonprofit professional, fundraiser, or technology enthusiast, <a href="http://fundraising.ai/podcast">Fundraising.AI</a> 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.</p>

Episode 66 - A New Paradigm: A Preview of the FundraisingAI Global Summit with Woodrow Rosenbaum & Mallory Erickson

In this week’s episode, we welcome Mallory Erickson, the creator of Practivated, and Woodrow Rosenbaum, founder and CEO of With Intent. This conversation focuses on the balance between productivity and efficiency with the help of AI in a world where speed often overshadows substance. Together, they shed light on how innovation can empower nonprofits to reimagine generosity for the future.   HIGHLIGHTS [06:22] Introduction and background to Mallory and Woodrow.   [10:11] AI’s potential to transform organizations and impact.   [15:00] From AI hype to real transformation in nonprofits.   [18:40] The overwhelm and fear surrounding AI.   [23:05] The fear of change and getting comfortable with discomfort.   [27:50] Engagement over avoidance.   [33:23] The mindset shift: Building prompting skills in safe contexts.   [38:30] Responsible and ethical AI usage.   [42:53] Leadership in rapidly changing AI landscape.   [45:54] Agentic AI and the future of nonprofit.   [48:04] Addressing bias and inequity in AI training and applications.  [54:02] AI Global Summit: Learning and adopting AI that is best for nonprofit organizations.  Connect with Mallory Erickson    LinkedIn -linkedin.com/in/mallory-erickson-bressler/   Website - malloryerickson.com/                     practivated.com/   Instagram - instagram.com/_malloryerickson/   Podcast - malloryerickson.com/podcast/     Connect with Woodrow Rosenbaum    LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/woodrowrosenbaum/   Website - with-intent.com/   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/⁠

09-11
42:33

Episode 65 - Assume Anything Is Possible: AI, Philanthropy, and the Future

From outdated best practices to the rise of agentic AI, the world of artificial intelligence is changing by the day. Reshaping how we work, lead, and give, AI is evolving faster than any other technology we’ve seen before. In this episode, Nathan and Scott comment on the urgency and importance of mindset shifts around AI, the emergence of new roles, and the delicate balance between automation and human supervision. The need for ethical standards in sectors like fundraising in using AI and the role of AI in unlocking generosity are also highlighted in this episode. If you are curious about the wonderful things that are possible with the help of AI, or simply just cautious, or both, this conversation will help you navigate the future of AI.   HIGHLIGHTS [02:00] Annual Bridge Conference, National Harbor, MD.   [07:47] Perceptions vs. reality of AI adoption in the nonprofit sector.   [12:10] The inevitability of change.   [18:24] The recent USA AI action plan.   [24:34] Setting the standard for responsible AI use.   [29:02] The evolution of agentic AI.   [34:28] The balance between automation and human oversight.   [39:13] Navigating AI’s impact on job markets.   [42:08] The role of AI in the future of philanthropy.   REOSOURCES: New Roles for AI - Pascal Bornet  linkedin.com/posts/pascalbornet_ai-futureofwork-agenticai-activity-7355531131095552000-YPt2     Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/⁠

08-06
43:39

Episode 64 - Design Thinking, Vibe Coding, and the Human Side of AI with Jason VanLue

In this episode, Nathan welcomes Jason VanLue, VP of Product at Virtuous, to explore the intersection of design thinking, branding, and AI. Starting the conversation, Jason shares his unique journey into product development and storytelling. The duo dives into the importance of design principles, the art of vibe coding, and why the human touch matters more than ever in an AI-driven world.  Moreover, Jason previews his latest work, "The Three Pipe Problems," inspired by Sherlock Holmes and designed to solve complex challenges with empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking. Additionally, Nathan and Jason explore the evolving role of storytelling in the nonprofit sector, the critical skills required for the future workforce, and the potential of AI as a tool rather than a replacement.  HIGHLIGHTS [05:15] Jason's Journey    [11:09] Jason's Book "Branding Matters" and Its Impact   [22:18] The Concept of the "Three Pipe Problems"  [28:34] The Role of AI in Problem Solving   [37:32] Vibe Coding and Its Implications  [41:42] Future of Work and Hiring Practices   REOSOURCES:   Connect with Jason:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonvanlue  Website: jasonvanlue.com  Website: virtuous.org    Mentioned in the episode:   Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands: amazon.com/Zag-Number-Strategy-High-Performance-Brands  Branding Matters: amazon.com/Branding-Matters-Jason-VanLue  Three Pipe Problems: jasonvanlue.com/book  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/⁠

07-30
46:37

Episode 63 - Geneva AI for Good Summit: Ethics, Energy, And Accountability

The term ‘Responsible AI’ is more than a buzzword; it’s a call to action. When we talk about responsible AI, it’s not about some fancy tech tools; it’s about power, ethics, leadership, and long-term consequences. The question we need to ask is ‘Who defines what’s safe? Who decides what’s ethical?’. At present a handful of tech giants shape the answers to those questions. While using AI might feel like a moderate impact, developing these models comes with a great environmental cost. We live in a world that moves at hyperspeed where it’s not healthy to treat AI as just a tech tool. The time has come for nonprofits and leaders to step up and lead with responsibility.     In this week’s episode, Scott and Nathan talk about the ever-evolving landscape of AI and the foundation of AI governance. AI technologies are generally developing at a remarkable rate, but the governance aspect is only slowly progressing. This mismatch shows how the regulations are trying to catch up instead of preventing harm. Starting the conversation, Nathan shares his thoughts on the need for an adaptive, forward-thinking governance framework for AI that is able to anticipate risk and not just to respond. Next, Nathan and Scott discuss the technological and geopolitical power in AI, where a handful of tech giants control the system, leaving the rest of us to decide if their definition of ‘Responsible AI’ matches ours. Nathan kindly explains why responsible AI should be everyone’s responsibility. We are in a dire need of drawing ethical lines, defining values, and demanding a transparent AI governance system before harm scales beyond our grasp. Further down in the conversation, Nathan and Scott pay attention to the following topics: challenges in AI governance, guardrails for using AI, the role of leadership in responsible AI use, environmental impact on developing AI, and more.   HIGHLIGHTS    [01:06] Governance and AI.   [04:04] The lack of progress in the governance framework.   [09:11] Challenges in AI governance.   [13:02] The concentration of technological and geopolitical power in AI.   [15:10] The importance of having guardrails of how to use AI.   [20:21] The role of leadership in responsible AI.   [25:31] The choice between acting in the fog or becoming irrelevant.   [27:50] Navigating the ethics and safety in AI.   [30:15] Environmental impact of AI.   RESOURCES    Laying the Foundation for AI Governance.   aiforgood.itu.int/event/building-secure-and-trustworthy-ai-foundations-for-ai-governance/ Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/⁠⁠⁠

07-23
38:11

Episode 62 - Geneva AI for Good Summit: Insights on AI & Humanity

Today's conversation from the AI for Good Summit in Geneva, Nathan and Scott explore the evolving role of AI in shaping a better world. The summit, held under the United Nations banner and inspired by Neil Sahota, marks its 10th anniversary by focusing on how AI can accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The discussion encompasses diverse topics, ranging from quantum technology to AI-assisted robotics, but it's the human impact that takes center stage.  Nathan and Scott reflect on the cultural nuances of AI adoption in the US, UK, and Mongolia, highlighting how urgency, regulation, and societal mindset influence progress. They examine the growing importance of AI governance and trust, particularly in the nonprofit sector, where AI is viewed not as a replacement for fundraisers but as a tool to strengthen relationships and enhance decision-making.  The episode encourages nonprofits to adopt internal AI policies, ask better questions of their vendors, and prioritize empathy and human connection in AI implementation. With practical tips and personal routines shared, this conversation reinforces a critical message: successful AI adoption starts with people, not just tech. As AI transforms industries, the focus must remain on curiosity, values, and long-term impact.  HIGHLIGHTS  [0:07] AI for Good Summit Overview   [03:09] Impact of AI on Workforce and Governance   [06:16] Cultural Differences in AI Adoption  [10:17] AI's Role in the Nonprofit Sector   [22:07] Imagination, Boundaries, and Thriving with AI  [27:07] AI Governance and Trust   [33:29] Practical Tips for AI Adoption  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/⁠⁠

07-16
40:42

Episode 61 - Navigating Super Intelligence, Governance, and Human-First Transformation

In the rapidly accelerating world of Artificial Intelligence, the pace of innovation can feel overwhelming. From groundbreaking advancements to the ongoing debate about governance and ethical implications, AI is not just a tool; it's a transformative force. As we race towards super intelligence and navigate increasingly sophisticated models, how do we ensure that human values remain at the core of this technological revolution? How do we, especially in the trust-based nonprofit sector, lead with intentionality and ensure AI serves humanity rather than superseding it?   In this episode, Nathan and Scott dive into the relentless evolution of AI, highlighting Meta's staggering $15 billion investment in the race for super intelligence and the critical absence of robust regulation. They reflect on the essential shift from viewing AI adoption as a finite "destination" to embracing it as an ongoing "journey." Nathan shares insights on how AI amplifies human capabilities, particularly for those who are "marginally" good at certain skills, advocating for finding your "why" and offloading tasks AI can do better. Scott discusses his recent AI governance certification, underscoring the complexities and lack of "meat on the bone" in US regulations compared to the EU AI Act. The conversation also explores the concept of AI agents, offering practical tips for leveraging them, even for those with no coding experience. They conclude with a powerful reminder: AI is a mirror reflecting our values, and the nonprofit sector has a vital role in shaping its ethical future.   HIGHLIGHTS  [01:15] AI Transformation: A Journey, Not a Destination [03.00] If AI Can Do It Better: Finding Your Human "Why"   [04:05] AI Outperforming Human Capabilities   [05:00] Meta's $15 Billion Investment in Super Intelligence  [07:16] The Manipulative Nature of AI and the "Arms Race" for Super Intelligence   [09:27] The Importance and Challenges of AI Governance and Regulation   [14:50] AI as a Compass, Not a Silver Bullet   [16:39] Beware the AI Finish Line Illusion   [18:12] Small Steps, Sustained Momentum: The "Baby Steps" Approach to AI   [26:48] Tip of the Week: The Rise of AI Agents and Practical Use Cases  [32.24] The Power of Curiosity in AI Exploration   RESOURCES  Relay.app: relay.app   Zapier: zapier.com   Make.com: make.com   N.io: n.io   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/⁠

06-25
31:33

Episode 60 - Authenticity Over Perfection: AI, Trust, and the Future of Healthcare Philanthropy

AI is no longer a remote concept; it’s here, reshaping how we communicate, work, and lead. But in a value-based sector such as healthcare philanthropy, AI adoption isn’t just about innovation; it’s about alignment, trust, and purpose. Curiosity fuels exploration, and authenticity remains the most valuable currency of our time. As organizations struggle with bureaucracy, privacy, and ethical considerations, the only thing that remains true is that moving forward with AI needs more than just technology; it requires intentionality. In this week’s episode, Nathan and Scott explore the importance of staying true to yourself in the age of AI.   Nathan and Scott address you from the first AHP association for healthcare philanthropy, the AI Conference, and highlight the slow AI adoption of the healthcare industry due to bureaucracy and privacy concerns. Then, Nathan and Scott talk about the top two use cases of generative AI in the year 2025: ‘Therapy Companionship’ and ‘Organizing My Life.’ Nathan kindly explains the concept of ‘Great Flattening, ’ which is basically a return to the authenticity stage from internet perfection. Nathan also reminds us that the things technology can do are awesome, but it’s important to remember who we are without those curated perfections. They also share their take on the limitations of AI when it comes to providing emotional support. AI or any kind of bot can project and pretend, but it cannot ever feel the way humans do. Nathan further points out that the inherent human need to feel heard couldn’t be fulfilled by a bot.   Nathan and Scott also discuss the following topics further in the conversation: artificial intimacy, the manipulative nature of AI, and practical use cases for nonprofit AI.  HIGHLIGHTS [01.13] AHP’s summit on Artificial Intelligence.   [05.17] Enthusiasm, interest, and curiosity around AI in healthcare philanthropy.   [11.12] The number 1 generative AI use case in 2025.   [12.00] The high usage of AI therapy and companionship among certain age groups.   [18.05] The Great Flattening.   [22.00] The limitations of AI in providing emotional support.   [25.20] Artificial intimacy and its effect on the human mind.   [28.09] The manipulative nature of AI.   [36.24] Practical use cases for nonprofit AI.   [37.30] Tip of the Week – Level up your prompts by customizing how AI thinks.   [40.00] Tip of the Week 2 -  LMArena.ai for comparing different AI models.   RESOURCES  LMArena AI - lmarena.ai/   Personality and Persuasion by Ethan Mollick  oneusefulthing.org/p/personality-and-persuasion?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=1180644   Artificial Intimacy - by CHT and MIT  youtube.com/watch?v=hJ80NqXlGSk   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

06-19
42:42

Episode 59 - Human + AI: Shaping the Nonprofit Work of Tomorrow

In an era where Artificial Intelligence is redefining our world at a remarkably swift pace, the traditional way of doing things no longer guarantees decent outcomes. The transformation of how we work, create, and find meaning due to AI puts the conventional job pyramid into a disruptive mode. It’s our responsibility to embrace curiosity, adapt boldly, and focus on delivering meaningful outcomes rather than routine tasks in order to thrive in this constantly changing landscape. It is no longer enough to simply work harder; it’s essential to work smarter with the assistance of AI. The future belongs to those who are willing to combine the power of human creativity with the power of AI.   In this week’s episode, Nathan and Scott bring their usual updates on what new changes occurred in the landscape of AI. Then they share thoughts on the differences in AI adoption between the private and nonprofit sectors. The nonprofits have a responsibility to use AI thoughtfully because it can magnify their impact and shape the future of technology at the same time. Nathan then explains the importance of redefining success by choosing joy over traditional job titles in an AI-driven world. He also comments on the importance of encouraging the younger generations to follow what they love instead of the paycheck or traditional career paths. Furthermore, Nathan and Scott pay attention to discussing a much-needed topic: the limitations of AI when it comes to providing the human connection. AI can definitely answer your questions, but it cannot make you feel heard as another human being. It’s important to remember what a technology like AI is capable of and not capable of providing.   Wrapping up the conversation, Scott provides tips to train ChatGPT fast, and Nathan contributes with the ponder of the week and encourages people to slow down and take time to ground themselves with the reality of what surrounds them.   HIGHLIGHTS [02.04] AI in the private and nonprofit sectors.   [07.50] The weekly highlight on AI.   [14.12] Document by OpenAI’s Red Team about AI resisting termination instructions.   [16.22] The responsibility of using AI thoughtfully.   [22.37] Redefining success.   [37.37] The Collapse of the Traditional Career Pyramid.   [31.14] The limitations of AI in providing the human connection.   [35.50] AI in the nonprofit sector.   [39.41] Tip of the Week – Train ChaatGPT fast with a quick profile of you and your work.   [43.20] Ponder of the Week – Slow down and ground yourself with the reality of what's around you.  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

06-11
49:08

Episode 58 - Courage: From Fear to Forward Motion in the Age of AI with Mallory Erickson

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence isn’t just another tool but is becoming a part of the framework of how we live and work. But with that realization comes the question: What does it mean to use AI responsibly? How do we balance innovation with impact? And what happens if we let fear get in our way of engaging with AI at all? In this episode, Mallory Erickson and Nathan Chappell will dive into those tensions. Their aim is not to have all the answers but to explore the importance of curiosity, experimentation, and value-driven decision-making.   Mallory Erickson is a former fundraiser, keynote speaker, author, and host of What the Fundraising, and the creator of Practivated, the first-ever AI-powered donor conversation simulator. She helps fundraisers navigate the overlap of strategy, coaching, and behavior design so they can focus on the most human aspects of their work: connecting. She has helped more than 60,000 fundraisers raise more with less burnout, overwhelm, and more alignment. She is also a firm believer that the nonprofit sector has the capacity to address the problems of the world.   In this conversation, Mallory and Nathan find themselves discussing the following topics regarding the use and creation of responsible AI: the role of AI in solving fundraising challenges, the combination of curiosity, collaboration, and experimentation, the balance between innovation and responsibility, the fear of the unknown, the risk of not using AI at all. Mallory further explains the creation of Practivated and its impact on building fundraising confidence.     HIGHLIGHTS  [04.19] Exploring the potential of AI in solving fundraising challenges.  [09.08] Developing responsible AI tools for fundraising.  [16.21] Curiosity, Collaboration, and experimentation.  [21.27] The development of Practivated, a tool for building fundraising confidence through AI.   [29.53] The balance between innovation and responsibility.  [36.25] The risk of not trying to use AI at all.   Connect with Mallory Erickson  LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/mallory-erickson-bressler/   Website - malloryerickson.com/                     practivated.com/   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

06-04
41:19

Episode 57 - Enhancing Humanity: The Promise of Compassionate AI with Dr. Jean-Luc Mommaerts

Compassionate AI goes beyond kindness and empathy. It’s deep-rooted, human-centered intelligence that understands and supports a person as a whole. Embedded in both Western rationality and Eastern wisdom, it aims to help us grow and connect more meaningfully. Instead of replacing humans, compassionate AI develops our ability to understand ourselves and each other. In medicine, education, justice, or everyday life, AI like this helps us to become better humans. It begins with believing in ourselves and leveraging the tools that are currently in our grasp.   We are joined by Dr. Jean-Luc Mommaerts, MD, MAI, PhD, a medical doctor and AI expert with an extensive background spanning over decades in artificial intelligence. He obtained a master’s in AI and cognitive science in 1997 and a PhD in medical science in 2014. He worked as a physician for 12 years, and his attention currently remains on developing a coaching chatbot, Lisa, based on subconceptual (‘connectionist’) principles. He is devoted to using technology to support self-understanding and human well-being with the experience of both clinical medicine and artificial intelligence development.   In today’s conversation, Dr. Jean-Luc primarily focused on explaining the concept of compassionate AI and how Lisa AI, a compassionate AI tool, prioritizes human happiness and motivation. Throughout the conversation, we dive into the following topics regarding the use of compassionate AI and its future: the role of compassionate AI in nonprofits, its potential to create a more empathetic and efficient society, the expected expansion into various fields, including healthcare, education, and judicial systems, and also the importance of keeping these types of AI accessible to everyone.     HIGHLIGHTS [01.04] Introduction and background to Dr. Jean-Luc Mommaerts.  [05.28] The concept of compassionate AI.   [10.47] The philosophy behind Lisa: a compassionate AI coach.   [15.33] The unique aspects of Lisa AI and its focus on compassionate intelligence.   [21.00] The role of compassionate AI in fundraising.   [29.00] Future of compassionate AI.  [35.38] The importance of keeping compassionate AI accessible to everyone.   [43.54] Believing in yourself and starting the journey toward a compassionate self.   RESOURCES Connect with Dr. Jean-Luc Mommaerts  LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/mommaertsjeanluc/   Website – aurelis.org  Email - lisa@aurelis.org   amazon.com/Jean-Luc-Mommaerts/e/B086BVMVJK&source=gmail-imap&ust=1748675972000000&usg=AOvVaw138RRdL13aH2uaS9iYF72c   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

05-28
40:06

Episode 56 - The Role of Leadership And Governance In Building Trust In AI

AI continues to offer incredible opportunities to innovate and improve efficiency, making the way to transform how we live and work. While AI becomes more involved with our daily lives, it raises critical questions about responsibility, ethics, and governance. For a responsible AI adoption, you need not only to embrace the technology and its potential but also understand the risks and limitations that come with it. For a successful but responsible AI adoption, thoughtful leadership, clear boundaries, and continuous studying to ensure that AI is being fair and safe are much-needed requirements.   In this week’s episode, Nathan and Scott continue to share their thoughts on responsible AI adoption. They start the conversation by commenting on the book signing event they participated in for their new book, ‘Nonprofit AI.’ They also discuss the newest updates to ChatGPT and advise people to be aware of the personalities and persuasive abilities of modern AI models. Next, they explain the real harm AI can cause by walking us through the lawsuit involving Character AI. Furthermore, in the conversation, Nathan and Scott take time to go through the fourth chapter of their book, AI First Nonprofit: Reimagining Nonprofit Impact. Wrapping up this week’s episode, Nathan introduces the ponder of the week, where he questions what’s riskier between waiting to use AI until we have a full understanding of it or diving right in without understanding it at all. Scott contributes with the tip of the week, where he suggests using multi-perspective prompting to get better results from AI.   HIGHLIGHTS [02:41] Nathan and Scott discuss their recent book signing event for their newly released “Nonprofit AI” book.   [07:00] Personalities and persuasive abilities of AI models.  [11:33] The lawsuit involving Character AI.   [17:40] Enhancing productivity and innovation in the nonprofit sector.   [19:30] Chapter Four of Nonprofit AI: AI First Nonprofit, Reimagining Nonprofit Impact.   [22:34] AI as a strategic driver.   [27:30] A solution-oriented approach for AI adoption.   [31:02] Tip of the Week – Use multi-perspective prompting to get better AI results.   [34:16] Ponder of the Week – What’s riskier? Waiting to use AI until we understand it, or using it without understanding at all?   RESOURCES Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good   by Nathan Chappell and Scott Rosenkrans   amazon.com/Nonprofit-Comprehensive-Implementing-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/139431664X   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

05-21
39:36

Episode 55 - Human-Centered Fundraising In The Age Of AI with Peggy Maher

AI continues to prove its potential to enhance human touch in an era where technology often feels like it's replacing it. Most leaders are finding out that instead of replacing, AI can enhance empathy, streamline communication, and strengthen donor relationships. Using AI thoughtfully can help people reduce time-consuming work, clarify complex messages, and personalize outreach in a way that truly resonates with donors. The promise of AI is not to replace us, but its ability to enhance our humanity.   Meet Peggy Maher, Vice President & Chief Development Officer, CHSLI and the St. Francis Hospital Foundation. Catholic Health is a $3 billion comprehensive healthcare system that serves the entire Long Island community. With a renowned career in fundraising, Peggy has held leadership positions at institutions including Stony Brook University, Columbia University, and the University of Arkansas in New York.   In today’s conversation, Nathan and Peggy dive into the following topics regarding embracing AI with intention in the nonprofit landscape: leading with facilitation, from resistance to experimentation with AI, the benefits of voice technology, the importance of maintaining human connection, the balance between human connection and technological advancements, leadership responsibilities in adopting and using AI, and more.   HIGHLIGHTS [05:18] The potential of AI to imitate a human voice.   [12:43] Leadership, facilitation, and AI adoption.   [16:15] Embracing curiosity and activating the experimentation stage with AI.   [20:48] Moving from resistance to experimentation.   [27:08] NotebookLM and the benefits of voice technology.   [30:05] Maintaining human connection and trust in using AI.   [34:36] Balancing technological advancements with human connection.   [37:44] Keeping the relationships at the center of work.   [40:00] Leadership responsibilities of adopting and using AI.   [43:08] Showing impact through action.   RESOURCES  Connect with Peggy Maher  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/peggy-maher-a436772/   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠fundraising.ai/

05-14
44:09

Episode 54 - AI Fluency: The Skill Every Leader Needs Now

What does it mean to be AI fluent? And why is this skill becoming crucial not just for tech teams but for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and other mission-driven professionals? In this week’s episode, Nathan and Scott ponder these very questions. They also unpack what truly drives innovation: curiosity and imagination, while commenting that the biggest barrier to progress isn’t tools but people's own imagination. They examine various aspects, from hiring strategies to leadership errors, and how AI can assist in attracting and retaining employees to maintain organizational relevance. They also discuss the critical tension of the need to explore new tools without falling for every shiny object that comes out. Whether you are just getting started or already experimenting with modern AI tools, join Nathan and Scott as they dive into leading with intention, not just adoption.   HIGHLIGHTS [02:19] The newest memory upgrade of OpenAI.   [06:26] The importance of custom instructions.   [10:41] OpenAI Academy for AI literacy and community learning.  [17:41] AI 2027: An in-depth study on AI in the next couple of years.   [19:15] NotebookLM and its ability to distill large amounts of information into a digestible format.  [22:30] Nonprofit AI: AI Fluency.   [24:20] The role of curiosity in innovation.   [26:14] The importance of AI fluency.   [29:18] The challenges of AI Fluency.   [36:20] Tip of the Week – Keep a visual reminder of ‘How Can I Help’?  [36:48] Ponder of the Week – Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.   RESOURCES ai-2027.com/   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): ⁠linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/⁠ LinkedIn (Scott): ⁠linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans⁠ Website: ⁠fundraising.ai/

05-07
41:16

Episode 53 - From Myth To Mission: Rethinking The Role Of AI

From an emerging trend to a powerful everyday tool, AI has surely come a long way. The current models can generate content and languages, create visuals, and even act as personal assistants. And guess what the best part is? You don’t have to be a tech expert or a part of a large organization to use them. In this episode of the Fundraising AI podcast, Nathan and Scott explore how modern AI is transforming work for the better. They also talk about why responsible use of AI matters; as with any great power, caution is crucial.   Starting the conversation, Nathan and Scott dive into the improvements in AI image generators, their limitations, and their potential to save time and effort for nonprofits. Next, they share their take on working smarter with AI customization tools, where you can save your instructions rather than retyping your prompts every time. Then Nathan shares some significant details on a study conducted by Harvard Business School about improvements in performance and efficiency when using AI. The study shows the difference in performance improvement between teams that are using AI and those that are not. It also shows the improvement of the efficiency of teams that use AI by 12.7%.   In the last part of the conversation, Nathan and Scott dive into the second chapter of their book, ‘Fundraising AI,’ where they separate AI myths from reality. They paid special attention to the myth that AI is only for large, well-funded organizations, which is the opposite of the truth. Additionally, Nathan and Scott walk us through the topics of recent releases of new AI models by Gemini and embracing AI with eyes wide open.   HIGHLIGHTS [02:25] Recent improvements in AI image generators.   [06:20] Challenges in AI image generators.   [10:48] Saving time and effort for nonprofits with AI image generators.   [14:34] Recent releases of new AI models by Gemini.   [17:40] Work smarter with AI customization tools.   [20:04] A study by Harvard Business School about the significant improvements in performance and efficiency when using AI.  [22:21] Chapter Two of ‘Nonprofit AI’.   [25:20] Separating myth from reality.   [28:40] Embracing AI with eyes wide open.   [32:07] Tip of the Week – Provide better prompts to AI tools to improve output quality.   [34:40] Ponder of the Week – Recognizing people who use AI with responsibility in larger organizations.   RESOURCES Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

04-17
37:15

Episode 52 - Navigating The Ethical Landscape Of AI For A Better Tomorrow With Xiaochen Z

Xiaochen Z is the founder and chief AI officer at AI2030, a global network focused on driving responsible and ethical AI development for the good of humanity. He is also the CEO of FinTech4Good with over 20 years of experience in the intersection of technology and social impact and leverages technology to empower communities and support sustainable development goals. In today’s episode with Xiaochen, we dive into the intersection of technology, responsibility, and social impact. As we stand on the edge of major technological evolution, especially AI, we face a critical moment where proactive actions can shape the future. We talk about how we can ensure that technology is in the hands of the right people, being used for the greater good, and what role the nonprofits sector plays in guiding this process. Xiaochen holds a Ph.D. in financial technology and has worked with reputable organizations like the World Bank, United Nations, and AWS. HIGHLIGHTS [03.00] Xiao’s background and his desire to use technology for social good. [05.22] Innovation in addressing long-standing challenges. [10.10] The importance of human relationships in organizational partnerships. [12.53] Climate change and AI development. [18.54] Setting meaningful milestones. [23.15] The distinction between regulated and non-regulated industries regarding AI adoption. [28.23] Creating positive impact while maintaining responsibility. [32.50] Keeping AI in the hands of those who are willing to make the world a better place. RESOURCES Connect with Xiaochen Z LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/cmyidea Website - fintech4good.co/ Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

04-09
38:41

Episode 51 - Nonprofit AI Strategies: Personalization, Ethics, and the Future of Giving

Fundraising, in the nonprofit sector, is no exception to the unprecedented pace of industry transformation by Artificial Intelligence. While AI continues to develop at a rapid rate, it presents both challenges and opportunities for organizations that seek effective donor engagement, operation optimization, and amplifying missions.   In this week’s episode of the FundraisingAI podcast, Nathan and Scott dive deep into the evolving role of AI in the nonprofit sector. They discuss its rapid development referencing Reid Hoffman’s AI-driven book Personalization as something nonprofits could leverage to strengthen donor relationships. Next, they introduce their upcoming book, ‘Nonprofit AI,’ its chapters, and what they represent. They also explain how this book could help nonprofits to navigate the challenges of adopting AI including organizational resistance, ethical concerns, and the need for AI literacy.   Furthermore, they highlight how AI is becoming more accessible and affordable making it a vital tool for organizations looking to enhance their efficiency and impact. Wrapping up the conversation, Nathan and Scott present the two new segments they’ve added to the podcast: Ponder of the Week and Tip of the Week.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  [01:43] Reif Hoffman’s new book ‘Superagency’ and it’s optimistic view on AI.   [06:33] Scott explains the process of writing their book ‘Nonprofit AI’.   [08:11] The exponential nature of AI and its recent self-improvement.   [10:00] Nathan explains the use of various AI tools, including GPT and Deep Research, to help in writing the book.  [12:38] Generosity crisis and the need for innovation.   [16:25] Scott explains how their book would benefit the nonprofit sector.   [19:46] Chapters on ‘Nonprofit AI’.   [23:55] Ponder of the Week - The authenticity of AI in representing human empathy.  [27:30] Tip of the Week – Choosing AI models for specific tasks.   RESOURCES  Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good  By Nathan Chappell & Scott Rosenkrans  amazon.com/Nonprofit-Comprehensive-Implementing-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/139431664X     Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future   By Reid Hoffman  amazon.com/Superagency-Could-Possibly-Right-Future/dp/B0D5WMKV9H   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

03-19
28:28

50 Episodes of Fundraising AI: Milestones, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

Nathan and Scott celebrate the 50th episode of the Fundraising AI podcast, reflecting on their journey and the rapid evolution of AI technology. They discuss the balance between AI scale and safety, noting the industry's focus on expansion over responsible use. The conversation highlights advancements in deep research, AI's impact on nonprofits, and the growing importance of generalists in the AI era. They introduce agentic AI, which can take actions beyond simple responses, raising concerns about regulation.  Nathan and Scott emphasize responsible AI use in fundraising, ensuring technology enhances human connection. They discuss their upcoming book, Nonprofit AI, and their role in guiding nonprofits through AI's transformation. Looking ahead, they express excitement for the next 50 episodes and the future of AI in philanthropy.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  [00:41] Reflecting on 50 Episodes of the Fundraising AI Podcast  [02:00] Evolution of AI Technology and Industry Challenges  [03:15] The Arms Race Between Scale and Safety in AI  [06:00] Deep Research and Its Impact on Nonprofits  [11:17] The Role of Curiosity and Generalists in the AI Era  [14:58] The Future of Agentic AI and Its Implications  [22:34] The Role of Fundraising AI in Shaping the Future  [25:16] Looking Ahead to Episode 100  RESOURCES  Mentioned in the episode:  Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good: amazon.com/Nonprofit-Comprehensive-Implementing-Artificial-Intelligence  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

03-12
26:37

Episode 49 - Sustainable Giving: A Strategic Approach to Long-Term Donor Engagement with Dave Raley

Meet Dave Raley, consultant, co-host, writer & keynote speaker, and the founder of Imago Consulting, an advisory firm that helps organizations create growth through innovation. He is also a passionate Disney fan. As an expert in nonprofit leadership, Dave has inspired thousands of nonprofit leaders to grow both personally and organizationally. He is the author of ‘The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy Is Transforming Recurring Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit,’ which comes out February 4th, 2025. He writes a weekly innovation and leadership column called The Wave Report. In addition, Dave co-founded the Purpose and Profit Podcast, exploring the intersection of nonprofit causes and for-profit brands and highlighting innovative ways generosity can manifest across sectors. He joined us today to talk about the intersection of AI and generosity in fundraising.   We start the conversation with Dave sharing his journey, the intersection of business and technology, his passion for social causes, and how these experiences led him to the world of nonprofit fundraising and sustainable giving. Then Nathan and Dave talk about the importance of crisis moments in life and how we respond to them. They believe that personal and professional growth can be achieved by overcoming challenges. They further mention that choosing growth over being a victim is what shapes our characters.   Further down in the conversation, we cover the following topics regarding sustainable giving: subscription economy, recurring giving, a strategic approach to building a thriving recurring giving program, the biggest mistakes in building a subscription, the power of identity & belonging in a community, the future of sustainable giving, and more.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  [02.38] Who is Dave Raley?  [04.19] Dave shares his journey from growing up in poverty to his interest in ideas and computers.  [08.45] The importance of crisis moments in personal and professional growth.  [11.50] Dave’s new book “The Rise of Sustainable Giving”.  [15.24] Subscription economy and recurring giving.  [19.06] Taking advantage of the subscription economy in nonprofits.   [23.46] Building a sustainable recurring giving program.   [29.10] The biggest mistakes when building a subscription.   [32.13] Identity and belonging.   [35.38] The future of sustainable giving and the role of technology in achieving it.  RESOURCES  Connect with Dave Raley  LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/draley/   Website - imago.consulting/      The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy Is Transforming Recurring Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit   by Dave Raley  amazon.com/Rise-Sustainable-Giving-Subscription-Transforming/dp/B0DQ66W4MF   Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

02-05
45:38

Episode 48 - Life-Long Learning to Stay Relevant in the Age of AI

We start today’s conversation with Nathan and Scott sharing their thoughts on the inauguration of the 47th president of the USA and the tech giants who were present. Nathan comments on the new president’s decision to overturn the former president’s ‘Responsible AI Framework.’ Nathan and Scott then discuss the implications of AI's rapid advancement and the potential for future regulation, emphasizing the importance of responsible AI.   Just because you have a certain tool or technology in your grasp doesn’t mean you must use it. Nathan shares the importance of developing a habitual behavior of questioning the ethical implications of using AI. He explains that we must ask ourselves about the potential implications of using a certain technology and decide which path to follow. Then Nathan and Scott share their view on AI’s role in displacement and the creation of jobs. Scott shares the importance of developing skills like creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning.  Further into the conversation, Nathan and Scott talk about AI super agents who are expected to possess PhD-level reasoning capabilities and the four things that they can do: execute intricate multi-tasks without human intervention, demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills compared to highly educated PhD-level humans, adapt better to new situations and learning from experience, and potentially replace human workers and knowledge-intensive fields. Additionally, Nathan encourages people to use AI as a powerful tool to augment human capabilities rather than mere competition.   Episode Highlights [03:53] The inauguration of the 47th president of the USA and its key participants.   [07:03] Responsible AI framework and its current status after the presidential inauguration.   [11:00] Ethical implications of working with or developing AI technologies.   [15:03] The importance of creating a habitual behavior of questioning the ethical implications of using AI tools.  [19:15] AI's impact on job displacement and creation.   [24:00] The importance of staying adaptive and innovative, focusing on skills like creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning.  [29:00] AI Super Agents.   [33:16] The importance of using AI to synthesize large amounts of data in the nonprofit sector.   RESOURCES  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

01-29
38:44

Episode 47 - Embracing Tools, Cultivating Curiosity, and Saving Personal Time

Welcome back and Happy New Year to all our tech enthusiasts. In this episode, Nathan and Scott discuss their recent experiences with AI, including Nathan's exploration of quantum computing and Scott's digital detox. Throughout the conversation, they examine the rapidly evolving AI landscape and the importance of embracing the right tools, cultivating a culture of curiosity, and saving precious time with the help of new AI technologies.  Even technologies have limits, and curiosity is a must in this accelerating technological realm. Nathan talks about the limitations of AI technologies, comparing them to infants. He explains how staying curious can lead you to unexpected rewards and the importance of trying things in different approaches. He also walks us through the importance of using AI to boost human expertise and improve well-being.  Scott shares his thoughts on the cultural disturbance of adopting new AI technologies. According to him, the fear of being replaced by AI is barring people from adopting them. They talk about the importance of creating a supportive environment for AI adoption and Scott suggests incentivizing AI use within organizations to overcome initial resistance and encourage experimentation.  Further down the conversation, Nathan and Scott talk about human behavior and AI. They discuss the implications of AI's ability to mimic human behavior. Nathan also shares his concern about the need to establish boundaries or understand the limits between humans and non-humans.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [02.31] The development of quantum computing.   [05.00] Limitations of new AI technologies.   [08.02] The future of AI and human interaction.  [11.30] The importance of using AI to amplify human expertise and improve well-being.  [15.19] Challenges and opportunities in AI adoption.   [17.30] The importance of creating a supportive environment for AI adoption.  [20.00] The potential for AI to take over mundane tasks.  [23.26] The importance of incentivizing AI use within organizations.  [27.30] Human behavior and AI.   [33.30] The ethical considerations that come with AI.   [37.10] The role of AI in nonprofit innovation.  RESOURCES  Connect with Nathan and Scott: LinkedIn (Nathan): linkedin.com/in/nathanchappell/ LinkedIn (Scott): linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenkrans Website: fundraising.ai/

01-22
37:39

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