Voices is a new mini-series from Humanitarian AI Today. In daily five-minute flashpods we pass the mic to innovators, researchers and practitioners on the humanitarian front lines, delivering real-time news on how they are building, testing and collaborating on uses of artificial intelligence.

In this flashpod, Rich Woods, Global Fundraising Lead with Tech To The Rescue, joins Brent Phillips, Humanitarian AI Today Producer, to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on fundraising and how Tech To The Rescue is adapting and leveraging AI while prioritizing authentic human interaction with grantmakers.

They discuss Tech To The Rescue’s mission and evolution and speak in depth about how AI is challenging fundraisers. Rich emphasizes that while AI allows fundraisers to conduct deep research and personalize outreach on a massive scale, there is a significant risk of losing authenticity. Prospecting can generate vast amounts of information quickly, but the fundraiser may lack a genuine connection to the data. He stresses the importance of taking the time to "live" the research to ensure communications remain human-to-human.

Looking toward systemic changes, Rich shares his hope that AI can help reform the fundraising process, which he calls a long-broken and resource-heavy system for nonprofits. Peering further into the future, Rich envisions AI applications acting as matchmakers, connecting funders and organizations with shared interests to facilitate open, valuable conversations and partnerships.

Substack notes: https://humanitarianaitoday.substack.com/p/rich-woods-from-tech-to-the-rescue