The AI Dude

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS, is joined by Alice Ferris, CFRE, ACFRE founding partner of GoalBusters Consulting and a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience. Alice shares her journey from volunteering at PBS Wisconsin to becoming an expert in fundraising strategy, productivity, and AI integration for nonprofits. Alice dives into how AI tools like Sunsama and Evernote have transformed her approach to productivity and task management. She also explores the ethical considerations of AI in the nonprofit sector and the stages of AI adoption, from personal use to organizational implementation. The conversation extends to her passion for public broadcasting, its role in fostering civil discourse, and how nonprofits can create lasting donor relationships using innovative strategies. Key Topics: The role of AI tools in enhancing productivity for nonprofit professionals. How to build a tech stack for efficiency and effectiveness. The ethical implications of AI and its impact on the nonprofit sector. Leveraging AI to institutionalize organizational knowledge and values. Public broadcasting as a space for shared culture and history. Alice’s take on the future of AI in nonprofit innovation. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Boosting Nonprofit Productivity with Alice Ferris 02:10 - Alice’s Journey: From PBS Volunteer to Fundraising Consultant 06:45 - The Role of AI Tools in Overcoming the Blank Page 09:00 - Building a Tech Stack for Productivity and Collaboration 15:50 - Ethical Considerations of AI in Fundraising 18:00 - The Stages of AI Adoption in Nonprofits 22:57 - Public Broadcasting: A Space for Civil Discourse and Connection 27:35 - The Power of Storytelling in Public Media Campaigns 29:08 - Alice’s Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections Connect with Alice Ferris: Website: GoalBusters.net LinkedIn: Alice Ferris Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: TheAIDude.ai LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS is joined by Sal Salpietro, Chief Community Officer at Fundraise Up and Board Secretary of Asia Wild. With a background in technology, digital marketing, and nonprofits, Sal discusses the power of AI in fundraising and donor engagement. From his experience as a digital fundraiser to his current role with Fundraise Up, Sal shares how nonprofits can use AI to enhance donor experiences and maximize impact. Sal offers insights into how Fundraise Up has revolutionized nonprofit fundraising with frictionless technology, helping organizations increase donations and build lasting relationships with supporters. He also discusses how AI is used to personalize donor experiences, improve conversion rates, and even predict donor behavior. The conversation emphasizes the importance of removing friction in the donation process and the future potential of AI in the nonprofit space. Key Topics: The role of AI in transforming nonprofit fundraising. How Fundraise Up is driving innovation in donor engagement. The impact of frictionless donation technology on nonprofit success. Practical uses of AI to personalize donor experiences and increase monthly giving. The ethical considerations and privacy concerns around AI in fundraising. Sal’s take on the future of digital fundraising and the evolving nonprofit tech landscape. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to AI in Nonprofit Fundraising with Sal Salpietro02:00 - Sal’s Journey from Digital Fundraiser to Chief Community Officer06:00 - The Power of Frictionless Fundraising Technology09:00 - How AI Is Enhancing Monthly Donor Acquisition12:00 - The Importance of Mobile-Friendly Donation Pages15:00 - AI in Personalizing Donor Experiences18:00 - Ethical Use of AI in Fundraising21:00 - The Future of FundraiseUp and Digital Fundraising24:00 - Sal’s Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections Connect with Sal Salpietro:Website: fundraiseup.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatoresalpietro Connect with Josh Hirsch:Website: theaidude.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshahirsch

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch is joined by Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., Senior Assistant Dean for External Relations at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Director of The Fund Raising School. Bill brings over 40 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, including roles at the Indiana Youth Institute and as a media personality. Bill and Josh discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the nonprofit sector, particularly in fundraising and donor engagement. Bill shares how The Fund Raising School embraced AI early on, recognizing its potential to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in nonprofit operations. They discuss practical applications of AI, ethical considerations, and the critical need for transparency when integrating AI into fundraising efforts. Plus, Bill provides valuable insights into how nonprofits can navigate AI’s rapid evolution while maintaining a human-centered approach to philanthropy. Key Topics: The Fund Raising School’s proactive approach to AI education. Practical applications of AI in nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement. Ethical considerations and donor privacy concerns when using AI. How AI is enhancing personalized donor experiences at scale. The ongoing need for continuing education in AI for nonprofit professionals. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Fundraising with Bill Stanjkevich02:45 How the Fundraising School Adopted AI Early On06:00 AI’s Impact on Fundraising Operations and Efficiency09:30 Ethical and Privacy Concerns in AI for Nonprofits12:15 Practical AI Applications in Donor Engagement15:00 Addressing AI Bias and Ensuring Accuracy18:00 The Future of AI in Fundraising Education21:00 Navigating AI’s Rapid Evolution in the Nonprofit Sector24:00 Bill’s Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections Connect with Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D.:Website: The Fund Raising SchoolLinkedIn: Bill Stanczykiewicz Connect with Josh Hirsch, MS:Website: theAIdude.aiLinkedIn: Josh Hirsch

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch chats with Frank Mumford, CFRE, fundraiser-turned-technology advocate and a leader in nonprofit innovation. With over 14 years of experience, including roles in university fundraising and at the Great Twin Cities United Way, Frank shares his journey from cold-calling as a teenager to becoming a champion of personalized donor stewardship. Frank discusses the importance of active listening and human connection in fundraising, even in an era dominated by technology. Learn how AI tools like Gravyty are empowering nonprofits to streamline their processes, boost donor engagement, and achieve remarkable results—all while maintaining the critical human element in philanthropy. Key Topics: How active listening enhances donor relationships. Balancing year-end giving with evergreen donor engagement. The role of AI in uncovering donor insights and improving stewardship. Challenges and solutions for ensuring AI accuracy and avoiding bias. The future of mid-level donor engagement and the shift towards personalization. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Active Listening and AI in Fundraising02:20 Frank Mumford’s Fundraising Journey06:45 Insights on Year-End Giving and Donor Behavior09:17 Using AI to Optimize Donor Engagement11:34 The Human Element in AI-Driven Fundraising16:11 Mitigating AI Bias and Double-Checking Data18:33 The Shift Towards Mid-Level Donor Engagement23:18 Balancing Time and Focus for Fundraisers25:39 Closing Reflections and Favorite 1980s Movies Connect with Frank Mumford, CFRE: Website: Gravyty LinkedIn: Frank Mumford Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: The AI Dude LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch