Artificial Intelligence | Using it to support your efforts

May 9

Okay, so if you’ve been keeping up you read all about my innate curiosity. Oh no, you missed that one. Make sure to check it out - it’s my secret to staying young!

Well, anyway, recently, I caught up with my longtime friend and colleague, Jennifer (real person), an effective fundraising practitioner and strategist with powerful gifts in marketing and communications who recently made a bold decision to leave a conventional Chief Development Officer position to join a growing technology firm that aims to dramatically increase the effectiveness of fundraising in the 21st century - through AI.

Yes, as in Artificial Intelligence. Aka the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions.

I became obsessed! I asked her a million questions and she enlightened me to the mind-blowing potential of AI in relation to the human-centered practice of donor relationship development.

And of course, I needed more. So where did I turn?

Obviously, to Zach, my 13-year-old computer-building, coding, car enthusiast son.

Zach Probably Thinking: Finally, my mom gets me and it! Finally, she understands how I can really help her business beyond digital design. I wonder, will she pay me for my expert advice?

Here’s how our conversation went (with editing courtesy of Mom and President of ABW Partners):

Me: Zach. Knowing What You Know About AI and coding. Oh, assuming coding has something to do with AI. Does it? Do you truly think the AI “brain” is more effective than a highly emotionally intelligent human who is responsible for building relationships with prospective major donors?

Zach: No. A person with high EQ would be more effective. However, a person is not capable of efficiently sorting through lots of information that may be contained in a database as the AI brain can do.

The AI “brain” would be a tool to enhance the person or people who are building the relationships.

Me: Interesting, Zach. If clients asked about the value of AI in relation to their fundraising program vs hiring a real person with a high EQ, how might you respond?

Zach: They need to think about it, not as an either-or. It's both. Maybe the nonprofit should invest in people who can use this technology effectively - like a head of AI. And they must also invest in a reliable platform, the AI tool. It would open new potential relationships and give the fundraiser more information about existing donors. But the AI brain needs to be programmed by the high EQ human who would need to generate the prototype of likely donors. It would be a new type of partnership.

It's so natural for Zach to think expansively about a world that is moving forward at a rapid pace. Isn’t he amazing?

My takeaway?

Human relationships will always be at the heart of robust fundraising. And I am also aware of the barriers that lead to nonprofit under-investing in the people and the tools that would enhance the yield on their fundraising programs.

However, I am convinced that if leaders, Boards, and practitioners alike are not cultivating a curiosity about new ways of working and how they might harness greater fundraising growth potential, it is time to ask animating questions and begin on this fascinating journey…

Want to keep learning? Here are some ideas:

1. Begin with discussions with teens. A rich reservoir of sage wisdom and guidance awaits. Perhaps a teen board of advisors for your organization might be game-changing.

2. Several Articles and Blogs I have begun to read which may be of interest

· AI: between hype and reality

· “The Promise and Peril of Artificial Intelligence in the Nonprofit World”

· How Charities Are Using Artificial Intelligence to Boost Impact

· Chatbots, A.I., Cyborgs, and More Have the Potential to Help Fundraising

Keep learning, my friends. Keep learning!

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