Fundraising in an AI-Driven World: Balancing Tech with Personal Connection Fundraising in an AI-Driven World: Balancing Tech with Personal Connection Chapter Leadership Brief 2.7.25 by Mike Esposito, CFRE Founder and Lead Fundraising Strategist, Mike Esposito Fundraising AI is revolutionizing fundraising—enhancing donor research, automating personalized communications, and streamlining operations. But does increased automation risk losing the human connection that makes philanthropy so powerful? The key is finding the balance—leveraging AI’s efficiency while preserving authentic donor relationships. Over the holidays, I binged episodes of The Office. One in particular stood out: the one where Michael Scott drives his car into a lake. Why? A GPS told him to.
What Is the Near Future of AI for Nonprofits? What Is the Near Future of AI for Nonprofits? Chapter Leadership Brief 2.7.25 by Matthew Weber CEO, Development Guild The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving at an astonishing pace, transforming industries from healthcare to finance—and nonprofits are no exception. As we look ahead, the near future of AI for nonprofits presents exciting opportunities and critical challenges in three key areas: fundraising, executive search, and mission strategy. While we can't predict the full extent of AI’s impact in five years, its trajectory promises to reshape how nonprofits operate in certain areas and achieve their missions.
From mentor to mentee: Lifelong Learning as Leaders From mentor to mentee: Lifelong Learning as Leaders Chapter Leadership Brief 1.24.25 by Dee Dee Mozeleski Senior Vice President of the Office of Institutional Advancement Communications and External Relations, & Executive Director of the Foundation for City College A few years ago, as part of my annual evaluation, my boss shared with me that he thought it was time I started thinking about the world outside of our campus. For years, my head was definitely facing inward. But, I told myself, I had so many wonderful reasons (ie: excuses): we were building a school, then we were building a board, then, of course, we were merging foundations and, well covid, what about covid? However, he was right: I was spending a lot of time thinking about everyone on the team and no time thinking about myself.
The Power of Mentorship and Community The Power of Mentorship and Community Chapter Leadership Brief 1.10.25 by Craig Shelley Partner + Chief Group Officer Orr Group As we enter a New Year, it is a natural time to reflect on what’s come before. For me, I’m fortunate to look back on a career full of mentors and friends that helped me learn and hone my craft as both a fundraiser and leader. Many of those people I met through AFP, and I’ve recognized that for many others, AFP is the only place they can find these mentors as they may not have the good fortune to work with the compelling leaders and mentors they deserve. As we look ahead to our Chapter’s annual meeting on February 12 (details here) we’re going to have an opportunity to recognize someone who has been a mentor and friend to so many in our New York City fundraising community and beyond. Gregory Boroff, Chief External Affairs Officer at City Harvest, will be honored with our Ralph E. Chamberlain Award.
Stop Hard Selling. Tell Stories Instead! Stop Hard Selling. Tell Stories Instead! Chapter Leadership Brief 1.10.25 by Jason Ellinger, Founder Beard & Bowler I recently saw a statistic that blew my mind... → People are getting hit with at least 3,000 pieces of marketing everyday! And it got me thinking... How can audiences know what to pay attention to? How can marketing break through the noise? And how can real value be shown? With so many people receiving all sorts of marketing everyday, it means for a lot organizations: - It’s getting harder to stand out - Competition is continuing to grow - And the hard sell isn’t working anymore 🤷🏾♂️
Forget "Fit": A Competency-Based Approach to Equitable Hiring Forget "Fit": A Competency-Based Approach to Equitable Hiring Chapter Leadership Brief 12.13.24 by Carmel G. Napolitano Vice President, Lindauer Global Much of the bias we face in the workforce and in life is expressed in subtle ways. In recruiting, we constantly check our biases and work to acknowledge how it affects our decisions (and our clients’ decisions) about candidates. One way to avoid bias in the hiring process is to favor a structured, competency-based interview. Often, organizations trust that their staff will prepare for candidate interviews on their own in advance. These interviews, however, tend to be added to what are already busy days for the interviewers. As a result, advance preparation can be difficult unless some structure and support is provided. When hiring organizations take a proactive, organized approach centered on competencies, they can prepare and align interviewers and promote better, more equitable assessments of candidates.
How the Food Bank for New York City Leverages Giving Tuesday: Tactics and Team Collaboration How the Food Bank for New York City Leverages Giving Tuesday: Tactics and Team Collaboration Chapter Leadership Brief 11.27.24 by Melanie Buhrmaster VP, Philanthropy, Food Bank for New York City For the Food Bank For New York City, Giving Tuesday is much more than a single day of fundraising. It serves as a signature matching challenge day within our 40 Million Meals Campaign, a comprehensive holiday initiative to address the urgent food insecurity impacting 1.3 million New Yorkers. This annual campaign brings together the full force of our Marketing and Communications (MarComms), Fundraising Operations (Direct Response), and Major Gifts teams to create a seamless and far-reaching campaign that inspires new and existing supporters to give, amplifying their impact.
Harnessing AI in Nonprofits: Generative vs. Predictive AI Harnessing AI in Nonprofits: Generative vs. Predictive AI Chapter Leadership Brief 11.27.24 by Sarah TeDesco Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of DonorSearch Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the nonprofit landscape, offering new tools to engage donors, streamline operations, and boost fundraising outcomes. Understanding two key AI types—generative and predictive—is essential for organizations eager to stay ahead. These technologies, while interconnected, serve unique purposes and open doors to innovative strategies.
Tips for Communicating to Polarized Audiences Tips for Communicating to Polarized Audiences Chapter Leadership Brief 11.15.24 By David Langton President, Langton Creative Group My grandfather ran a flower shop in Woonsocket, RI, that was founded in 1948. My mother recalls that he was often asked to post signs from local politicians in the store, but he always refused. He reasoned it was better to sell flowers to both sides. When we worked on the promotional campaign for the Rescue Dinner, the $16 million fundraiser for the International Rescue Committee we needed to avoid the extremes of the immigration debate. Melissa Meredith, Director of strategic events, set the tone by saying, “We were looking for a fresh way to convey our values and communicate a message of hope to counter the divisive rhetoric in the marketplace.” We needed to convey that the refugee and displaced people crisis is not just about “them” it is about “us.” Our theme was, “We’re all in this together.”
Top Five Strategies to Ensure Your Fundraising Thrives After Election Season Top Five Strategies to Ensure Your Fundraising Thrives After Election Season Chapter Leadership Brief 11.15.24 By Terry Pearl Founder & Chief Philanthropy Partner, 360 Philanthropy Partners In honor of 360 Philanthropy Partners’ fifth anniversary this month, I’m excited to share our Top Five Strategies to help fundraisers overcome the unique challenges of the post-election season. Election cycles often disrupt philanthropy, as donors may feel fatigued, financially stretched, or distracted from their usual support for nonprofits. But with the right approach, you can re-engage donors, refresh your appeals, and stand out in this competitive landscape. Here are five strategies to supercharge your fundraising efforts after election season: