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Fundraiser's Focus Week

Fundraising Strategies for AI

Join us for a week of virtual learning with some of the best professionals in the nonprofit sector. In these sessions you will learn best practices and practical tips that you can take back to your team.

All are welcome but we are limited to 1,000 live attendees per session — so don’t delay, register today.

October 28-31, 2024

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Attend for a chance to win a $50 Uber Eats Gift Card each day! *

fundraiser focus week

Agenda at a Glance

Wednesday, October 30

Centering Humans in AI and Personalization
with Meena Das

Thursday, October 31

Ask the Experts: A Panel Discussion All About Fundraising Strategies for AI
with Mallory Erickson, Bill TeDesco, and Meena Das. Hosted by Rachel Muir.

Monday, October 28

Harnessing AI to Create Authentic Connections: Strategies for Alignment-First Fundraising

2PM ET | 11AM PT
 

Session Overview:

Join Mallory Erickson, author of “What the Fundraising,” as she explores the intersection of AI technology and authentic fundraising practices. This session will reveal how AI can be leveraged to enhance fundraiser confidence, overcome common fears, and foster genuine donor connections. Mallory will discuss how AI tools can support fundraisers while staying true to the principles of Alignment Fundraising that build deep and genuine relationships.

Learning Objective:

  • Attendees will learn how AI can be a powerful partner in cultivating more meaningful and impactful donor relationships.
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Mallory Erickson

Mallory Erickson

Mallory Erickson is an executive coach, fundraising consultant, and host of the podcast What the Fundraising. She is dedicated to transforming the way nonprofit leaders approach their roles and fundraising efforts. With her signature framework, the Power Partners Formula™️, Mallory equips nonprofits with the unique tools needed to secure funding from foundations, corporate partners, and individuals. By October 2023, she has trained over 60,000 fundraisers with elements of her innovative, win-win framework, blending executive coaching, science-backed behavior design, and strategic fundraising practices.

Her upcoming book, What the Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose, was released on October 1st. It delves into the history of the nonprofit sector, highlighting how a baked-in scarcity mindset has led to transactional fundraising practices that are draining for fundraisers and uncomfortable for donors. Mallory identifies strategies to shift away from these detrimental approaches, emphasizing that the wellness of fundraisers is crucial to achieving better fundraising results. If you’re ready to feel empowered, clear, and excited about your next steps in fundraising, Mallory’s work is for you.

Tuesday, October 29

From Prediction to Creation: A Deep Dive into Generative and Predictive AI for Prospect Research

2PM ET | 11AM PT
 

Session Overview:

As AI transforms the landscape of fundraising and prospect research, understanding the distinct roles of generative and predictive AI is critical to future success. We’ll explore how predictive AI empowers organizations to predict donor behavior, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions, while generative AI opens new possibilities by creating personalized donor engagements and uncovering previously hidden opportunities.

Join us as we dive deep into the practical applications of both AI models in prospect research, from predicting who will give to generating entirely new donor insights. You’ll discover how combining these powerful tools can elevate your organization’s fundraising strategies and strengthen donor relationships.

Learning Objectives:

  • The differences between generative and predictive AI and how each impacts prospect research.
  • Strategies for integrating AI-driven insights into your prospecting workflow.
  • How combining generative and predictive AI can optimize donor retention and lifetime value.
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Bill TeDesco

Bill TeDesco

Bill TeDesco is a seasoned entrepreneur who has served as the founder and CEO of DonorSearch for over 16 years. He was also previously WealthEngine’s CEO and a minority owner before founding DonorSearch, which he grew from 2000 to 2007. Before that, from 1996 to 2000, he served as Executive Vice President at Target America, an early prospect research company that Blackbaud purchased and folded into Target Analytics. These start-ups became associated with ongoing innovation and, collectively, the source of strategic fundraising technology for thousands of nonprofits under Bill’s leadership.

Throughout his career, Bill has been an effective leader and motivator with a proven track record of success in private and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, he is a strategic thinker, constantly seeking new approaches to increase efficacy and efficiency. Bill’s nonprofit positions included Director of Development for the Fund for Educational Excellence, Baltimore’s public education fund, and a Major Gift Officer at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He is a strong advocate for the use of data and technology in the nonprofit sector and is extremely passionate about helping nonprofits achieve their goals. Bill holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University, a BS in Landscape Architecture, and a Masters of Public Administration. From 2009 to 2011, Bill was also a director and president of APRA-Maryland.

Wednesday, October 30

Centering Humans in AI and Personalization

2PM ET | 11AM PT
 

Session Overview:

In this session, we will explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and personalization in the nonprofit sector, with a special focus on maintaining a human-centric approach. We’ll dive into how AI can be leveraged to create more personalized experiences for donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries, while ensuring that these technological advancements enhance, rather than replace, the human element in nonprofit interactions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the role of AI in personalizing donor, volunteer, and beneficiary experiences in the nonprofit sector
  • Explore strategies for maintaining a human-centric approach while integrating AI
  • Evaluate the ethical considerations and challenges of implementing AI in nonprofit personalization
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Meena Das

Meena Das

Meena Das (she/her) is the CEO, consultant, and facilitator of two practices – Namaste Data and Data Is For Everyone. Namaste Data focuses on advancing data equity for nonprofits and social impact agencies, while Data Is For Everyone provides tools and resources to help people learn how to navigate the world of data. Meena is a specialist in designing and teaching equitable research tools and analyzing engagement. She supports nonprofits in three critical areas: data collection assessments, community surveys, and staff workshops on topics like improving data equity and human-centric algorithms. You can learn more about her work through her two newsletters, ‘Dear Human’ and ‘Data Uncollected’, or directly connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenadas.

Thursday, October 31

Ask the Experts: A Panel Discussion All About Fundraising Strategies for AI

2PM ET | 11AM PT

Fundraiser Focus Week roundtable

Roundtable Overview:

Join us in a roundtable discussion where we will wrap up the week’s sessions with thoughtful tips and expert advice from speakers Mallory, Bill, and Meena. This roundtable will be hosted by nonprofit thought leader and speaker, Rachel Muir. At 2 p.m. ET just like all the other sessions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Wrap up learnings from the week’s sessions
  • Discuss outstanding topics
  • Provide key takeaways to take back to your organization

We’ll also be handing out prizes for a few lucky attendees!

Uber eats

*Attend to Win!

Each day that you attend Fundraiser Focus Week you will be entered to win a $50 Uber Eats gift card.

Attend all 4 events to be entered to win a $100 Uber Eats gift card on Thursday, October 31!

Archives

Previously Recorded Fundraiser Focus Week Sessions

August, 2024

May, 2024

February, 2024

August, 2023

May, 2023

February, 2023

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