Session: From Fear to Focus: Demystifying AI to Enhance Donor Experiences and Drive Efficiency

AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s a powerful tool to enhance nonprofit operations and deepen donor engagement. This session will break AI down into practical, accessible concepts, showing how it can streamline processes, save time, and improve fundraising strategies. You’ll discover how AI transforms donor data into actionable insights, enabling hyper-personalised outreach that builds stronger relationships and drives retention.

Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, we’ll explore how AI can improve efficiency, optimise engagement, and empower teams to focus on what matters most: connecting with donors. Leave with a clear roadmap to adopting AI confidently, using it to deliver tailored experiences that delight supporters and amplify your mission’s impact.

Josh Hirsh

Josh Hirsch is the Education and Training Strategist at Fundraise Up, on faculty for The Fund Raising School at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and Founder of The AI Dude. He has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2006 with a focus on educational philanthropy for both public charter and independent private schools. He has an extensive background in social media, digital communications, and marketing along with experience in grant research and writing, individual giving, special event planning, stewardship, and cultivation of donors.

He is a pioneering educator in the realm of artificial intelligence for nonprofits, having contributed to the development of a specialized curriculum at The Fund Raising School to empower nonprofit organizations with AI competencies. As a respected voice in this emerging field, he is frequently invited to speak at conferences and workshops about the strategic integration of AI in nonprofit initiatives.

Josh received a Master of Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Florida. He has a Certificate in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy from Bay Path University and is a Certified Social Media Strategist by the National Institute for Social Media.