The AI Dude

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS is joined by Bryan Sim, PhD, Product Lead at Dataro. Bryan combines his background in psychology, data science, and product management to help nonprofits use predictive AI to maximize their impact. With over seven years of experience in B2B and B2C product development, Bryan shares his journey from consulting for Greenpeace Australia to scaling predictive AI solutions globally. Bryan dives into the mechanics of predictive AI, explaining how nonprofits can leverage clean, consolidated data to forecast donor behavior, improve retention, and identify new opportunities for giving. He also explores the creative potential of qualitative data and shares insights into how Dataro helps organizations of all sizes achieve results. Key Topics: The distinction between generative AI and predictive AI. How nonprofits can use predictive AI to identify major donors, increase recurring giving, and optimize campaigns. The importance of clean and consolidated data for effective predictive modeling. How nonprofits can creatively use the data they already have. The threshold of data needed for predictive AI and how Dataro works with organizations of all sizes. The future of predictive AI in the nonprofit sector, including data consolidation and improved modeling techniques. Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Predictive AI with Bryan Sim02:00 - Bryan's Journey to Leading Product at Dataro04:00 - Understanding Predictive vs. Generative AI07:00 - Predicting Donor Behavior with AI Models09:00 - How Nonprofits Can Use Predictive AI for Fundraising12:00 - The Importance of Clean, Creative Data Use15:00 - Overcoming Data Limitations in Small Nonprofits18:00 - Ethical and Creative Uses of AI in Nonprofit Fundraising21:00 - The Future of Predictive AI and Dataro’s Vision24:00 - Bryan's Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections Connect with Bryan Sim:Website: bryan-sim.com Connect with Josh Hirsch:Website: theaidude.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshahirsch/ This episode is brought to you by: Bloomerang: Helping nonprofits deepen donor relationships and maximize fundraising impact with intuitive donor management tools. Fundraise Up: Revolutionizing online giving with AI-powered donation platforms designed to unlock more generosity. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help nonprofits harness the power of AI for smarter strategies and greater results.

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, sponsored by Bloomerang and Fundraise Up, host Josh Hirsch, MS, kicks off an engaging conversation with Griff Bohm, co-founder and CRO of Momentum. Griff brings a unique perspective, blending his background in behavioral psychology, philanthropy, and financial decision-making with his expertise in AI-driven solutions for nonprofits. Griff shares his fascinating journey—from brewing beer in Chilean Patagonia to leading successful capital campaigns—and dives into how Momentum is leveraging AI to create transformative tools for the nonprofit sector. The discussion explores everything from the psychology behind giving to the future of generative and predictive AI, offering actionable insights for nonprofit professionals navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. Key Topics: The psychology of giving: Why donors feel good about supporting causes. How Momentum ties giving to everyday actions for enhanced donor engagement. The rise of agent-level AI and its implications for nonprofits in 2025. Predictive AI’s potential to revolutionize nonprofit workflows. The need for assurance products in the AI ecosystem. Griff’s vision for making AI accessible to nonprofits of all sizes. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to AI and Behavioral Psychology with Griff Boehm02:11 - Griff’s Journey: From Behavioral Psychology to Philanthropy04:29 - The Psychology of Giving: Why It Feels Good to Do Good06:52 - How Momentum Connects Giving to Everyday Actions09:10 - Embracing AI: The Evolution of Momentum’s Tools11:33 - The Rise of Agent-Level AI in 202516:16 - Assurance Products: Guardrails for AI Implementation20:57 - Predictive AI: Expanding Access for Nonprofits of All Sizes25:17 - The Role of Smartphones in AI-Driven Assistance26:02 - Griff’s Favorite 1980s Movie: Blade Runner Connect with Griff Boehm: Email: [email protected] 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 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

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch welcomes Chris McGown, founder and principal of Peak 9860, to explore how artificial intelligence is impacting the world of planned giving while keeping relationships at the heart of fundraising. With over 30 years of nonprofit development experience, Chris has cultivated $95 million in planned gifts and shares invaluable lessons from his career. Together, Josh and Chris discuss the evolving role of AI in planned giving, from identifying prospects to crafting personalized messaging, and the critical importance of transparency and trust when integrating AI into nonprofit strategies. Chris shares heartfelt stories of donor relationships that underscore the power of human connection in inspiring legacy gifts. Key Topics: How AI analytics can identify and prioritize planned giving prospects. The importance of building meaningful donor relationships in fundraising. Transparency and ethical practices in AI-generated nonprofit communications. Memorable donor stories that highlight the impact of planned giving. Challenges nonprofits face in ensuring data accuracy for AI applications. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Planned Giving and AI02:34 Chris McGown’s Career and Achievements in Nonprofit Development06:12 Balancing Relationships and Technology in Planned Giving09:52 Using AI to Identify Prospects and Personalize Messaging12:02 Challenges with Data Accuracy and AI in Nonprofits14:27 Transparency in AI-Generated Content16:40 Donor Skepticism in the Age of AI18:58 Ethical AI Practices and Building Donor Trust23:42 Chris’s Journey: The Story Behind Peak 986026:01 Fun and Reflection: Favorite 1980s Movies Connect with Chris McGown: Website: Peak 9860 LinkedIn: Christopher McGown Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: The AI Dude LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch sits down with Diana Otero, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Bloomerang, to explore the intersection of AI and nonprofit innovation. With a deep background in volunteer-driven organizations, Diana shares how her experience maintaining trails for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy shaped her perspective on nonprofit operations and volunteer engagement. Together, Josh and Diana discuss how Bloomerang is integrating AI into its platform to simplify donor management, enhance communications, and empower nonprofits to achieve more. Learn about the AI Content Assistant, a game-changing feature that helps nonprofits overcome writer’s block and create personalized donor interactions at scale—all while keeping donor privacy intact. Key Topics: How AI can be used for A/B testing to optimize fundraising campaigns. The importance of clean data in segmentation and donor relationship-building. Practical examples of using AI to simplify nonprofit operations and save time. Diana’s insights on keeping the human element at the forefront of AI-driven communications. Nonprofits need to adapt to technological advancements. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Nonprofits 02:46 Diana Otero's Journey and Volunteer Experience 06:12 The Role of Bloomerang in Nonprofit Management 09:04 Integrating AI into Nonprofit Operations 11:58 AI Content Assistant: Enhancing Communication 14:50 User Experience and Feedback on AI Features 18:03 Future Developments in AI for Nonprofits 21:12 Personal Use of AI and Learning 24:01 Fun and Reflection: 1980s Movies and Balance

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS engages in an in-depth conversation with ⁠Woodrow Rosenbaum⁠, ⁠Chief Data Officer at GivingTuesday⁠, and a leading voice in the global generosity movement. Together, they uncover how artificial intelligence (AI) and data are transforming the nonprofit landscape, from shaping donor engagement strategies to driving impactful decision-making. Woodrow dives into the ⁠Fundraising Effectiveness Project⁠, a vital tool for understanding trends in fundraising, and the ⁠GivingTuesday Data Commons⁠, a global initiative leveraging data to inspire generosity. They also examine the findings of the recently released AI Readiness Survey, discussing how nonprofits can overcome skepticism, implement ethical AI practices, and harness technology to build stronger, more resilient organizations. This episode is packed with actionable insights for nonprofits of all sizes looking to future-proof their operations and maximize their mission. Key Topics AI as a Strategic Partner: How AI enhances decision-making and empowers nonprofits to act with data-driven confidence. Education and Readiness: The importance of equipping nonprofit teams with the knowledge and tools to embrace AI effectively. Ethical AI Practices: Addressing data privacy, transparency, and accountability to ensure responsible AI adoption in the nonprofit sector. Data-Driven Insights: How AI accelerates data analysis, revealing actionable trends and opportunities faster than traditional methods. Advocating for AI in the Sector: Why nonprofits must take an active role in shaping AI’s integration into philanthropy. Personalization at Scale: Leveraging AI to create meaningful, personalized donor experiences while maintaining authenticity. Overcoming Skepticism: Understanding the hesitations surrounding AI adoption and how organizations can foster experimentation in a low-risk environment. The Power of Imagination: Exploring how creativity and curiosity unlock the full potential of AI tools for nonprofit innovation. Strengthening Fundraising Efforts: Practical ways nonprofits can use AI to boost efficiency, retention, and engagement with donors. Opportunities for Small to Mid-Sized Organizations: Why these nonprofits stand to benefit the most from AI adoption and how to get started. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Data-Driven Fundraising03:15 - What is the Fundraising Effectiveness Project?07:52 - Using Data to Build Resilient Nonprofits12:10 - Skepticism vs. Experimentation with AI16:40 - AI Readiness Survey Results21:05 - Ethical AI and Transparent Policies25:30 - The Future of AI in Fundraising and Philanthropy28:47 - Woodrow’s Favorite 1980s Movie

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch sits down with Scott Remington to discuss the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for nonprofits. They explore how AI can serve as a co-pilot, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making without replacing human jobs. The conversation covers the ethical implications of AI, the importance of education and advocacy for nonprofits, and practical applications of AI tools, including custom GPTs. Scott shares his mission with FosterAI, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to embrace technology while maintaining a humanistic approach.   Key Topics: AI can enhance decision-making in nonprofits. Nonprofits should embrace automation and co-piloting with AI. Education on AI tools is crucial for nonprofits. AI can help brainstorm and generate ideas. Ethical considerations are vital in AI development. Custom GPTs can be tailored for specific organizational needs. AI can analyze data faster than traditional methods. Nonprofits must advocate for their role in AI discussions. Imagination is key to leveraging AI effectively. AI tools can significantly improve fundraising efforts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Nonprofits 05:08 The Future of AI in Nonprofits 09:47 AI as a Co-Pilot for Nonprofits 14:59 The Ethical Considerations of AI 20:02 Practical Applications of AI for Nonprofits 24:49 Custom GPTs and Personalization 30:01 Foster AI and Scott's Mission 34:48 Conclusion and Resources