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 Sim
02:00 - Bryan's Journey to Leading Product at Dataro
04:00 - Understanding Predictive vs. Generative AI
07:00 - Predicting Donor Behavior with AI Models
09:00 - How Nonprofits Can Use Predictive AI for Fundraising
12:00 - The Importance of Clean, Creative Data Use
15:00 - Overcoming Data Limitations in Small Nonprofits
18:00 - Ethical and Creative Uses of AI in Nonprofit Fundraising
21:00 - The Future of Predictive AI and Dataro’s Vision
24:00 - Bryan's Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections
Connect with Bryan Sim:
Website: bryan-sim.com
Connect with Josh Hirsch:
Website: theaidude.ai
LinkedIn: 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.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to AI and Behavioral Psychology with Griff Boehm
02:11 - Griff’s Journey: From Behavioral Psychology to Philanthropy
04:29 - The Psychology of Giving: Why It Feels Good to Do Good
06:52 - How Momentum Connects Giving to Everyday Actions
09:10 - Embracing AI: The Evolution of Momentum’s Tools
11:33 - The Rise of Agent-Level AI in 2025
16:16 - Assurance Products: Guardrails for AI Implementation
20:57 - Predictive AI: Expanding Access for Nonprofits of All Sizes
25:17 - The Role of Smartphones in AI-Driven Assistance
26:02 - Griff’s Favorite 1980s Movie: Blade Runner
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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:
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
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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:
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to AI in Nonprofit Fundraising with Sal Salpietro
02:00 - Sal’s Journey from Digital Fundraiser to Chief Community Officer
06:00 - The Power of Frictionless Fundraising Technology
09:00 - How AI Is Enhancing Monthly Donor Acquisition
12:00 - The Importance of Mobile-Friendly Donation Pages
15:00 - AI in Personalizing Donor Experiences
18:00 - Ethical Use of AI in Fundraising
21:00 - The Future of FundraiseUp and Digital Fundraising
24:00 - Sal’s Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections
Connect with Sal Salpietro:
Website: fundraiseup.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatoresalpietro
Connect with Josh Hirsch:
Website: theaidude.ai
LinkedIn: 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:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to AI in Fundraising with Bill Stanjkevich
02:45 How the Fundraising School Adopted AI Early On
06:00 AI’s Impact on Fundraising Operations and Efficiency
09:30 Ethical and Privacy Concerns in AI for Nonprofits
12:15 Practical AI Applications in Donor Engagement
15:00 Addressing AI Bias and Ensuring Accuracy
18:00 The Future of AI in Fundraising Education
21:00 Navigating AI’s Rapid Evolution in the Nonprofit Sector
24:00 Bill’s Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections
Connect with Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D.:
Website: The Fund Raising School
LinkedIn: Bill Stanczykiewicz
Connect with Josh Hirsch, MS:
Website: theAIdude.ai
LinkedIn: 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:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Active Listening and AI in Fundraising
02:20 Frank Mumford’s Fundraising Journey
06:45 Insights on Year-End Giving and Donor Behavior
09:17 Using AI to Optimize Donor Engagement
11:34 The Human Element in AI-Driven Fundraising
16:11 Mitigating AI Bias and Double-Checking Data
18:33 The Shift Towards Mid-Level Donor Engagement
23:18 Balancing Time and Focus for Fundraisers
25:39 Closing Reflections and Favorite 1980s Movies
Connect with Frank Mumford, CFRE:
Connect with 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:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Planned Giving and AI
02:34 Chris McGown’s Career and Achievements in Nonprofit Development
06:12 Balancing Relationships and Technology in Planned Giving
09:52 Using AI to Identify Prospects and Personalize Messaging
12:02 Challenges with Data Accuracy and AI in Nonprofits
14:27 Transparency in AI-Generated Content
16:40 Donor Skepticism in the Age of AI
18:58 Ethical AI Practices and Building Donor Trust
23:42 Chris’s Journey: The Story Behind Peak 9860
26:01 Fun and Reflection: Favorite 1980s Movies
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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:
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
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Data-Driven Fundraising
03:15 - What is the Fundraising Effectiveness Project?
07:52 - Using Data to Build Resilient Nonprofits
12:10 - Skepticism vs. Experimentation with AI
16:40 - AI Readiness Survey Results
21:05 - Ethical AI and Transparent Policies
25:30 - The Future of AI in Fundraising and Philanthropy
28:47 - 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:
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
In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch sits down with Cherian Koshy, a distinguished innovator, strategist, and expert in philanthropy, to explore the evolving role of AI in nonprofit fundraising. As Vice President of Product Strategy at KindSight and a Certified Fund Raising Executive with extensive expertise in behavioral science and AI ethics, Cherian shares insights into how organizations can responsibly integrate AI to enhance their operations while staying aligned with core values.
The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted discussion about Cherian’s journey to becoming a Kentucky Colonel and his favorite 80s movies. From there, Josh and Cherian dive into the nuanced ways AI is being adopted in fundraising—touching on predictive analytics, AI-driven appeals, and the delicate balance between automation and maintaining a human connection with donors.
A key part of the discussion focuses on the findings from Cherian's new AI donor perceptions study, co-led with Nathan Chappelle. The study offers groundbreaking insights into donor sentiment around AI, with 80% of respondents expressing familiarity with the technology and voicing concerns around privacy, data security, and the need for human interaction in fundraising appeals. Cherian and Josh examine the importance of transparency, AI usage policies, and the ethical considerations nonprofits must navigate to build trust with donors.
Cherian also emphasizes the need for strategic planning when developing AI policies, highlighting how AI tools can enhance operations without compromising authenticity. He offers practical advice on forming internal task forces, piloting AI use cases, and ensuring AI aligns with organizational culture. Josh and Cherian further explore how nonprofits can address donor concerns about AI replacing staff, the implications of AI-generated images, and the role of policies in establishing clear boundaries for AI use.
Key Topics
Guest Bio: Cherian is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), & AFP Master Trainer. He founded the NonprofitOS, a generative AI platform designed to help organizations maximize their impact, which was acquired by iWave. Before starting NonprofitOS, Cherian spent more than 25 years working in the nonprofit sector, working with thousands of donors and raising more than 100 million for various organizations and causes. He proudly serves as the Vice Chair of Professional Development on the AFP Global Board. He is a sought-after trainer and keynote speaker, and his thought leadership has been featured in several publications.
Timestamps
Resources
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In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS sits down with Kat Landa, CFRE, CSD, Senior Vice President of Talent Solutions at Dickerson Bakker, to discuss how AI is revolutionizing the hiring process within nonprofit organizations. With over 15 years of experience in the sector, Kat shares invaluable insights on the integration of AI tools in recruitment, the psychology behind decision-making, and the future of talent acquisition for nonprofits.
A key part of the discussion revolves around the candidate's perspective. Kat emphasizes the importance of having an optimized LinkedIn profile, sharing how AI-powered systems rely heavily on specific keywords to surface the best candidates. She provides practical tips on how professionals can ensure they are discoverable in these AI-driven searches and discusses how nonprofits can use AI to prepare better interview questions tailored to their specific needs.
The conversation also explores the impact of AI on professional acumen, noting how AI can assist with more routine aspects of the recruitment process, such as note-taking and summarizing candidate interactions, freeing up human capital for more strategic work. Kat explains how AI tools are already being used to develop opportunity profiles more quickly and efficiently, allowing recruiters to focus on what makes a role truly unique.
Josh and Kat also touch on the potential future of nonprofit recruitment, with Kat predicting that AI will continue to evolve and improve both the efficiency and quality of hiring decisions. However, she also acknowledges the need to remain cautious about the ethical implications of AI, particularly around bias in the recruitment process.
Key Topics:
Guest Bio: Kat Landa, CFRE, CSD, is the Senior Vice President of Talent Solutions at Dickerson Bakker. Kat brings 22 years of nonprofit fundraising and marketing experience to her work of partnering with nonprofits to recruit the talented professionals and leaders they need. Kat has also been responsible for developing and executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns for 100+ charities across the U.S. and Canada, raising over $65 million dollars. Her clients across these disciplines have included Ikea, Nissan, Blackbaud's Kintera, World Vision, Mercy Ships, AARP, Jews For Jesus, and Dress For Success. Kat is also a Certified Fundraising Executive, a two-time technology start up alumna, and now a Certified Spiritual Director.
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In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch sits down with Liz Peuster, the Chief Communications Officer of the South Carolina Association of CPAs (SCACPA). Liz brings over two decades of experience in association management, communications, and technology integration. The episode looks at the impact of AI tools on the nonprofit sector, particularly in associations, and highlights how Liz’s innovative approach has led her organization through successful AI adoption.
Josh and Liz address the challenges and responsibilities that come with adopting AI, particularly around ethics and data privacy. Liz shares her straightforward approach to responsible AI use: treating AI like any other technology and ensuring sensitive data remains secure. She emphasizes the need for training and education, both for staff and association members, to demystify AI and create trust within the organization. According to Liz, education is the backbone of successful AI integration, and associations must invest in upskilling their teams to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world.
The discussion further explores the potential of AI as a tool for building lasting member relationships and the shift in focus for associations away from commoditized content and education to the more human-centric aspects of advocacy and community support. Liz underscores the necessity of embracing AI not just for operational efficiency but as a strategy for remaining relevant and competitive.
Liz offers practical advice for organizations looking to start their AI journey, emphasizing the importance of starting small and scaling up. She suggests identifying routine, repetitive tasks where AI can make an immediate impact and build from there. Throughout the episode, she remains optimistic about the future of AI in associations, stressing that with the right balance of human oversight and technological adoption, AI can become an invaluable partner in advancing an organization’s mission and delivering value to its members.
Key Topics:
Guest Bio: Liz Peuster, CAE, is an accomplished association professional with over 20 years of experience in communications, membership, and technology integration. As the Chief Communications Officer at SCACPA, she champions association initiatives, tells inspiring member stories, and plays a pivotal role in advocacy efforts. Liz has led SCACPA’s team through the adoption of AI tools aimed at boosting operational efficiency and delivering enhanced value to members. Her career is marked by notable achievements in membership growth, innovative tech initiatives, and strategic leadership across prominent associations. A Certified Association Executive (CAE), Liz is dedicated to driving organizational success through technology-driven advancements in the association sector.
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Episode Summary: In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch is joined by fundraising expert Erik Tomalis, Chief Evangelist at Virtuous, to explore the evolving role of AI in nonprofit fundraising. With over two decades of experience and thousands of face-to-face donor interactions under his belt, Erik shares his rich journey from working with renowned organizations like St. Jude Children's Hospital and the Boy Scouts of America to helping nonprofits drive global generosity at Virtuous.
The conversation delves into the importance of personal connections in donor relations and how AI is revolutionizing the way nonprofits engage with their supporters. Erik emphasizes that fundraising is not just about transactions—it's about building lasting relationships that are driven by passion and generosity. With AI’s capabilities, nonprofits can now automate repetitive tasks, freeing up fundraisers to focus on what they do best: cultivating deeper, more meaningful donor relationships.
Erik also shares how Virtuous uses AI to create responsive fundraising strategies that allow nonprofits to personalize their outreach at scale, making every donor feel like the only one in the room. The episode explores how small, budget-conscious nonprofits can use AI tools to compete with larger organizations, leveling the playing field and maximizing impact.
Listeners will also hear Erik and Josh discuss the ethical considerations surrounding AI in the nonprofit space, touching on transparency, privacy, and the need for a responsible AI framework. Erik’s advice for nonprofits looking to integrate AI into their fundraising strategies offers practical takeaways for organizations of all sizes.
Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just beginning to explore how AI can enhance your organization’s mission, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you think bigger and work smarter in today’s data-driven world.
Key Topics:
Guest Bio: Erik Tomalis is the Chief Evangelist at Virtuous and a veteran fundraising professional with over 20 years of experience. He has made over 4,000 face-to-face donor solicitations and raised millions of dollars for organizations in healthcare, education, human services, and more. Erik is also actively involved with numerous nonprofit boards and associations, including AFP and The Giving Institute. He is passionate about leveraging technology to grow global generosity and believes that charitable giving is about personal connections, not just transactions.
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In this debut episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch—AI strategist and nonprofit consultant—dives into how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the nonprofit sector. Joined by his AI co-hosts, Insight Iris and Logic Leo, Josh explores the practical ways AI can help nonprofits turn overwhelming data into actionable insights that drive impact.
From data analysis to predictive analytics and natural language processing, this episode unpacks how nonprofits of all sizes can start using AI to streamline operations, engage donors more effectively, and shape strategic decision-making. Whether you're a tech novice or a nonprofit leader looking to integrate cutting-edge solutions, this episode offers practical insights to help you future-proof your organization.
Tune in to discover how AI can take your nonprofit from data-rich to impact-driven.
