Unlock the potential of artificial intelligence in fundraising while staying true to your mission and values. This dynamic session will equip nonprofit leaders and fundraisers with the tools to prepare their organizations for AI integration, focusing on ethical considerations, technical readiness, and strategic opportunities. Explore actionable strategies to enhance productivity, mitigate risks, and implement transparent policies that prioritize accountability. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, you’ll leave with a practical framework to innovate responsibly and effectively—ensuring your organization is ready to harness AI’s transformative power.

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in donor stewardship, with its impact deeply rooted in brain science. Simple changes in language can significantly influence how donors respond emotionally and neurologically. By understanding how stories and specific words shape brain activity, stewardship professionals can craft narratives that foster trust, empathy, and satisfaction. When paired with feedback mechanisms, storytelling transforms stewardship into a dynamic, two-way relationship that strengthens long-term donor loyalty.

As Donor Relations professionals, we strive to make our acknowledgements timely, meaningful, and authentic. Ideally gift officers are an integral part of the process and offer their input to make letters personal and effective. However, other priorities, limited staffing and logistics can get in the way. Over the past year, our team at Stony Brook University has transformed our ACK letters process using effective project management tools, sending over 1400 personalized letters to donors within 1-2 weeks of making their gift with only two dedicated staff positions. By leveraging technology and partnering effectively with gift officers and advancement leadership, you also can transform your acknowledgement letter process.

Discover how UB celebrated its monumental $1 billion fundraising campaign by putting impact and donor experience at the forefront. This presentation delves into the strategy behind the success, showcasing key events, innovative marketing approaches, and impactful communications that brought the campaign to life. Learn how personalized donor stewardship throughout the campaign celebration period enhanced engagement and fostered lasting relationships. Join us for an inside look at the tactics and creativity that not only achieved but celebrated this historic milestone.

Do you find it challenging to get responses from faculty and students for messages of gratitude? You're not alone. One of the biggest hurdles is simply explaining who we are and why we’re reaching out. Join us for an insightful session where we’ll share success stories and effective strategies that have worked to inspire input. Engage in open dialogue with your peers, exchange ideas, and discover new ways to foster meaningful connections and simplify processes with faculty and students. Let’s turn these challenges into opportunities together!

Discover how Colorado State University has transformed its scholarship stewardship program over the past four years to better reflect its values, mission, and commitment to equity. This session explores the journey of reimagining stewardship, offering key insights into rethinking power dynamics in philanthropy and the lessons learned along the way. From eliminating student barriers and protecting privacy to fostering transparent donor practices, we’ll unpack the strategies, collaborations, and leadership that have shaped this transformation—ensuring that stewardship efforts justly include students and donors. This timely discussion is for all those who advocate for vulnerable communities or work to address inequities in fundraising. You'll leave with knowledge and inspiration to promote more equitable giving relationships, through the lens of donor relations and stewardship.