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.

Most of us have been in a meeting where someone shares an interesting idea or earnest suggestion only to be shot down based on one donor or colleague's feedback: “So-and-so won’t go for that!” And, in recent years, we've all racked our brains for a measured response to frustrated emails and voicemails from university constituents, often about topics and events we simply can't control.

What does it mean to operate from a place of fear in our work—from endless what-ifs and what-abouts— instead of focusing on what could go right, and what we’re doing well? Even as we navigate campus controversies and a range of strong opinions, how can donor relations professionals resist a fear-based mindset (fixating on mistakes, anticipating reactions, squashing innovation) in favor of an approach that empowers our teammates, satisfies and celebrates our donors, and champions our values as an institution?

Emily Brorby and Kelly Monroe, donor relations staff at Stanford University, will share concrete strategies to create a workplace culture of curiosity, trust, idea-sharing, and mutual respect while facing donor relations challenges. We will share case studies of tough donor communications and highlight opportunities to build resilience and openness among your team members. These tools to cultivate an empowered donor relations approach apply to individual contributors, managers, and leaders advocating for change or seeking buy-in with your development colleagues.