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Annual Conference for Donor Relations Professionals 2025
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2:45 PM - 3:45 PM PST
Ready, Set, Ethical AI: Preparing Your Organization for AI in Fundraising
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.
Speakers: Keith Greer, Director of Development, University of New Mexico
Competencies: Integrity and ProfessionalismStrategic Thinking
Experience Level: All LevelsLevel 3- Practicing Mid Level Career
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM PST
From Fear to Trust: The Empowered Donor Relations Approach
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.
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.
Speakers: Emily Brorby, Associate Director of Donor Relations, Stanford University, Kelly Monroe, Senior Associate Director of Donor Relations, Stanford University
Competencies: Emotional IntelligenceLeadership
Experience Level: Level 6- Leadership/ Transforming Seasoned ProfessionalAll Levels
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PST
Using AI to Build and Strengthen Donor Relations
In this interactive session, explore how AI technology can revolutionize donor relations by streamlining processes, enhancing personalization, and uncovering actionable insights. We’ll discuss how AI tools can
assist in identifying and cultivating potential donors through predictive analytics, strengthen relationships with dynamic communication strategies, and improve stewardship by automating and customizing touch points. Participants will learn how AI-driven data analysis can uncover trends to inform strategic decisions and campaign readiness, all while maintaining a human-centered approach through active
listening and engagement. Designed for donor relations and advancement professionals at all levels, this session will equip you with practical strategies to integrate AI into your donor relations program, ensuring it is innovative, efficient, and future-ready.
assist in identifying and cultivating potential donors through predictive analytics, strengthen relationships with dynamic communication strategies, and improve stewardship by automating and customizing touch points. Participants will learn how AI-driven data analysis can uncover trends to inform strategic decisions and campaign readiness, all while maintaining a human-centered approach through active
listening and engagement. Designed for donor relations and advancement professionals at all levels, this session will equip you with practical strategies to integrate AI into your donor relations program, ensuring it is innovative, efficient, and future-ready.
Speakers: Andrew Weller, Dean of Admissions and Enrollment, The Birch Wathen Lenox School, Andrew Esparza, Founder, Kingdom Analytics
Competencies: Industry or Sector ExpertiseStrategic Thinking
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM PST
Tech-Driven Impact: Elevating Engagement and Streamlining Workflow
Join us for "Tech-Driven Impact: Elevating Engagement and Streamlining Workflow” -
a session designed to inspire and equip nonprofit professionals. Explore innovative technologies that amplify donor impact, elevate storytelling, and boost retention while simplifying workloads. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, you’ll gain actionable insights to creatively and efficiently transform your approach to donor engagement. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just starting your digital journey, this session will empower you to revolutionize your strategies and make a lasting impact.
a session designed to inspire and equip nonprofit professionals. Explore innovative technologies that amplify donor impact, elevate storytelling, and boost retention while simplifying workloads. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, you’ll gain actionable insights to creatively and efficiently transform your approach to donor engagement. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just starting your digital journey, this session will empower you to revolutionize your strategies and make a lasting impact.
Speakers: Angela Altamore, Associate Vice President, Donor Relations and Experience, BWF, Marian Johnson, Executive Director, Donor Experience, Western University
Competencies: Strategic ThinkingIndustry or Sector Expertise
Experience Level: All LevelsAll Levels