Fundraising: AI across the donor pipeline

If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is actually useful for your nonprofit - and how to implement without tech-savvy or overwhelm - this episode is for you.

Joining me are Darian Rodriguez Heyman, social entrepreneur, nonprofit strategist, Heyman also founded AI4NP.org, a national hub for AI education in the social sector, and Cheryl Contee, a pioneering technology entrepreneur and digital transformation expert and Chief Innovation Officer at BrightWorksAI.com and co-author of the new book AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause,

Darian and Cheryl bring a wealth of insight into how nonprofits can harness AI to work smarter, not harder. AI for Nonprofits is a practical, resource-rich guide based on interviews with 57 nonprofit leaders (including me!) who are successfully leveraging AI to enhance fundraising, streamline operations, and engage supporters more effectively — all while staying grounded in mission, values, and ethics.

Together, we explore the most accessible tools, the smartest use cases, and the common pitfalls to avoid when adopting AI in your organization. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, you'll come away with actionable next steps to help you move forward confidently.

🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Actionable ways to use AI for donor communications, content creation, and outreach
• The fundamentals of data privacy and compliance every nonprofit must understand
• Top AI tools recommended by experts across the nonprofit sector
• How to avoid the most common mistakes nonprofits make when adopting AI
• How equity and inclusion must factor into AI implementation strategies

🧰 Resources & Links:

• Get the book: AI for Nonprofits

💼 Guest Bio

Cheryl Contee is the Chief Innovation Officer at BrightWorksAI.com. She is a pioneering technology entrepreneur and digital transformation expert. Cheryl is renowned as a trailblazing startup founder and a trusted advisor on innovation & impact. She inspires audiences globally as a leading voice on inclusive entrepreneurship and social enterprise. She has co-authored a bestselling new book called "AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause" with Darian Rodriguez Heyman sharing insights from over 50 AI experts intended to help nonprofit leaders embrace new tech. She is also a senior advisor for PosterChild.AI and co-founder of Change Agent AI, mission-driven & gamechanging AI powered startups.

Darian Rodriguez Heyman is a seasoned nonprofit leader, fundraiser, and social entrepreneur best known for making complex ideas accessible and actionable. He began his impact journey as Executive Director of Craigslist Foundation, where he launched the Nonprofit Boot Camp — which quickly became the largest nonprofit gathering in the Bay Area. He’s the author of Nonprofit Fundraising 101, editor of the best-selling Nonprofit Management 101, and most recently, co-author of AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause, a tactical guide featuring insights from 57 nonprofit leaders on how to responsibly and effectively integrate AI into fundraising, marketing, program delivery, and operations.

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts