Boosting Nonprofit Productivity: Leveraging AI and Passion with Alice Ferris

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:

• The role of AI tools in enhancing productivity for nonprofit professionals.
• How to build a tech stack for efficiency and effectiveness.
• The ethical implications of AI and its impact on the nonprofit sector.
• Leveraging AI to institutionalize organizational knowledge and values.
• Public broadcasting as a space for shared culture and history.
• Alice’s take on the future of AI in nonprofit innovation.

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

Connect with Alice Ferris:

• Website: GoalBusters.net
• LinkedIn: Alice Ferris

Connect with Josh Hirsch:

• Website: TheAIDude.ai
• LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch