Leading the Charge in Fundraising: Embracing AI for a Smarter Future with Bill Stanczykiewicz

Dec 10, 2024

Bill Stanczykiewicz, an expert in fundraising with over 40 years of experience, shares his insights on how AI is transforming the nonprofit sector. He discusses how The Fund Raising School adopted AI early to enhance efficiency and donor engagement. Topics include ethical considerations surrounding donor privacy, the importance of maintaining personal connections, and the need for ongoing education in AI for nonprofit professionals. Bill emphasizes a human-centered approach as organizations adapt to rapid technological advancements.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

AI in Fundraising: Balancing Efficiency and Ethics

02:34 • 17min

The Necessity of Ongoing Education in AI-Driven Fundraising

19:11 • 2min

Nostalgia for 1980s Cinema: A Love for Back to the Future

21:32 • 2min

Merging AI and Philanthropy for Effective Fundraising

23:14 • 2min

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch is joined by Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., Senior Assistant Dean for External Relations at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Director of The Fund Raising School. Bill brings over 40 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, including roles at the Indiana Youth Institute and as a media personality. Bill and Josh discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the nonprofit sector, particularly in fundraising and donor engagement.

Bill shares how The Fund Raising School embraced AI early on, recognizing its potential to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in nonprofit operations. They discuss practical applications of AI, ethical considerations, and the critical need for transparency when integrating AI into fundraising efforts. Plus, Bill provides valuable insights into how nonprofits can navigate AI’s rapid evolution while maintaining a human-centered approach to philanthropy.

Key Topics:

The Fund Raising School’s proactive approach to AI education.
Practical applications of AI in nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement.
Ethical considerations and donor privacy concerns when using AI.
How AI is enhancing personalized donor experiences at scale.
The ongoing need for continuing education in AI for nonprofit professionals.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AI in Fundraising with Bill Stanjkevich
02:45 How the Fundraising School Adopted AI Early On
06:00 AI’s Impact on Fundraising Operations and Efficiency
09:30 Ethical and Privacy Concerns in AI for Nonprofits
12:15 Practical AI Applications in Donor Engagement
15:00 Addressing AI Bias and Ensuring Accuracy
18:00 The Future of AI in Fundraising Education
21:00 Navigating AI’s Rapid Evolution in the Nonprofit Sector
24:00 Bill’s Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections

Connect with Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D.:
Website: The Fund Raising School
LinkedIn: Bill Stanczykiewicz

Connect with Josh Hirsch, MS:
Website: theAIdude.ai
LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch