The AI Dude

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch, MS is joined by Bryan Sim, PhD, Product Lead at Dataro. Bryan combines his background in psychology, data science, and product management to help nonprofits use predictive AI to maximize their impact. With over seven years of experience in B2B and B2C product development, Bryan shares his journey from consulting for Greenpeace Australia to scaling predictive AI solutions globally. Bryan dives into the mechanics of predictive AI, explaining how nonprofits can leverage clean, consolidated data to forecast donor behavior, improve retention, and identify new opportunities for giving. He also explores the creative potential of qualitative data and shares insights into how Dataro helps organizations of all sizes achieve results. Key Topics: The distinction between generative AI and predictive AI. How nonprofits can use predictive AI to identify major donors, increase recurring giving, and optimize campaigns. The importance of clean and consolidated data for effective predictive modeling. How nonprofits can creatively use the data they already have. The threshold of data needed for predictive AI and how Dataro works with organizations of all sizes. The future of predictive AI in the nonprofit sector, including data consolidation and improved modeling techniques. Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Predictive AI with Bryan Sim02:00 - Bryan's Journey to Leading Product at Dataro04:00 - Understanding Predictive vs. Generative AI07:00 - Predicting Donor Behavior with AI Models09:00 - How Nonprofits Can Use Predictive AI for Fundraising12:00 - The Importance of Clean, Creative Data Use15:00 - Overcoming Data Limitations in Small Nonprofits18:00 - Ethical and Creative Uses of AI in Nonprofit Fundraising21:00 - The Future of Predictive AI and Dataro’s Vision24:00 - Bryan's Favorite 1980s Movie and Final Reflections Connect with Bryan Sim:Website: bryan-sim.com Connect with Josh Hirsch:Website: theaidude.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshahirsch/ This episode is brought to you by: Bloomerang: Helping nonprofits deepen donor relationships and maximize fundraising impact with intuitive donor management tools. Fundraise Up: Revolutionizing online giving with AI-powered donation platforms designed to unlock more generosity. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help nonprofits harness the power of AI for smarter strategies and greater results.

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, sponsored by Bloomerang and Fundraise Up, host Josh Hirsch, MS, kicks off an engaging conversation with Griff Bohm, co-founder and CRO of Momentum. Griff brings a unique perspective, blending his background in behavioral psychology, philanthropy, and financial decision-making with his expertise in AI-driven solutions for nonprofits. Griff shares his fascinating journey—from brewing beer in Chilean Patagonia to leading successful capital campaigns—and dives into how Momentum is leveraging AI to create transformative tools for the nonprofit sector. The discussion explores everything from the psychology behind giving to the future of generative and predictive AI, offering actionable insights for nonprofit professionals navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. Key Topics: The psychology of giving: Why donors feel good about supporting causes. How Momentum ties giving to everyday actions for enhanced donor engagement. The rise of agent-level AI and its implications for nonprofits in 2025. Predictive AI’s potential to revolutionize nonprofit workflows. The need for assurance products in the AI ecosystem. Griff’s vision for making AI accessible to nonprofits of all sizes. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to AI and Behavioral Psychology with Griff Boehm02:11 - Griff’s Journey: From Behavioral Psychology to Philanthropy04:29 - The Psychology of Giving: Why It Feels Good to Do Good06:52 - How Momentum Connects Giving to Everyday Actions09:10 - Embracing AI: The Evolution of Momentum’s Tools11:33 - The Rise of Agent-Level AI in 202516:16 - Assurance Products: Guardrails for AI Implementation20:57 - Predictive AI: Expanding Access for Nonprofits of All Sizes25:17 - The Role of Smartphones in AI-Driven Assistance26:02 - Griff’s Favorite 1980s Movie: Blade Runner Connect with Griff Boehm: Email: griff@givemomentum.com Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: TheAIDude.ai LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch

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

Sal Salpietro, Chief Community Officer at Fundraise Up and Board Secretary of Asia Wild, shares his extensive expertise in digital fundraising and nonprofit technology. He discusses how AI is transforming donor engagement by personalizing experiences and predicting donor behavior. Sal explains the significance of frictionless donation technology in increasing contributions and building lasting supporter relationships. He also touches on ethical considerations surrounding AI, painting a vivid picture of the future of digital fundraising innovations.

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.

In this episode of The AI Dude podcast, host Josh Hirsch chats with Frank Mumford, CFRE, fundraiser-turned-technology advocate and a leader in nonprofit innovation. With over 14 years of experience, including roles in university fundraising and at the Great Twin Cities United Way, Frank shares his journey from cold-calling as a teenager to becoming a champion of personalized donor stewardship. Frank discusses the importance of active listening and human connection in fundraising, even in an era dominated by technology. Learn how AI tools like Gravyty are empowering nonprofits to streamline their processes, boost donor engagement, and achieve remarkable results—all while maintaining the critical human element in philanthropy. Key Topics: How active listening enhances donor relationships. Balancing year-end giving with evergreen donor engagement. The role of AI in uncovering donor insights and improving stewardship. Challenges and solutions for ensuring AI accuracy and avoiding bias. The future of mid-level donor engagement and the shift towards personalization. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Active Listening and AI in Fundraising02:20 Frank Mumford’s Fundraising Journey06:45 Insights on Year-End Giving and Donor Behavior09:17 Using AI to Optimize Donor Engagement11:34 The Human Element in AI-Driven Fundraising16:11 Mitigating AI Bias and Double-Checking Data18:33 The Shift Towards Mid-Level Donor Engagement23:18 Balancing Time and Focus for Fundraisers25:39 Closing Reflections and Favorite 1980s Movies Connect with Frank Mumford, CFRE: Website: Gravyty LinkedIn: Frank Mumford Connect with Josh Hirsch: Website: The AI Dude LinkedIn: Josh Hirsch

Chris McGown, founder of Peak 9860, shares his extensive experience in nonprofit development and planned giving, having cultivated over $95 million in donations. He delves into the ways AI analytics can identify giving prospects while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of personal relationships in philanthropy. Through poignant stories and discussions on transparency in AI, Chris highlights how ethical practices can foster trust with donors. He also reflects on the challenges nonprofits face with data accuracy and the importance of maintaining the human touch in fundraising.

Diana Otero, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Bloomerang, shares her experience from volunteer-driven organizations and her innovative approach to integrating AI into nonprofit operations. She discusses how AI can streamline donor management, enhance communication, and optimize fundraising strategies through A/B testing and clean data use. Highlighting the AI Content Assistant, Diana explains its role in overcoming writer's block while safeguarding donor privacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for nonprofits to adapt to tech advancements while keeping human connections at the forefront.

In this conversation, Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer at GivingTuesday and a leader in the generosity movement, shares how AI is revolutionizing the nonprofit world. He explores the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, demonstrating how data can enhance fundraising strategies and donor engagement. Woodrow discusses the importance of ethical AI practices, emphasizing transparency and accountability. He reveals insights from the AI Readiness Survey, offering actionable advice for nonprofits to adopt AI responsibly and efficiently.

Scott Remington, an experienced entrepreneur and AI enthusiast, dives into the transformative potential of AI for nonprofits. He discusses how AI can enhance decision-making and operational efficiency while preserving human connections. The conversation emphasizes the critical need for education on AI tools and ethical considerations in development. Scott shares insights about custom GPTs tailored for specific needs, the role of imagination in leveraging AI, and how these technologies can boost fundraising efforts, all underlining a humanistic approach to innovation.