The Future of Fundraising: AI, Automation, and the Next Generation of Philanthropy
Artificial intelligence is changing fundraising, but perhaps not in the way many nonprofit leaders expect.
In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, I sit down with Michael London of London Automation to explore how AI and automation can help fundraising organizations identify stronger prospects, uncover opportunities hidden in their existing data, eliminate repetitive work, and ultimately give fundraisers more time to do what matters most: build relationships.
Michael brings a fascinating perspective to this conversation. Before entering philanthropy, he used sophisticated data analytics to identify fraud and embezzlement. Cleveland Clinic recruited him with an intriguing question: Could those same principles be reversed to identify people most likely to give?
That question launched a career at the intersection of philanthropy, data, technology, and AI.
Among the ideas we explore:
• Why many nonprofits are still thinking about AI as a "chat window" when its potential is much greater• Why organizations should start with the outcome they want, not the technology they want to implement• How AI can uncover high-potential prospects already hiding within an organization's data• Why donor affinity can be far more important than wealth or capacity alone• Where automation makes sense across CRM workflows, portfolio management, stewardship, prospect research, email engagement, and more• Why AI may actually strengthen the human side of fundraising rather than diminish it• The ethical questions surrounding virtual engagement officers and AI-driven donor communication• Why failing to embrace better technology can contribute to fundraiser frustration and turnover• How nonprofit leaders can avoid analysis paralysis and develop what Michael calls a "bias toward action"
Michael's final advice to nonprofit leaders trying to navigate AI is refreshingly simple:
Begin.
Don't wait until the data is perfect. Don't commission another study simply because the technology is moving quickly. Define what you're trying to accomplish, find people who have demonstrated they can achieve it, and start moving.
Because the future of fundraising isn't AI replacing fundraisers.
It's AI helping fundraisers find the right people at the right time, while creating more space for the authentic human relationships that have always been at the heart of philanthropy.
Join us for this timely conversation on The Nonprofit Edge.
