This article from the Helen Brown Group talks about strategies prospect researchers can take to have fresh eyes when researching the same type of prospect over and over. This prospect according to the Helen Brown Group is a CEO, founder of a hedge fund, or private investor; is well known to the media; has never donated to your organization; and rarely identifies as BIPOC. First, ask yourself if this person truly needs to be researched - if there is a valid reason to research this person, when researching them, seek out something new about the prospect. Finally, advocate for different prospects to your fundraiser - perhaps you can steer your fundraiser in a new direction. Click here to read the full article.

This article from CSS Fundraising outlines five steps for institutions to effectively acquire new donors. Despite the challenges involved in donor acquisition, over 60 percent of organizations have reported an increase in new donors. First, asses and determine the quality of prospects in your database, considering factors like wealth, affinity to the institution, and access. Next, leverage relationships with individuals close to the organization, such as board members, alumni council members, faculty and staff, or volunteers, to identify potential prospects. Third, create a segmented list of prospective donors based on capacity and assign them to gift officers for personalized outreach. Next, activate outreach efforts and qualify prospects within a targeted timeframe, using a sample contact plan, like the one included in the article. Finally, nurture donor relationships once the door is open – donor acquisition and retention are interconnected for the long-term sustainability and growth of the institution.

An article from CASE explores the emerging role of digital gift officers (DGOs) in higher education institutions and their use of digital tools for donor engagement. The shift to a digital environment, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has encouraged institutions like the University of Pittsburgh to experiment with digital fundraising strategies. DGOs use Zoom, video messages, email, and social media to engage donors, targeting mid-level donors online. Their roles vary from institution to institution, with some DGOs managing donor portfolios and some identifying major gift leads and handing the information over to fundraising staff. A DGO quoted in the article notes that her visits with prospects over Zoom move much more quickly toward a gift, as there is a greater expectation in a digital environment. Building a DGO program at your institution can take time, but according to CASE, it is a worthy investment as DGOs greatest impact is building and developing the donor pipeline. Click here to read the full article.

Even if you think you know all there is to know about AI, it never hurts to refresh your knowledge. This article from EAB discusses the hallmarks of new AI, such as sophistication of output, natural language processing, and advanced build features. The article also discusses the opportunities of AI - EAB has been using AI for years to power their Advancement Marketing Services partners' annual giving programs. They use AI to personalize campaigns, report data and analytics, test deployment, and offer predictive modeling. The article gives readers ways they can start incorporating AI into their team's work. Of course, using AI comes with some pitfalls such as lack of good data, privacy concerns, and lack of staff expertise - EAB offers tips to overcome those pitfalls. Click here to read more.

The charity and nonprofit organizations market has grown from $288.97 billion in 2022 to $305.2 billion in 2023. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, has played a significant role in this philanthropic surge. Gen Z is increasingly committed to supporting social and environmental causes despite their relatively limited financial resources. The intersection of the growing nonprofit market and the rising adoption of AI could be extremely beneficial to fundraisers. Emerging technologies such as AI can drive innovation in the philanthropic sector by improving personalized donor outreach, resource allocation, and decision-making processes. This Forbes article touches on several case studies from Save The Children Australia and Greenpeace Australia Pacific and highlight how AI adoption has enhanced donor outreach and retention strategies at these organizations. The unique characteristics of Gen Z, such as their digital fluency and social media savviness, make them potential influential contributors to philanthropy. Studies show that Gen Z donors prefer digital platforms for charitable engagement and are more likely to support causes aligned with their values. However, the article emphasizes the need for careful consideration of ethical implications and privacy concerns associated with AI in philanthropy. While AI has the potential to significantly impact humanitarian efforts, its deployment should be rooted in fundamental human values, including service, compassion, and a commitment to a better future. The collaboration between AI and philanthropy, guided by ethical guidelines and a deep understanding of human values, has the power to drive meaningful and positive societal transformations. Click here to read more.